Helllp… work formulas (teacher) - YouLookFab Forum

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Helllp… work formulas (teacher)

jussie

Veteran

Hi all,
As usual I seek the wisdom of the hive mind! This morning I woke up and had a heck of a time getting dressed for work. I am in need of some new outfit formulas… any suggestions appreciated! I work as a primary school teacher with little children. I have to do yard duty several times per day, and sometimes sit on floor/little chairs. Other times I have meetings and office time. It’s a fairly casual workplace; anything goes in terms of fashion/self expression. I am incredibly busy with the students all day and it’s kind of intense. Sometimes I have to rush from indoors to outdoors very quickly, we have some indoor/outdoor programs, and to be honest a lot of behavioral challenges.
Today I wore charcoal grey jeans with a stretchy waistband (kind of a cross between jeans and joggers), dark green soft tee tucked in, dark green long cardi and black brogues. I felt so boring and drab. I did put lipstick on and a long pendant which certainly helped a lot I thought. And I was comfy so that’s something. But nonetheless….
I really struggle to balance practicality/comfort with weather issues and wanting to look good too! Any ideas of “fast fallback” teacher outfits would be so appreciated!

Dressing

29 replies

Latest reply was from Jenni NZ

Sisi

Veteran

See how things can be subjective ... I woul feel stylish in the outfit you describe! I know how difficult it is to balance practicality/ looking good / weather whims. I suggest knit jackets, pretty pullovers, long flowy skirts (I feel comfortable and stylish in a long skirt), shorts+leggins. I play with color combinations when I want to spice up my usually practical outfits.

jussie

Veteran

Sisi: thanks so much for your suggestions. I especially like the sound of knit jackets and pretty pullovers. Will google around now and research those.

JamC

Veteran

Before I retired, I worked in an elementary school so understand your requirements. It seems to me you need color, prints, items of interest to spice up your basics!
For me, keeping the bottom half neutral and repeating often worked. Adding a few new tops or toppers in brights, different colors, and patterns (stripes, dots, florals, geometric) might make for happier outfits. Also a bonus is kids like those!
For additional interest, a skirt or a dress here and there is great.

jussie

Veteran

JamC: thanks for the ideas. Maybe you are right, maybe some bright tops here and there is enough. It could be that I am just overthinking it a bit too….

Liz

Veteran

Do you know what it was about the outfit you describe that felt drab? Sometimes I feel drab if it's the kind of outfit I've worn for years and I'm tired of it, or if I'm really tired of the items themselves, or if the color combo doesn't gel, or if one or more of the items are starting to lose their shape and feel shabby. And often, it's the shoes. Drab shoes will kill an otherwise OK outfit for me.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I just wanted to throw out a suggestion of outfit planning in advance. Take some time planning outfits when you’re not rushed and then take note of the ones that work well.

Zaeobi

(website)

Veteran

Now see, my 'lounging/ WFH suit' (as I call it) is pretty much what you describe - a long cardigan over a shorter top & slim trousers! Whereas my 'teaching suit' will use a cropped topper (sometimes a knit jacket) & a longer skirt these days (you may wish to go for a midi length instead, if you think a maxi one would be impractical with kids).

That said though, I agree with the suggestion of adding some colour &/ or print - how about in a lightweight scarf, or even just a fun lanyard (if you wear one)?

The other things that could help are varying your texture & shine - a fuzzy cardigan, for example, or some shiny jewellery. Angie has useful tips on these 4 components here:
https://youlookfab.com/2017/12.....and-shine/

Joy

Veteran

I spent many years as an elementary teacher. Dress modestly. I had to work for a long time to look older. Wear bright colors so you will not blend into the surroundings. Wear pants. Little kids are fascinated with tights of any kind and will stroke your legs while you sit in those little chairs. I wore and still wear a fitted tank top under everything for when I am leaning over a desk. When I started teaching mini skirts were the style and no pants for women. Be happy that you can dress casually. If you wear a skirt, be sure it is not too short. You are active and will do lots of bending. I noticed that broomstick skirts with a denim jacket were practically a uniform for my children's teachers. Since that time things have gotten too casual to say " I am in charge. I want your respect." Practice a stern look that says " Stop that right now." Good Luck.

phoebe

Neutral, trim fit pants, nothing too voluminous or unstructured on top, prints and/or color for interest and maybe an unusual outerwear option to satisfy your style creativity. Even practical shoes can have interesting details!

