How the Fashion Vet Treats Himself

"When you look put together, you feel put together."

For Dr. Tom Vega, self-care isn't limited to days off or spa weekends — it's woven into the very fabric of what he wears. Style, he insists, is his therapy.

"I've learned that the fit of your clothes affects how you carry yourself long before you ever walk into an exam room," he explains.

Every single one of his white coats is tailored — sleeves crisp, shoulders clean, silhouette intentional. Being a veterinarian doesn't mean settling for shapeless scrubs and lab coats that hang like hospital curtains. Even his scrubs deserve personality. He rotates colors, plays with embroidery, and switches up textures when he needs what he calls a "confidence reset."

It's not about vanity, Dr. Vega is quick to clarify — it's about identity. When you start the day in something pressed, fitted, and personal, you bring that same energy to every patient you treat. His philosophy is simple: caring for yourself on the outside helps you care better for others.

And in a profession where compassion fatigue runs high and twelve-hour shifts are the norm, finding small rituals that anchor you matters. For some, it's morning coffee. For Dr. Vega, it's a perfectly hemmed sleeve.

QUIZ: What's Your Self-Care Style?

Discover how YOU recharge — Fashion Vet style!

1. After a long, exhausting day, you're most likely to:

A. Change into your comfiest sweats and collapse on the couch
B. Slip into a chic loungewear set that makes you feel human again
C. Take a hot shower and put on something fresh and put-together
D. Stay in your work clothes — you're too tired to care

2. Your morning routine is:

A. Grab whatever's clean and go
B. Thoughtfully pick an outfit that matches your mood
C. Lay out your clothes the night before like a capsule wardrobe pro
D. You have a "uniform" and stick to it religiously

3. When you're feeling stressed, you:

A. Vent to a friend or journal it out
B. Treat yourself to something nice (a latte, a new accessory, etc.)
C. Reorganize your closet or workspace
D. Power through and deal with it later

4. Your work wardrobe is best described as:

A. Functional and forgettable
B. Practical with a few standout pieces
C. Carefully curated and tailored to fit
D. Still figuring it out

5. The idea of "dressing up" for a regular workday sounds:

A. Exhausting and unnecessary
B. Fun, if you're in the mood
C. Essential — it's part of your ritual
D. Confusing — isn't that what uniforms are for?

🧵 YOUR RESULTS:

Mostly A's — The Comfort Seeker
You recharge through rest and simplicity. Your self-care is all about what feels good in the moment — no frills, no pressure. While style may not be your therapy, that's okay. Just make sure your "comfortable" doesn't become "checked out." A small upgrade (like softer fabrics or a favorite color) can lift your mood without sacrificing ease.

Mostly B's — The Mood Dresser
You're intuitive about what you need day to day. Sometimes it's sweatpants, sometimes it's statement earrings. You understand that how you feel influences what you wear — and vice versa. Keep leaning into that flexibility. Your style is personal, adaptable, and refreshingly real.

Mostly C's — The Fashion Vet
Like Dr. Vega, you've cracked the code: when you look intentional, you feel intentional. Your wardrobe is a tool, not a chore. You know that a tailored fit, a crisp hem, or a pop of color can shift your entire energy. Keep treating your closet like the confidence-boosting resource it is — you're onto something.

Mostly D's — The Uniform Loyalist
You value consistency and efficiency, and there's power in that. But if you're feeling stuck or burnt out, it might be time to add a little variety. Even small tweaks — a new watch, colored scrubs, or better-fitting basics — can help you reconnect with yourself outside of autopilot mode.

The takeaway? Self-care doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes it's as simple as a tailored sleeve, a favorite pair of shoes, or starting your day in something that makes you feel like you. Because when you show up for yourself, you show up better for everyone else.