Posted by pjc on 6/12/07 7:08pm
Msg #194771

attire - your comments

Now that the warmer weather is finally here in the NW, do you think that capris and nice sandals (with clean, grromed feet) are too casual? I know that would not be OK in a downtown city environment, but how about the burbs & rural areas? Thanks. Patti

Reply by FCCARKANSAS on 6/12/07 7:20pm
Msg #194775

Business attire is becoming more and more casual, at least it is in the northwest corner of Arkansas, the home of Wal-Mart. I suppose it really depends on where you are. My last job was for a Wal-Mart Supplier and we wore jeans every day, even if we were going to Wal-Mart's home office.

Reply by TNhills on 6/13/07 11:26am
Msg #194871

I wear business casual all the time. I am safe. I also have a name badge that I ALWAYS wear with my picture on it. This lets the customer know that you are a professional and work as a professional signing agent. Sometimes when assignments come in at the last minute it is hard to dress appropriately, however, even with blue jeans, a nice cotton shirt or blazer will dress up the jeans. Add a name tag and ready to go.

Reply by Laura Vestanen on 6/12/07 7:34pm
Msg #194777

pjc - check your pm ..... n/m

Reply by kathy/ca on 6/12/07 8:02pm
Msg #194781

No, I dont and I am in So Cal where things are casual, not

for a Notary Public!

Reply by Kitty/VA on 6/12/07 8:46pm
Msg #194788

IMH Capri's are a no-no to me personally, and I'm also in a rural area. I don't wear flip-flops (and my feet are clean and well groomed) I also don't dress in a manner to make the borrower uncomfortable. I just think if you would wear it to meet someone in the title co. for a marketing call, or the lender in an office situation, then you're safe. After all we are representing them both in our manners and our dress. Now don't everyone jump down my throat.........lol

Reply by Michael/FL on 6/12/07 9:24pm
Msg #194794

For guys personally I think a pair of nice jeans or khakis is fine with a polo shirt and some normal shoes, no sneakers. Flip flops are just a bit unprofessional really.

As for ladies pants (or if you like skirts) and a nice shirt (with or without sleeves) and whatever shoes are comfortable haha high heels are a killer I heard so

Remember you are representing yourself more importantly!

Reply by BrendaTx on 6/12/07 9:25pm
Msg #194795

Kitty, I totally understand. I dress on signing appointments similar to the way that the title company personnel dress. In my town that would mean my navy blue suit, pearls, heels and yes even the dreaded pantihose in summer here in Texas.

However, I close for a rev mort LO who owns a bed and breakfast in a neighboring artsy/touristy town. When I go there, I dress as the Romans do. More casual...long dresses and pretty sandals or capri pants, etc.

We do as we need to fit into the expectations of the ones we serve.

Reply by snoopdogMs on 6/12/07 9:40pm
Msg #194799

The neat thing about this job is that you don't have to have a huge professional wardrobe. I love my blue jeans,. but I wear (for you ladies out there) custom made heavy linen jeans- check out MakeYourOwnJeans.com. You can clone your favorite pair rather cheaply. I pair a very nice black blazer with these jeans and look very professional as the industry expects us to mimic the real estate industry. It is important.

Reply by BrendaTx on 6/12/07 9:49pm
Msg #194804

Re: attire - your comments - thanks for that link - great! n/m

Reply by snoopdogMs on 6/13/07 6:33am
Msg #194833

Just to clarify my jean comment. The only part seen of the linen (jeans) I wear obviously is the 2 miles of legs because the expensive blazer covers the top part. This linen is extra thick and does not wrinkle and feels fabulous in this hot weather. I wear jeans yes but they are not denin which for my area (Ms.) would not be appropriate.

Reply by Mindy_WA on 6/12/07 9:36pm
Msg #194798

Re: IMO

You know, this has been a hot topic before, and I have stayed out of it, but here's my two cents.
I do wear NICE capri's and sandals. I do wear a NICE, plain, colored GAP or Old Navy T-shirt with it. I always add nice jewelry to spruce it up. I fix my hair, & wear makeup....

