Wardrobe capsule for newish role

Need advice ...

I'm trying to think ahead and have a plan for purchasing clothing for a newish work role. I'm thinking of Mo's always inspiring posts on number-crunching and how often we wear particular types of items - and - Shannon's post on the style-life parallel she sees showing up in her life. And everyone's posts/thoughts on buying for life we actually have.

Next school year I'll be moving from a middle school teaching job to teaching kindergarten! Teaching wardrobes tend to be very casual and I don't find I separate my work wardrobe, for the most part. I don't think, though, that my current wardrobe will work entirely - suede booties and dry-clean only fabrics will NOT work in a kindy classroom!

Further to that, I want clothing that works with movement - I think Shevia mentions this in Shannon's post - I'll be up and down and all around with 30 4 and 5 year olds and don't want to be adjusting necklines or pulling down creeping-up tops. With my thickish middle, I think waist surrendering looks will be my friend.

Any suggestions?

11 years ago

Deborah

Veteran

Kerry, how about slim stretch pants or jeans and oversized, waist surrendering tops? Wear with a ballet flat or comfy booties. Add a nice coat or jacket for to and from work;) Ideally fabrics that can go in the wash;)

Suz

(website)

It's great you are thinking ahead for this! I agree that you will want clothing that is easy to clean and easy to move in. Nothing that rides up, pinches, sags if you sit in it, etc.

What if you start with one of your current favourite fall back outfits -- and then revise from there? Trading out the items / styles that just won't function well.

I think knits will be your friend, and since we've been having such great knit wear seasons, you should be able to find things. Do you like wearing tunics?

froggiebecky

I'd be tempted to put together a week's worth of "typical" outfits for you, and lay them out on the bed. One by one, go through and then pull out what won't work (e.g. suede booties and dry clean fabrics, anything you would be sad about having ruined from paint, etc). Then I'd shop your closet and see if you have anything you could replace it with..and make a list of things to shop for.maybe in the form of "cotton button down to replace silk" or "top to fill role of silk button down"

I'd also be tempted to banish white from my work wardrobe.

kkards

wow, that's quite a change!
you might want to look at the angle's MOTG ensembles. i would think what works for a MOTG, would be great for a kindergarden teacher. if jeans are not work appropriate, you could sub cotton twills or a nice ponte knit.
i think the current trend of fluid knit tops would work really well. comfy, easy to wear and care for.

unfrumped

Good advice here--ponte knit or cotton blend tapered pants with long tops; maybe some washable bootcuts (not jeans if those are not allowed at school, but again cotton-spandex types like Eddie Bauer); for tops, you could wear a no-iron button front shirt "out", I would think, for kindergarten, if the outfit is neat and teacher-like, or if wovens are a pain, then knits it is-- the new dressy sweatshirt styles, long cardi's over tank, lots of flowy pullover tops are out there; for shoes you may be able to ride the sporty-luxe trend with an refined sneaker such as in a metallic or fun print (it's kindergarten!); oxfords, loafers--depends on what makes your feet happy and what works with your pants or skirts.
If you do like dresses you could probably check the MOTG as mentioned and find washable knit dress + leggings , if that style works for you.
I love froggiebecky's suggestion--assume you have certain silhouettes you like and find flattering, but need to sub in more washability and movement, so look at your existing outfits and see what can stay and what needs the adjustment.

kerry

Jeans are OK, in fact they're probably what I will wear most. I want to try and keep the looks modern. I like slim bottoms with long tops, tunics or even dresses. I think I'll shop my closet and see what works and see where I might have holes. I wouldn't mind coming up with a bit of a uniform (or two or three versions of one) to keep it simple. I need to think about footwear. I'm thinking of "indoor" shoes, like the kids, but want them to be in keeping with what I'm wearing and not some glorified slippers!

rachylou

Interesting. I think if I were a teacher, I'd dress like a nun - a modern one. Plain, dark A-line skirt, woven top tucked in, serviceable lace-up shoes. That sort of starchiness has always served me well with young people - from wee ones to teenaged wretches.

Karina

Active Member

Kerry, I agree with the great thoughts here. As a SAHM who homeschools her 3rd grader, kinder and preschooler, you and I have some of the same wardrobe needs. I also love my suede booties, but don't wear them in the house! I have a pair of black faux leather 2" heeled booties that I've treated with weatherproofing spray, that were not too expensive (dolce vita I think) so switching to more durable footwear that still meets your outfit needs would probably be a good place to spend a little shopping time. Especially if you are still able to wear denim, I think shoes go a long way toward looking and feeling fab. Another factor is necklines, if you are bending over a lot, a higher neckline or non-v-neck is probably a good idea! I like abstract print (washable) tops and stretchy pencil skirts that move with me but don't require any tugging. Best of luck with your new job--I have a ton of respect for kindergarten teachers!

Rachy, after a dozen years etching the "teenage wretches" I'm hoping the wee ones are a little less wretched!

Thank you Karina! Great ideas too.

I've started to put together some outfits from my closet and take pictures. After I've done this a few times, I can assess.

Does anyone else get pooped out styling their closet before long? I think I was done after 3 or 4 outfits!

I meant teaching not etching but maybe it fits?

Etch-a-wretch! Lol.

Travelgal Nicole

I like Deborah's idea with leggings and tunics and then ballet flats. Casual, cool, comfortable.

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