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ETA work wardrobe from scratch

jussie

Veteran

Hi fabbers. I am in a dilemma. I have been working all my life, however for the first 15 years I wore scrubs and then I worked at an extremely casual job. Now I am about to finish a teaching qualification (fingers crossed) in June. I am at my prac school several days per week until then, and I hope to finagle some kind of job there after I graduate. However, I have NEVER had to dress professionally before and I am lost.

The teachers at this particular school do not wear suits, some even wear jeans but I don't know if I should do that. Also the clothes need to be quite practical, and suitable for outdoors. Today I just wore printed dressy trousers, a black 3/4 sleeve pullover and black boots. I was freezing, and didn't feel like myself in the outfit.

Does anyone have any advice for me?
Thanks so much.

Dressing

28 replies

Latest reply was from Angie

rachylou

Veteran

Maybe something like Betabrand’s ‘dress yoga pants’?

https://www.betabrand.com/wome.....collection

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Jane

Veteran

I’d start quite simply and some good basics and build up from there. For me it would be dark jeans, a blazer and tops with a good belt.

I wonder what age you are teaching and if that may influence your choices?

jussie

Veteran

Rachylou: Those pants look incredible. Have you tried those? I will seriously consider them.
Jane: Thanks for the ideas. It is primary school.... so fairly physical. Sitting on the floor quite a lot.

Jane

Veteran

Ahh, okay, I think this would make it easier (if it were me) because I wouldn’t be facing the potential criticism of teenagers!

My other focus would be on hard wearing fabrics that go in a washing machine.

rachylou

Veteran

I confess I haven’t because I haven’t needed new trousers, but they are up on my list. They seem so ideal.

Cardiff girl

Veteran

Both my parents were teachers of primary school age children.Jeans were definitely not permissible although obviously times have changed.They both wore on the smarter side of smart casual but not suits or business wear,the head teachers tend to dress more formally.I think it depends what you day will involve obviously if you are in nursery then trousers might be more practical as you ll be down on the floor a lot.Older kids not so much.I think that I would probably look at what the other teachers are wearing and enquire if there are any dress codes.I don’t know what it’s like where you are but I know that some of the head teachers my mother taught for did specify certain things like no jeans and so on ,Good luck with your new career!

Sal

Veteran

The teachers at my sons old primary school dressed in quite a cool way. Lots of funky flat boots, patterned dresses, wide legged cropped pants, merino layers etc. I think leggings under a dress can be good in winter, midi skirts or dresses, boots or flat brogues.

I would pull out what you have as a starting point - i think your floral jeans might work? I would be thinking easy to launder, layers for winter as it can be cold in the playground.

Congratulations!!

Mainelady

Veteran

Congratulations on finishing up your certification! I may be able to help here. I do agree finding out if jeans are acceptable is important. People dress casually in our district, but jeans are only worn on specified jeans days, school spirit days or field trips.
You will want clothing that is comfortable, fuss free and machine washable. If you are going to be getting up and down from the floor, you will want to add that practice to trying on clothing. Something that is comfortable standing or sitting in a chair may be restrictive when sitting on the floor. Slacks and skirts with some stretch are key.
I suggest a few tops and bottoms that you can coordinate to get started. You will want lots of layering options and those will create different looks to your base layers. When I find pants or simple tops that meet my criteria I purchase a few colors.....maybe not all at once. My go to favorites are the equestrian Dalton pants from Talbots. I also like Krazy Larry pull on pants for warmer weather. They look fab on everyone and wash and wear incredibly well.
Extras: It is wise to keep a few items in your school closet or locker, so you have them, if caught off guard, or don’t want to lug them every day. My closet capsule includes: cream ribbed knit sweater, cream hooded fleece coat, dark brown blanket shawl, black snow boots, a pair of black wool mules, a pair of brown slip on playground shoes and brown playground slides. I want to be able to wear my nice shoes to work, but not destroy them while keeping up with kids on the playground.

ChrisM

Veteran

Congrats on the big change, Jussie. You’ll be terrific!

I had 2 pair of the Betabrand slacks a couple of years ago because I loved the IDEA of them, but frankly was disappointed in how much they stretched out of shape, including the waistline. Maybe they’ve since fixed the design/fabrication problem, but I didn’t wait around to see if that is true (they offered long inseams which was the big attraction for me.)

