Calling all teachers (and others): capsule work wardrobe wanted

My daughter, age 23, is looking for advice in building a work wardrobe for her posting next fall. She will be working in a school in a small city in Quebec, assisting in teaching English in a program that involves a lot of outdoor field work as well. She will be working with Grade 7 students. She will be biking to work as well as spending time outdoors (in a place with 8-foot snowbanks in winter). She wants to dress aspirationally-- she intends to go on as an educator.

Her current wardrobe consists of casual and going-out wear; she has been working as a nanny and prior to that was a student, so she doesn't have a core professional wardrobe to build from.

Her current preferred silhouettes are long tunic over leggings and skinny jeans with a loose T or baggy sweater. The phrase "eclectic minimalist" resonates with her (an austere version of boho). For reference, this is her Pinterest style page: http://www.pinterest.com/susiesuitcase/style/ (disregard all the long boho dresses that were a thought experiment).

Her current favourite footwear consists of Blundstone boots and Vans, and she needs to maximize comfort and support. She wears a lot of black with eggplant and turquoise and a few pops of colour. (I showed her Deborah's blog and that's who she wants to be when she grows up.)

9 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Congratulations to your daughter on her new job!

And now, for wardrobe building.

First order of business -- a fantastic puffer coat and possibly a puffer jacket, also. That, along with great snow boots, are going to be the biggest ticket purchases, and if she doesn't have them or doesn't like what she has, she needs an upgrade.

When it comes to pants -- speaking as a former teacher, and as someone who also taught in a small eastern Canadian city -- I would say she could easily manage with mostly denim and ponte bottoms. Obviously the denim should be non-distressed and in good shape.

Teachers in these situations (especially for outdoor ed.) tend to be casual dressers. In fact, if she thinks about maintaining her casual wardrobe but simply taking it a step up to SMART casual, she will probably be hitting the right note. Too dressy won't work for the environment (unless I'm crazy). And if she is biking to work and then outdoors a lot of the time, a true business wardrobe wouldn't be practical. Still, it's perfectly possible to look professional in another way simply by taking care that everything is pristine and cohesive.

She will need skinnies to tuck into her boots, so it's great that she likes them. A pair of trousers in wool in a different silhouette would be a great addition -- keeping in mind that in snowy weather she won't really get much use from wide legs. A skirt (worn with tights in winter) could also be an option for dressier situations.

She probably won't need a suit. But a couple of great toppers ( a blazer and a leather jacket, perhaps) would do a lot to add to the "professional" look she needs without making her stand out as overly dressy for the environment.

When I was teaching I had an indoor job and mostly wore jeans or knit skirts with tights. I also had an admin role for a while and I did have a version of a "suit" for parent or other meetings -- it was a wool riding skirt and a vest with a silk blouse plus tights and boots or shoes (depending on weather). I also had a couple of jackets that I wore regularly with the denim or my other trousers to dress those up.

She also needs to let go of the tees in favour of some fabulous knitwear. Luckily, that should be easy to find this year, and since oversized is in, she can go to tunics or longer lengths if she likes.

I would also suggest some scarves to add interest and texture and warmth. And of course some shirts/ blouses.

In terms of footwear, she will probably be able to wear her Blundstones much of the year with jeans, to be honest -- if she gets the chisel toe version, it is pretty versatile. If not, she can try a dressier version of the chelsea boot as a step up (or for indoor days). A tall boot would also be great.

In terms of what to buy -- Angie's business casual capsule for spring is a great place to start. Change the items, change the style, change the colours -- but the numbers here give a great starting point.

For designers or stores that have the aesthetic she wants -- maybe AllSaints (can be ordered online in Canada)? Danier for the leather, of course. She can probably also get a great bag there.

Quietgirl

Is she allowed to wear jeans to work? Is there a dress code for teachers at her school?

Gaylene

Seems like education runs in my family-- from kindergarten to post secondary and teaching aides to principals and superintendents. The biggest peeves that I hear from my sis who is a middle school principal is the young, new staff member who can't make the transition from wearing college casual or tight-fitting/low-cut/club wear to casual but professional.

Suz has given some great suggestions-- comfortable footwear, a nice topper or two (a leather jacket is a super idea!), pants (but not leggings or super skinny), knitwear instead of tees, non-distressed jeans, a not too short skirt with tights--are a great starting point. Your daughter's students might be only 10 years younger than her, so it is important that her outfits align her with the teachers, not the students. As my sis says to her newbie staff--keep your upper chest and thighs covered and don't reveal your assets to young males whose hormones are starting to kick in; you are their teacher, not their older sister or teenage babysitter. And make your look aspirational for the thirteen-year-old girls who will want to look like you when they grow up and enter the workforce as professional young women.

Carolyn

Active Member

I second quietgirl's suggestion. Your daughter must find out if there is a dress code. Jeans were never allowed in high schools in which I taught--except on jeans or dress-down days. I now teach at a university and wear jeans all the time, but it is a different environment.

lyn*

I never wore jeans when I was teaching, and I got cat called by my male students when I wore tall boots with a dress in the winter, so maybe that's not the best outfit either

I taught in heels though; although if your daughter is wearing Vans now, maybe flats may be more comfortable for her? Or wedges?

It is true she should check on a dress code. I was going by my own location, which is not far from where she will be working. Here, teachers wear denim all the time. Of course it doesn't have to be denim. Non-denim pants would be equally good or even better -- if she can find what she wants in that line. But for practicality (if you're teaching outdoors) denim can't be beat.

Joy

There is excellent advice here. As a former upper grade teacher and still involved with groups of 9-13 year olds each week I would emphasize never wearing what your students do or shopping where they do. Dress as dressy as you can for the job. It helps to get respect from the students and their parents. If her hair is long, wear it up for teaching, never I pulled back in a pony tail like the students and wearing it down is iffy. Too young.
I would suggest always wearing a cami or tank under tops for modesty. It seems like boys that age immediately think "Cougar" and snicker if a teacher wears leopard. I'd avoid it. This age, especially girls, are huge into animal rights. I probably would avoid leather coats, jackets, any clothing items. I don't think shoes and bags in leather are as targeted. Any real or even faux fur are best left for other events.
Wishing your daughter a great year. It may be a lot of things but will never be dull.

Joy, that is an excellent point about the leather. I suspect in Quebec the associations and attitudes may be a bit different because they are a huge producer of leather fashions! But it might be good to figure out the lay of the land or at least to consider this before buying. Of course our own beliefs should play a huge role here as well. I always feel like a bit of a hypocrite on this one as I do care about animal rights yet wear leather -- just not around my stepdaughter, the animal rights activist!!

Yes, Suz, it can be a hard call and really depends on your group of students. It would be a good idea to get the feel of the land, as you say. Seventh grade girls can be very opinionated and outspoken

Angie

Fashion Stylist

I love how the Canadians have stepped in to help with their wisdom. Congrats to your DD.

Lucy

Well done on your DD getting the position!
I tend to tell my young tutors to always dress at least one step up from the students!

Category