Here's why...

I drive a BLACK car, with no air conditioning. If I dressed like I have heard some describe, I would be a sweaty mess whenever I got there, and I think that is tackier than just being comfortable. Not to mention winter here...you can get into some SNOW. I have even had some borrowers meet me at my car, just to make sure I am not wearing heels, or a dress. We live in a casual, easy, town. AND, Yes...I do go marketing like this, and find that those in the title companies are dressed similarily. We get a lot of local business from title companies. They hire us because we good at what we do.

Sometimes, I might wear a dress, or nice jeans (gasp!). It depends on how I feel that day! This is MY business, and it is working well for me!

Reply by Bob_Chicago on 6/12/07 10:00pm
Msg #194807

FWIW, I have never seen a dress guideline/Code.....

sent by TCs/SSs to NSAs that do work for them , that
had jeans of any type on the "permitted" list.
Usually they say for guys, something like "dockers type slacks,
sweater or shirt "non-"t", , leather , non-athletic shoes.
and for girls: skirt, dress, dress slacks, blouse or sweater and "proper shoes.
Maybe it's just me, but I would never wear jeans to a signing.
I am aware that they now make jeans that cost nearly as much as a small car,
I just do not think that they are correct for business purposes.
Admittedly, I am in a large urban area.

Reply by BrendaTx on 6/12/07 10:05pm
Msg #194809

I like Roger's idea of the Polo shirt with the

name embroidered on it atop a pair of khaki slacks for men.

Reply by MistarellaFL on 6/13/07 10:47am
Msg #194861

I wore a nice pair of denim jeans last night

After, of course, I learned from TC that the brw needed me to call when I was close to arriving in this particular rural (country) area, as the brw would need to come and open the gate and put away the 850 lb. pig.
Normally I wouldn't, but in this instance I wore them with the dress shirt and blazer.
I was glad I did, because I had to walk a half mile through the dirt and mud to get to the brw's location.
I wished I had wore a nice pair of sneakers, I got my mules filthy.

Reply by Joan Bergstrom on 6/12/07 10:19pm
Msg #194810

And Notaries wonder why they aren't working?

There isn't a company in the United States that says you can wear blue jeans to a loan signing.
Companies call the borrower(s) all the time after a signing to see what we are wearing?
The borrower(s) expect the loan signer to look like the person they remember in the Escrow or Lender's office.

Reply by pan/nd on 6/12/07 10:47pm
Msg #194813

Re: And Notaries wonder why they aren't working?

You're right Joan, about remembering how the escrow and lender personnel are dressed.

And around here (North Dakota) and in Montana and Wyoming the LO's and Title folks wear jeans. Not everyone, but a lot.

You don't go to a cattle ranch in a business suit or get all dressed up. First thing that'll happen is that the ranchers dog will jump up on your legs to greet you...with his muddy paws.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I'd rather have somebody in jeans that knows what they're doing notarize my loan docs than some dunce in a suit that doesn't know a notary stamp from a postage stamp.

As for lenders calling....let 'em call. I've bailed more lenders out of trouble than one can shake a stick at. I've never had a lender/SS or Title call me on the carpet on dress stuff.
And my business continues to grow so I'm guessing whatever I wear is getting passing grades.

When their loan is on fire....they want the fire department and water...and don't much care if the fireman has his/her garb on..is wearing a suit..a bathing suit, jeans or whataever.

Reply by christiSocal on 6/12/07 11:37pm
Msg #194821

Ok pan, now I'm imagining

someone (not me!) going to a signing in a tiny weenie yellow polka dot bikini

Reply by Bob_Chicago on 6/12/07 11:44pm
Msg #194823

Excuse me, but it is a ITSY BITSY teenie weeny, yellow... .

polka dot bikini.
Try to picture the Bobster in a pink tutu. Not a pleasant thought.

Reply by christiSocal on 6/12/07 11:50pm
Msg #194824

oops! sorry lol.

and I'm turning my imagination off now!

