Style Tip #9: Clothes for Teachers
When we wanted to write a post about the best clothing for teachers, we knew there was no better person to ask than Megan, a kindergarten teacher in Kansas City. Megan is also a blogger and her cute blog, called Coffey House, covers recipes, decorating and teaching. Megan told us that working a normal day, which can be anywhere between 9 and 12 hours, style can easily be exchanged for comfort. Here are Megan’s five style tips for teachers. We paired each tip with a few outfits, which you can check out by clicking on the pictures! Are you a teacher? Comment and let us know what YOU wear in the classroom!
1. Opt for simple pieces that can be worn a variety of ways. Think dresses that can be worn in a variety of seasons… just add hose! Sleeveless shirts that can be worn in the fall with capris and then under cardigans and jackets in the fall/winter.
eStyle Chat picks: Coral short-sleeved cardigan for $60, Vanessa Bruno silk dress on sale for $170, add $10 grey tights to the dress for wearing in the winter! The cardigan could be worn with jeans, the dress could be worn to a summer wedding and the tights work with any skirt or dress during the fall and winter.
Or pants that can be worn in multiple seasons such as these purple tapered pants from Topshop.
2. Be a bargain shopper. Who says that a less-than-appealing salary should dictate your wardrobe? Outlets – such as GAP, Banana Republic, and my personal favorite, Ann Taylor Loft – can have incredible deals. Shop off-season and gear up for the next semester! Target is also a great way to go and you should even check out Savers, which offers brand name clothing at a huge discount.
eStyle Chat picks: Target top for $30 and Merona Target woven skirt for $22 and a Gap button down for $35
3. Less is more when it comes to jewelry. The more bling you pile on, the more distracted those little eyes will be. You want your students to focus on the academics, not the accessories. Bracelets that rattle and earrings that swing can make focusing mission impossible for a five-year old.
eStyle Chat picks: high-quality, classic oval hoops or a simple chain necklace that will match everything without hurting your ears or distracting little eyes!
4. Invest in good shoes! Feet for teachers are like hands for professional basketball players: they are so valuable they should be insured! It’s easy to stroll over to Payless or Target and buy some cheap but cute flats but your pods will pay the price. Catch sales of places like Naturalizer (my favorite), The Walking Company and other high quality shoes built for heavy use.
eStyle Chat picks: Naturalizer flats, both $70, (copper and suede) or pink leather flats from Clarks for $60
5. Wear things you can move in! Tight clothing is not the best choice when you are on the floor sitting “criss-cross applesauce” or bending down to help a student and his or her desk. Always do the teacher test with your outfits: reach up to ensure no midriff is shown (I feel so old-fashioned now!) and then reach down to test the outfit in the other direction. Skirts and capris should touch your knee and keep the slits in skirts to a minimum.
eStyle Chat picks: Chiffon knee-length dress for $65 and Mossimo Target dress for $25
