New Wardrobe Needs: Calling Staysfit (and Teachers, Librarians)

Jenn

I signed up to volunteer at the library in my son's high school, figuring they needed someone to sort books, make copies, etc. Yesterday, when I went in for training, I learned that they actually need someone to run the library, supervise its computers, and act as an authority figure for students while the librarian is teaching in the afternoons.

I'm okay with this. I have library experience and have taught in a volunteer capacity in the past. However, parenting aside, I've really only worked with much younger kids. I'll be there at least one afternoon a week for the duration of the school year. Any advice on what to wear when working with teenagers?

10 years ago

Dressing

11 replies

Latest reply was from Staysfit

Word Lily

Veteran

Ooh, fun! Working in a library has always sounded awesome to me. I can understand how it can be a bit daunting to work with students older than you're used to, though. Hope you get lots of helpful tips!

10 years ago

Elly

Veteran

I would check the teacher and student dress codes. Most schools anymore are very relaxed, but some have rules about odd things (my mom isn't allowed to wear blue denim, for example). I'd probably steer clear of t-shirts that aren't worn with toppers or paired with skirts, shorts, and sleeveless. Beyond that, most of your wardrobe will probably fit in fine with the teachers.

10 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

I would advise you wear something that makes you happy, something comfortable, add a dash of fun in the form of something like interesting shoes or earrings as long as you don't think it looks cheesy (is that a word? Or is that just something all the teenagers around here say?). I like color, but that's up to you, I have one teenage boy (at least) who says I'm too colorful.

By the way, congratulations! Who knew volunteering to work in a school library could lead to this?! I'm sure you'll enjoy being involved in your son's school. I think the most important thing when working with teens is being genuine, consistent, trustworthy, safe, reliable, etc. Oops, how could I forget Relaxed! I think you have the Genuine Relaxed piece down Jenn! No worries!

10 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Congratulations!! I am the mother of a ten and a former high school teacher. I agree with Elly that checking the dress code is a good idea. At my school jeans were fine but I tended to wear them with woven tops rather than knits. If I did wear a knit tee, it would be with a skirt. But I like a bit of structure. Sweaters are good and in general you might consider layers because in my experience different parts of the building might be differently hot or cold.

Good luck and have fun! And teasing comes with the territory. Just be you. Teens sniff out hypocrisy like nobody's business

10 years ago

kerry

Veteran

Congratulations! Sounds fun. I taguht middle school for 12 years. I'd say anything goes, really. But I'm in Canada, Ontario specifically, and there's really no dress code for teachers. It does depend on the culture of the school. What do other teachers there wear? I'm very casual in my dress for school.

10 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

My rule for dealing with teenagers is to appear comfortable in the role of authority figure. Wearing "adult" clothes makes a statement about your position in the classroom so you can focus on gaining students' respect and cooperation through positive interactions. Your aim is to be a guide and mentor, not a best friend, so helping teenagers see you in this light makes your job a lot easier.

I'd say "polished casual" is the best descriptor. Pay particular attention to fit, both front and back. Teenagers will notice EVERYTHING--and teenage girls, especially, can be free with their evaluations. Leave the trendiest stuff to them because you'll never wear it "right". Let them envy your cool, polished take on what is in style--or, at least, be "normal" enough to pass without comment. Great shoes and boots, as long as they are comfortable, are always a good bet.

Oh, and have fun. Teenagers in groups can be a handful, but they are lots of fun and will keep you on your toes. Laugh at their antics, and at yourself, instead of taking things too seriously.

10 years ago

SandyG

Veteran

Echoing Gaylene's 'adult style' of clothing recommendation. You're a director of sorts -- of teenagers -- and dressing with authority helps them figure out the world. Teaching theatre on dusty stages, I learned to give every item a comfort/coverage test because all the bending, squatting and reaching felt restrictive in some of my favorite items like button-down shirts, and drove me crazy with constant adjustments.

10 years ago

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

Word Lily - My college work study was in the library, so it really was my home away from home for several years. It's pretty much the perfect volunteer opportunity for me.

Elly - Thanks! We moved out of this school district for many years, so I haven't volunteered in it since way back when I was teaching reading to kindergarteners. I have a decent idea how the teachers dress, but it definitely wouldn't hurt to check the dress codes.

Staysfit - I knew you'd have something valuable to say, as someone who works with teens. I'm going to be honest, it scares me a little, but your advice to be consistent and genuine is good.

Suz - Good advice! I will remember to have fun with them.

kerry - Kudos to you for teaching middle school for so long. My son's middle school years have, by far, been the toughest time of his school career. I'm sure that what the teachers were wearing for their prep days before school started isn't the same as what they'll wear when the students are back, so I'll scope them out next time I'm there.

Gaylene and Sandy - Fantastic advice! I was wondering if it made sense to dress somewhat more "maturely" around the kids. Polished seems like a good bet.

10 years ago

Ankita

(website)

Active Member

Congratulations Jenn! This sounds like a fun opportunity ☺
I worked with students from an engineering college as their PDP Trainer & Mentor as my 1st ever job.
Yes, teenagers are a handful, but you really don't have to be scared of them... trust me they'll smell it from a distance!
I usually wore trousers and shirts for my sessions and on days when I wore a deeper neckline top/blouse, I always wrapped a scarf around my neck... it looks dressy and neat at the same time. You could also wear knee length or an inch longer skirts if you wanted with a blouse and a blazer... as Gaylene said - 'polished casual' is the way to go ☺
If comfort is a priority, maybe wear flats or block heels... even look for ones that have a padded insole for added comfort. I'm sure there will be a lot of walking around and standing involved in a library... so wear what you feel most comfortable in.
Have loads of fun with the kids Jenn... they really can be a treat to work with... keep smiling and be the one person they can always come to for help and advice

10 years ago

tulle

Veteran

I wouldn't worry too much about what to wear around teenagers; they tend to be pretty oblivious of anyone outside their age group. Dress authentically for you. Teens have very sensitive radar for fakery, and are embarrassed by adults who try to look hipper or younger than they are. Be comfortable, and be yourself. The thing most adolescents crave from adults is to be taken seriously. Listen carefully to them and you can't go wrong.

10 years ago

Staysfit

Veteran

Jenn, all great advice here and I really agree with what Tulle says because I find that has been my experience.

However, because of the nature of my work, I pay attention to my ability to move unfettered in all items of clothing. I can bend, squat, run, dodge, sit, turn, twist, and jump without a wardrobe malfunction in anything I wear for work. I suspect a typical library setting will require less wariness on your part.

10 years ago

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