Reply by BrendaTx on 6/13/07 6:29am
Msg #194832

Re: Excuse me, but it is a ITSY BITSY teenie weeny, yellow... .

**Try to picture the Bobster in a pink tutu. Not a pleasant thought.**

I have seen something similar to that once. It was on a Sunday afternoon in a place called Dirty Sally's which was smack dab in the middle of Austin, Texas. Could have knocked this small town girl over with a feather. Only difference was the tutu was bright yellow to match his sunglasses. It was a long, long time ago before I became a signing agent and still owned crop tops and cut-offs...which is what I was wearing.

All these apparel items were totally appropriate for Dirty Sally's. However, none of these should be worn to signing appointments, IMHO.

Reply by Tracy_ME on 6/13/07 8:30am
Msg #194842

Re: And Notaries wonder why they aren't working?

I performed a purchase signing last week in the sellers atty's office. The female attorney was wearing jeans and a striped button down shirt - untucked. I was wearing khaki pants and a linen blazer and felt waaaay overdressed!

Reply by Tracy_ME on 6/13/07 8:34am
Msg #194843

Re: And Notaries wonder why they aren't working?

I performed a purchase signing last week. The signing was held at the sellers atty's office. The female atty was wearing jeans, sneakers and a stripped button down shirt - untucked! I don't know if she wqas dressed that way because it was Friday or if that was her usual attire. I got the feeling that it was her usual attire. I was wearing khaki pants and a linen blazer and felt like I was dressed for the prom!

Reply by Tracy_ME on 6/13/07 8:36am
Msg #194844

Re: sorry about the double post - it took a while for the

first one to come up. I didn't think it went through!

Reply by JK/TX on 6/12/07 10:56pm
Msg #194815

Re: And Notaries wonder why they aren't working?

I work for a title company and Friday is CASUAL DAY.... you may come into our office (on Friday) and one may be wearing dress pants and a jacket, one may be wearing jeans (no gimme teeshirts) and tennis shoes. Our clients expect it for the most part. After all, it is Friday and many businesses have Friday as casual/jean day. I did have a closing one Friday and the loan officer requested we not wear jeans, (and we didn't no problem) he wanted to impress his borrower who is a well known cancer doctor.... I actually went out and bought me a nice outfit for that closing ... the doctor (age,,, late 60's) came in (straight from the office) looking like she just walked out of the 70's woodstock era... we all got a kick out of that. Point is, during the week we dress casual/dress casual, including open shoes. Capris are "pedal pushing" it but we do wear the "high water" pants (go shopping and good luck finding any that are not). I would not wear jeans and tennis shoes to someone's home as a NSA or as an Escrow Closer from the TC..... (Capris?.. ask me again when it gets to 120 degrees) but I will wear jeans on Friday at the office!

Pantihoses??? Hell no, not unless I need them to keep me warm....but all my skirts are long,,, too much work wearing shorter skirts,...... BTW, I'm a female :O)

Reply by MistarellaFL on 6/13/07 10:50am
Msg #194862

"There isn't a company in the United States that says you

can wear blue jeans"
I beg to differ.
I was ADVISED to dress appropriately, and NICE jeans were suggested by the TC.

Reply by ZeeCA on 6/12/07 10:38pm
Msg #194812

I think it depends on your area. If I am going out in the country where I will be hoofing it up an uneven dirt path to get to the house than a more causal dress and shoe is appropriate but not sandals and old jeans.

If I am in a bigger city area than I would will dress to accomodate.

That said, I live in a more small town casual area ... I think if i wore a suit it would make the BO uncomfortable instead of feeling like someone from the local area/neighborhood that they can trust is coming to their home.

Reply by christiSocal on 6/12/07 10:55pm
Msg #194814

You can get away with wearing almost anything here in SoCal, but I would never wear jeans for a signing. I have seen some nice dressy Capri's, that if you had the right body, would be OK. I don't have this body, so I ain't wearin them! I also would never wear a t-shirt. I like button up w/a collar blouses. No sleeves in the summer (or winter-spring-fall) I run hot, so I do wear NICE sandals, No flip flops! But as previously said "check out what the TC's wear" Areas are different...

