Anonymous wrote:I live in SoCal and we just are laid back by nature, esp. the way we dress.
OP, do you live on the West or East Coast?
Anyway, on my nanny interviews I go dressed very casual. I do not go dressed to the nines or even to the fives.
I usually wear a pair of shorts, a loose fitting blouse or shirt, a pair of tennis shoes or sandals and no jewelry and light make-up.
I want to convey the image that I am not one who really cares too much about mussing myself up, that I am a fun and care free type of girl. I like to get down on the floor and play and if we go to the park, I have no qualms about sliding down the slide or running around on the grass. My clothing does not restrict my movement at all and if the child should spill something on me, no problem!!
If I arrived dressed in nice slacks, a pressed blouse and nice shiny shoes, I don't think a family would have that impression of me.
Anonymous wrote:I'm a California nanny and for the interview you always want to look nice (professional) but once you get the job, it doesn't matter what you wear. Most moms out here don't really care what the nanny wears anyways. Levi, yoga pants, sneakers, it's all good!
Anonymous wrote:I live in SF and have a nanny. You sound like you were way overdressed to go on a hike through Golden Gate Park and have my muddy-handed 3 yr old touching your pants.
Anonymous wrote:I think this is a tough one for nannies.
I'm a MB, and I know that people dress up more for interviews, but I also worry a little when I see a lot of "fussy" dressing (lots of dangly jewelry or scarves, shoes that won't stay on your feet if you have to move around a lot, very corporate-looking suits, or dresses, particularly with short skirts). I want to know that you know what a nanny job entails, and that you can dress for it. I know you're not going to be happy trekking to the park in kitten heels, but how do I know if you know? And, personally, I would be fine with someone showing up in their nanny clothes, but I'm laid back about that kind of thing.
Now, if the initial interview is somewhere other than the NF's house, and there will be no opportunity to interact with the children, then I think it's more reasonable to dress more formally.
thanks for the feedback
Anonymous wrote:I live in SoCal and we just are laid back by nature, esp. the way we dress.
OP, do you live on the West or East Coast?
Anyway, on my nanny interviews I go dressed very casual. I do not go dressed to the nines or even to the fives.
I usually wear a pair of shorts, a loose fitting blouse or shirt, a pair of tennis shoes or sandals and no jewelry and light make-up.
I want to convey the image that I am not one who really cares too much about mussing myself up, that I am a fun and care free type of girl. I like to get down on the floor and play and if we go to the park, I have no qualms about sliding down the slide or running around on the grass. My clothing does not restrict my movement at all and if the child should spill something on me, no problem!!
If I arrived dressed in nice slacks, a pressed blouse and nice shiny shoes, I don't think a family would have that impression of me.

Anonymous wrote:See the "Nanny Attire" thread.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Im here to ask if California nannies dress like they would for an office job when they interview or if it is the norm to dress super casual. I just moved here so I am not used to the whole beach culture thing. I know I looked good. If it was for a corporate job I know it would have been fine. But it appeared there was a certain "look" all the nannies had. I thought you are supposed to dress to impress. But I can see how looking corporate could lead the mom to think you aren''t "fun" or "playful".
So....NO I am not asking if you think I looked pretty. How would you even know that without a picture?
And she didn't make a choice so why would I say people choose blondes specifically.
Dramatic much?
You sound like the drama queen, OP. You say you know you looked good. The other candidates clearly thought they also looked good. What advice is needed?
Wow okay then never mind. I WASNT ASKING IF I LOOKED GOOD.
I was asking if it was appropriate interview wear. I followed care.coms FAQ
(which I wil paste below) but I felt over dressed. And I am trying to find out if LA Nannies and employers are more casual.
NEVERMIND.
CARE.com info
"No matter what you are interviewing for, you want to look as professional as possible. If you have a suit, wear the suit. If you don't have a suit, wear business casual clothes, like ironed pants and a blouse,"