Necklaces, earrings and even bracelets are kind of risky but a nice watch, maybe with an interchangeable band, is fine.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

That does sound a difficult set of requirements.
Maybe you felt drab because the outfit was so dark? I wear a lot of darker outfits in our winter and this year with spring being so cold and wet I was so tired of them- it’s STILL cold and wet some days even this month!
I definitely feel better when I can wear brighter tops but have decided that the darker winter outfits are also part of my overall style- adding lots of brights in winter is not something I care to do every day. I know that Angie and Anchie like to wear brights all year round but I do enjoy black and grey and olive a lot in winter so do not mind the change in my palette at that time. It just lasted a bit long this year!
As a family doctor I wear pants to work mostly, as I am sometimes on the floor checking feet/ankles or little kids who prefer the floor, and my footwear is a large part of what makes my outfits interesting.

Mainelady

Veteran

As a retired teacher of primary grades, I understand what you are saying. Comfort is key, but it needn’t be drab. I would often wear a. Column of color under a fabulous topper ( cardigan, jacket, blazer, vest). Accessories were a part of each outfit, whether it be a necklace or scarf, earrings, rings and my signature bangles and happiness factors. I believe no outfit is drab when accompanied by a smile!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

I think Liz gives you a good suggestion -- to analyse what it is that was making you feel drab. Maybe you're bored of those items, maybe it's the colours, maybe you are ready to switch up your silhouettes but you don't quite have the completer pieces to do that.

I teach an older crowd (secondary to post-secondary) but my adult child works with elementary age kids. They are not much of a fashionista but they wear jeans with graphic (but appropriate) tee shirts a lot of the time and the kids love the tees. (They get a lot of theirs from Out of Print).

Though I did not/ do not have the same needs to run from inside to outside when I was in the classroom, I find I do have those needs now in my suburban WFH (mostly) existence. So I have been in a process of trying to make my own outfits more interesting as well. A few suggestions:

Jeans, yes. Update to a current silhouette if it fits your style persona. But also casual trousers in other shapes/ fabrications. Look for washable.

Knit suit or jacket or jacket with knit panels in the sleeves for comfort. Or, if you prefer cardigans, aim for a couple of different styles/ lengths so you can change silhouette.

Pattern mixing.

Colour, Texture, Pattern, Shine in every outfit. In hot weather, especially, pattern and colour are key. You can't do much layering then. You probably have to avoid a lot of white or cream for at work outfits unless it is denim (easily washable).

Knit dresses (if midi length) can also work.

Fun and practical footwear. Sneakers, for sure, especially heading into summer in your climate.

A few recent purchases I've made or items I'm still considering to give myself more of what you are looking for. Of course we are heading into winter so it is a different climate. But, for reference, like you I need clothes that are built for movement, that can take me from inside to outside quickly, maybe with just a change of footwear, addition of a coat (in colder temps) and that are easily washable. That also feel good if I am sitting in my chair working of getting down in my knees in the garden or doing a quick chore at home....

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Such great advice! I love it

Jussie, we a have a very close friend who teaches 6 and 7 year olds (in South Africa so the same climate as you!) She wears anything from lovely skirts and dresses, to jeans with blouses, jumpers and boots, and athleisure. It depends entirely on the day. She's always dressed modestly and practically. Always wearing colours and patterns! Dainty jewellery, and perfect hair and make-up each day. The kids wear a neutral school uniform so the teachers stand out in their non-neutral civvies.

Roberta

Veteran

I'm thinking of my youth librarian colleagues; color, texture, comfort, washability. Knee length print dresses or skirts with heavy tights or leggings are very popular, often worn with light denim jackets because of the many handy pockets. One staffer in particular had a series of super cute jumpsuits which looked chic but were eminently practical. One and done! Colorful socks, pins, and earrings rule the day. Everyone had a sporty blazer or knit jacket to wear for meetings or parent tours. Young librarians tend to steer clear of cardigans as they are such a stereotype.

if you have anything you think is a signature, you can wear that in accessories. One librarian loves squirrels and has a variety of scarves, pins, socks, etc. Another was a Disney gal, and the kids always want to find what the character of the day is.