Reply by Signing_Doc on 6/12/07 11:59pm
Msg #194825

Once again...the "Old Doc" has the right idea(r)...Since

becoming "Doc" Stuart (if you haven't already checked my picture...do it now....I'll wait!)


(Are you back yet....good...I'll continue)

I have NO problem with what to wear. I simply put on shoes (no sandals with or without black socks)...and slacks (Dockers or Men's Warehouse)...A clean white tee shirt and over that...my "Doc" Smock. Makes it easy to 'dress'...and also identifies me as a Notary Signing Agent and tells them who I am. Yes, there IS method to my madness.

Reply by Charm_AL on 6/13/07 11:36am
Msg #194874

the funny thing here is that they call Fridays casual, my hubby goes to work in jeans on Friday, it's just he area I guess.
I'm too afraid to wear jeans for being 'reported', but I do have white jeans that I'll wear with a sweater or blouse. No complaints so far.

Reply by pjc on 6/13/07 12:12am
Msg #194826

Thanks to all who responded. Responses were across the board . . . so, good judgement is the rule. Thanks again - Patti

Reply by Joan Bergstrom on 6/13/07 1:18am
Msg #194829

When I teach my loan signing classes

I always tell the students what the dress code is in Calif and most parts of the rest of US is and then I say "if you are a notary in Montana or Wyoming, for instance you should probably wear jeans because it acceptable in the West" but we in Calif need to dress professionally.

Men: dress slacks, collared shirt, dress shoes: keep the colors to blue, black, gray, brown. Guys you can't wear Dockers to a loan signing and be considered a professional.

Women: slacks, dress, skirt, closed toed shoes: keep the colors to blue, black, gray, brown.


Why would any notary/loan signer take a chance of wearing Jeans when you are constantly told over and over again that you are not allowed to wear jean by the companies that hire you?

Reply by snoopdogMs on 6/13/07 6:40am
Msg #194834

Re: When I teach my loan signing classes

Check my second comment clarifying my (jeans) under my June 12 comment. It should have been placed here.

Reply by SharonH/OH on 6/13/07 7:24am
Msg #194836

Re: When I teach my loan signing classes

Only time I've worn jeans was purely by accident. Working around the house, call came in late, edocs were last minute, Bo had to be someplace else by a certain time.....got everything together, headed for the Bo's house running only 10 minutes later than I'd planned, got halfway there and looked down at my lap - oops! Totally forgot to change clothes before I'd left, and no time to go back. Sometimes you do what you gotta do.

Reply by Joe Ewing on 6/13/07 8:55am
Msg #194848

Re: When I teach my loan signing classes

Joan I lost a bet with myself that you could make it through a whole thread without reminding us all once again that you teach a notary class.

Reply by hcampersFL on 6/13/07 10:17am
Msg #194855

Thanks Joe for making me spew my coffee!

I didn't want to be mean and say the same thing.

Sorry Joan but you NEVER miss an opportunity. Nothing wrong with self promotion, but now that Harry is offering classes here it might be considered by some as advertising. ?

Reply by Joe Ewing on 6/13/07 12:10pm
Msg #194880

Re: Thanks Joe for making me spew my coffee!

Well you are probably right about that advertising comment. Notaryclasses completely stopped working with NotaryRotary some time ago and there may be some hurt feelings.

Reply by Laurie Rangel on 6/13/07 3:25pm
Msg #194929

There are time that I wear jeans and a nice blouse to a signing. It all depends on who you are dealing with if I am driving 10 miles on a back dirt road and have to walk through dirt I am not going to wear hills. I don't think that capris and sandals is out of line. I feel it is still approiate

Reply by VBNotaryVA on 6/13/07 4:40pm
Msg #194952

I"ve been in homes that wreaked of pet urine so badly that my eyes were watering, so I don't think I offended them by my style of dress. I think each person should decide for themselves what they feel most comfortable in and what won't offend they're clients. If my appointment is after 9pm they're lucky if I'm wearing pants at all.