You might give them a try now, but just be warned before you take the tags off.

That said, there are plenty of places that offer heavier weight Ponte knit slacks and trousers, in a variety of cuts that would be really appropriate for your new job.

You can also consider colored denim and there’s so many cool looking flatform oxfords that look super comfy -

Good luck!!

krishnidoux

Veteran

I would do polished casual using a little bit of athleisure:

- Nice clean leather sneakers with a midi, a cute tee and a cardi or a blazer;
- Mid-heel comfy but well groomed bootie with athleisure track pants, white or black tee and a structured jacket;
- Pencil skirt tat is not too stiff with balerinas and shirt in a soft fabric
- Very well cut bootleg or wide leg jeans + button down shirt with cami underneath + leather jacket/blazer
- Flower print skirt or dress with denim jacket and flat booties or ballerinas.

Useful dressing items to have as a teacher:
Nude ballerinas
Camis (to wear under other things)
One blazer in a dark neutral
a couple of reliable cardis
at least one cute white tee
at least one casual, stretch or roomy pair of pants that you can pair with more polished items
(possibly white) leather sneakers
one all-purpose pashmina or oversize scarf
a topper with wide pockets or a tiny crossbody bag for carrying your essentials, unless they're all around your neck (keys, cards...).

Careful with any necklace, avoid longer ones that children or things can get caught in.
Special attention to cleavage, because we unfortunately still live in a world where people will judge you, and as a teacher they'll judge you even harsher. If in doubt, button one more or put a cami underneath so even when children pull or when you do large movements, your bra doesn't appear.
The oversize scarf can stay on your chair in your office and becomes very handy if the AC is too high or if the heater hasn't ben turned on.

Helena

Veteran

Jussie, how did your 'column of black + kimono' outfit work for you? I feel like this could be a great base 'uniform' for your job ... the column of black (or whatever darker neutral you like) is practical, washable, hides stains and dirt, etc., and the topper is a way to add your signature style (and easily removable if it's not practical for a particular activity).

Kathie

Veteran

Mainelady and krishnidoux covered pretty much everything that primary (elementary) school teachers wear where I live. And the “column of color” look that torontogirl mentioned seems very popular, especially on parent-teacher conference days.

So, nothing to add, other than “Congrats” on getting your certification!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Congratulations, Jussie!

I feel as if your current style, edited and with minor adjustments, will work really well for the new role.

I agree that it is best to see if and when jeans are permitted. Community mores differ. Jeans are completely acceptable for teachers in my own community, but when I was in the classroom I aimed for darker wash, no distressing, etc. and/or tried to balance the more casual bottom with a jacket or a more professional looking top. Coloured denim is another way to go.

If you are going to be on the floor, denim is natural. You'll also need stretchy fabrics. Everything washable. Layers are great. Do you have Uniglo? Some Heatech layers, and/or maybe Icebreaker (pricey but worth it.) Scarves. Flat and low heeled footwear and boots. Some fashion sneakers. Weatherproof coat if you will be outdoors.

DonnaF

Veteran

Do the bend over test on EVERYTHING. I still remember when DD came home from third grade talking about her teacher’s pretty blue lacy bra. I am pretty sure the top wasn’t low cut but was a loose cut such that bending over kids sitting on low chairs resulted in quite a show.

Anonymous

Jussie -- You and I might have different needs for a work capsule so I am hesitant to make a recommendation. However, I found these pants to be fabulous for my work environment. The fabric allows me to move and stretch freely. It also retains it shape after multiple wearings and washes like a dream. I intend to keep Comfort Stretch pants on my radar.

White House Black Market

Comfort Stretch Slim Ankle Pants

View Info

Top Pick

4

White House Black Market

Comfort Stretch Plaid Slim Ankle Pants

View Info

Top Pick

9

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I had the Betabrand pants. Honestly, they're just ponte pants, and not particularly well-made ones, at that. Betabrand is really good at marketing.

I do think ponte pants from one brand or another would be ideal for teaching, though! They look dressy, but allow you to move freely.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I have to run, but I'll come back to this Jussie.