DonnaF

Veteran

Jussie; your outfit sounds quite nice, actually. When I put outfits together or am troubleshooting them I start with Angie's Color-Pattern-Texture-Shine. I wear very little color and not too much pattern, so I know I really need to amp up the texture and shine. Maybe that's why I have so many shiny shoes.

With your soft coloring, if you add color make sure it doesn't wear you!

Not exactly your style but fairly inexpensive: Colorful Crocs with jibbitz. Those are the little charms one can stick in the Crocs holes. I think they would be kid pleasers as well as crazy socks.

Sally

Veteran

Great suggestions. I work in a high school but it’s quite casual and due to the nature of my subject I move around a lot and go out to the garden etc so I wear mostly jeans with a smart top and boots or sneakers. Otherwise it’s a shirt dress or midi skirt/ tshirt in summer with sandals. I like jeans best for their practicality and when I want a uniform but if I get bored I wear a skirt (most of which are in bright colours) and add a bright scarf.

jussie

Veteran

This is great information everyone, I’m absorbing it like a sponge. I will write a proper reply later with my “learnings”!!

Echo

Veteran

I am an interventionist in an elementary-middle school, and so I have many of the same requirements you have, albeit in a colder climate. I find that the aforementioned broomstick skirts (or pleated midis) with either a slim-fitting sleeveless mock neck and jacket (demin, blazer, leather, you name it) or a long-sleeved top of some sort always works for me. It allows me to get down on and up off the floor easily, sit in mini chairs, and go from office to conference room to classroom easily.

I'm a big fan of mock necks or higher crew necks on me because they allow me a backdrop for flamboyant jewelry (especially sparklies during the holiday season). The kids love fun jewlery! But they also allow me to bend over, don't move too far when the littles pull on me or my clothing, and maintain modesty in every situation.

I adore shoes and mostly go with flats or flatforms that allow me to easily walk the 10K+ steps I put in daily. I have a few pairs of slightly higher, slightly platformed boots that also allow me the comfort I need. Sneaks only come out on Fridays, but even then, they are usually metallic or solid black or otherwise anything-but-trainers.

While it doesn't matter as much with the younger kids, I also work with Middle Schoolers, so I do dress with an eye toward authority, as well. I find a jacket of some sort helps me convey the feeling I'm going for without being too casual or too business-stuffy.

Joy

Veteran

Little ones notice everything you wear and will tell you what works and what does not. My little grandchildren notice accessories much more than I would think...bracelets, rings, shoes, socks, earrings etc.

jussie

Veteran

Ok… thank you all so much. Here’s what I have come up with so far, using your answers to learn from;
It was suggested I analyze why I felt dull in the outfit, I think part of it was that there was no pattern… also there was no textural variety, everything was soft-ish and matte.
1) use accessories to jazz things up
2) try broomstick skirts with jackets. I have done this one, the trouble I find is that they only seem to work with short light weight jackets such as denim or moto jackets. This IS a nice look and comfy, but I find I often am too cold. Putting a puffy over top ruins the line of the outfit, and wool coats get damaged in my line of work. But maybe I can work out a solution….. lightweight knit sweater under denim jacket? With a heat tech aswell and tights?? Heavier weight moto style/denim jackets?
3: nice pullovers and jeans. I rarely do this one. Perhaps a future shopping priority could be nice pullovers. One issue with this formula is that when it is inevitably too hot indoors, I need to remove the pullover, therefore I need to make sure I am wearing a decent top under it…. That can stand on its own Ikwim. Makeup and accessories might help here…
4. Dresses and shirt dresses: I have plenty of these, I don’t often wear them to work for the same reason I described in number 2. Usually too cold with just a light jacket, and puffy seems to ruin the lines.

I think some of my current frustrations are partly due to the continued cold weather we are having; making it harder for me to wear dresses and skirts.
Also just a general frustration with the practical constraints of my job when it comes to dressing.
Sorry to be a downer!

Potential solutions:
* some lightweight, semi-fitted merino pullovers to wear under denim or moto type jackets to enable me to wear skirts in slightly cooler weather, without needing a puffy. I’m thinking ?Uniglo
* up my accessories game a bit- some shine or texture in my more basic/practical outfits might help.
* reduce investment into fancy tops that don’t play well with jackets or sweaters, meaning they can only be worn in stable, warm weather.
* do some more regular outfit planning/try on sessions to have outfits ready to go, to avoid morning stress
* investigate the possibility of heavier-weight short jackets to be able to keep warmer with dresses and skirts. I don’t think these are very common here but it’s worth a try….

I think this is a start at least…..
you are all amazing, thank you…

rachylou

Veteran

I don’t really have anything to add. These are all great suggestions. I particularly liked the idea of texture and shine for a mostly dark outfit.

DonnaF

Veteran

Re: Necklines (Echo reminded me of this, and I KNOW this isn't you, Jussie!) I still remember when my then third grader (now age 29) told me what a pretty blue bra her teacher had. I know the teacher didn't wear low cut tops, but when bending over to help a student. . .She was young and cute so the kids loved her as well as a fellow teacher. . .

LaPed

Veteran

My big thing for classroom teaching has always been to make sure I have on one "structured" piece to keep from feeling too lounge-y. So, if I'm wearing some sort of polished jogger or other "soft" pant, I'll throw a blazer or field jacket over top. With a loose skirt or dress, I'll do a denim jacket (starting to feel a little tired, but honestly still a spring/fall FFBO for me!). If I'm wearing a sweater or a cardigan, then my pants need to be structured, some sort of real trouser or denim in uniform wash. Colours do matter. I've never liked feeling too matchy or uniform, but neither do I like to feel I come off as a hodgepodge.

My guess, from your description of your outfit, would be that the palette skewed a bit too dark for your natural colours, and the shapes and fabrics were a bit too soft overall. Swap out the knit top for a woven button-down, or the joggers for a trouser, or the cardi for a blazer or jacket. Swap out one or two of the dark pieces for lighter colours. I bet any one of those subs would give you a bit of a lift.

And my shoe tip--not sure if this is relevant in your climate--is to keep a selection of cute indoor shoes that are easy to slip in and out of, and then have a pair of boots just for yard duty when it's cold/wet/muddy/snowy. I'm in a four-season climate and it's always at least one of the above! Having a rotation of fun indoor shoes for the classroom definitely improves my mood during winter and mud season.

Jessikams

(website)

Veteran

What about your hairstyle? You’re less bound by practicality there….. maybe you could try a new braid or updo?

jussie

Veteran

La Ped: thanks for the tips, I really appreciate your ideas. I agree a slightly more structured element would have helped. I didn’t think of it at the time, but the colours probably were overall a little dark. Actually an easy solution could have been to wear a striped tee under the cardi rather than a plain solid tee. Also I think for me I just don’t love brogues. They are a bit too androgynous for my taste, they just make me feel “not-fab”. Love them on other people though!
Jessikams: interesting! Wonder what wild hairdos I could implement? Maybe hair down and more polished would have helped, rather than up in a messy high pony, which is what I did.
Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t a terrible outfit, just a bit dull and “meh”. Cardigans can have that effect I find. Maybe they are better kept for casual wear?
The outfit was kind of representative of an overall work dressing rut. I’m not at rock bottom, but I’m not in a happy work wardrobe place either. It’s a fun challenge though!

Anonymous

Would you have felt better in a different palette, but same formula?
Also, how about experimenting with different pants shapes to mix things up?
Agreeing that summer is sooo much easier to dress for!

jussie

Veteran

Suntiger: yes! Summer is the absolute best! Yeah the palette was definitely wintery and conservative. Perhaps it was all just lacking a creative or quirky touch. And the whole outfit was very plain and basic cuts and shapes. Nothing particularly interesting as a focal point. Probably a skirt or wide leg culottes would have been a bit more interesting and added some movement.

jussie

Veteran

Sorry to labour this thread but something just occurred to me, that should have been obvious to me much sooner. I felt so un-fab in this outfit because there was NO CONTRAST in lightness at all. The entire thing was dark charcoal and dark forest green. Even if there was a lighter green thrown in it may have helped….. sorry I’m a little slow to understand the obvious

Jenni NZ

Veteran

That’s all good to have more ideas on your own thread!
That could have been an issue… makes me think of Kibbe again like Suz’s thread!