Jenni NZ

Veteran

Congratulations in advance Jussie! All I would say is make pants the base of your outfits. I'm up and down to the floor quite often whether checking kids who are playing with toys or checking knees or calves or feet! With pants I never have to worry if anything is showing. Consequently I wear them year round, cropped in summer. I also wear flats nearly every day.

jussie

Veteran

Thanks you for all you thoughtful and helpful replies. I feel better already! I will take some time later today to write a more detailed response to people, but now I feel armed with some ideas at least to go forward with.
You guys are fab

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Jussie, what's the dress cod like for teachers in that setting?

jussie

Veteran

Angie: At primary schools generally it seems to be: chinos, black jeans or coloured jeans, tailored pants, or dresses/skirts, nice/trendy utility pants. Generally blazers are not worn by classroom teachers, except at more elite schools. Cardigans are popular, and at the school I am at several teachers wear blue jeans and puffer vests with sneakers, and my mentor wears Birkenstock sandals.
The principal wears bright full length caftans with pink framed cat eye glasses.
So it's anything goes really.
Here's some ideas I have come up with so far- taking into account everyones' tips:
Formula 1: Tailored pants or coloured/dark denim + blouse/button up shirt + cardigan, funky flats.
Formula 2: Tailored pants or coloured/dark denim + a thin woollen pullover + scarf, funky flats.
Formula 3: Dress + cardigan + tights if needed, funky flats
Formula 4: Skirt that allows movement and modesty + either a blouse with a cardigan or a woollen pullover + tights if needed, funky flats.
Formula 5: column of black with kimono over it.

**To keep in teachers office cupboard: dark puffer coat for the yard, warm scarf, sunhat, sunglasses.
** For interviews/important events: blazer and heels.

SHOPPING LIST ESSENTIALS: Tailored pants in solid colour. Cardigans. Flat shoes.
SHOPPING LIST LUXURIES WHEN BUDGET ALLOWS: Couple more button up shirts. More suitable skirts. Nice blouses.

Thanks again everyone I appreciate your advice.
Below is a sample of formula #1. I tried to still include some "me" factor into the outfit. The shirt is an old Anthro retro-type of thing.

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kwood

I'm late to the party, but why not join!

I am a high school teacher, and we can't wear jeans but we also don't have to go on the playground!

I would wear a suit of some sort to the interview, certainly.

I think you can wear a lot of fun things once you're in the job though. I would lean heavily on high-quality athleisure. Leggings with shorter dresses, layered with tshirts under and sweaters over as weather requires. Don't buy anything too too nice because it's likely to get painted on or bleached.

Love the column of black and kimono look. That will get you far. Lots of the outfits you've posted before are things I would wear to teach. And as you've noted, teachers of younger kids can get away with being more casual.

Dansko clogs? (some are even cute- Marta and Maisie) Dr. Martens?

Joy

Veteran

As an elementary teacher for many years, I found dressing for the job very difficult. You need to find a balance of looking professional and authorative, and being approachable. Elementary children notice everything you wear and can be your biggest critics. If you are small and/or young, dress like an adult but pay attention to modesty...no low necklines without a cami underneath. You will be bending over desks. No short skirts or tight anything. Be ready for your students' questions and very honest comments. I had some children who had never seen a woman close up in stockings or tights. They may want to run hands over your legs or touch your clothes. Wearing a loose top ...you may be asked if you are pregnant. They will comment on your accessories, your scent, your hair, everything. You also need to look professional meeting parents, the principal, etc. Forget jeans or tee shirts. Many teachers I know wear longish denim skirts and denim jackets with skirts. You want warm outerwear for playground duty, comfortable shoes that you can stand in all day. If you want to avoid discipline problems, stand and walk around the room. Do not sit down very often.

Joy

Veteran

Advice from a long-time teacher. Do not wear brown or black or neutrals that will make you blend into the walls. Bright red and other color is your friend. Dress up more than their mothers do if you want respect. I would avoid athleisure wear, except maybe fashion sneakers.

jussie

Veteran

Joy: thank you for your excellent advice. I completely agree that wearing entirely black can make a person visually “disappear” a bit, so I think some colour is good. Yes, respect-wise it seems important to look put together and capable. It’s a bit nerve wracking because when you are teaching you have people looking at you constantly so attire is important....

Cee

Veteran

Working with children, eh ?

Hmm... Flak vest, maybe a taser... and vomit friendly gear is a must !

Cee

Veteran

Something like this maybe...

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Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Jussie, sounds like you have it all figured out. Nice outfit formulas. I look forward to seeing the outfits that you pull together for this new setting - and you can pull a LOT from your existing wardrobe.