Hey Girl, Hey!!!!!! Its finally Friday and the holiday weekend is finally here! Do you have any fun plans for the holiday? We are headed to our favorite place (Broken Bow, OK) to get out of town for a bit and enjoy the last few days of summer… even though we are already back to school 🙂 I am ready for some sunshine, being on the lake and making memories with friends.
Speaking of back to school, I am so excited to share a project I have been working on over the last couple of months. My love and respect for teachers runs deep. Especially in these weird times of 2020, I have even more appreciation for all they do. I also have built relationships with some of you that are teachers and I am so grateful to be able to get your feedback on all things teaching.
A couple weeks back, I asked for some feedback from y’all on Instagram about your go to closet staples you wear to teach or really for every day. The answers came flooding in…. and let me know tell you, they were all very similar. Basics, affordable, comfortable pieces are what you love. I took the feedback from all of you and came up with a whole capsule for teaching. 12 pieces that can be worn for all seasons and are all under $50! I also did a styling session and snapped some photos to help save time getting dressed in the mornings.
Characteristics of Great Teacher Outfits
Let’s get all teacher-geeky for a minute and break down the characteristics of a good teacher outfit:
- Professional — Although most teachers are not required to go full-on corporate formal, it should be clear that you are a teacher, not a student.
- Comfortable — Let’s face it, teachers have to be able to move. You hustle around the building, up and down flights of stairs, move things around the classroom, and in the case of elementary or primary teachers, need to be able to get up and down from the floor and go out on the playground.
- Stylish — Some may not agree with me on this, but I personally believe it’s important to dress in a way that shows you are somewhat current with the times and relatable to your audience. Depending on your school rules and environment, you may have a lot of latitude or very little in this area. At a minimum you can add style with simple accessories and shoes.
- Affordable — You know, teacher budget friendly. ‘Nuf said.
Now for the closet staples….
1. Striped Shirt
This type of patterned top is always in style! Stripes, whether black or navy, goes well with solids and even other patterns. You can wear a striped top by itself, underneath a cardigan or even underneath a sweater and let the bottom and sleeves show creating contrast.
“My go-to piece that will go with everything in my closet is a striped shirt. – Mrs. Hawkins, Chicago
2. Chambray Shirt
This shirt is one of the most versatile shirts in my closet! The chambray looks like denim, yet is a beautiful color of blue that can go with several other items in your closet. I’ve worn my chambray shirt with almost everything in my closet… dressed up with a black pencil skirt, statement necklace and heels, and I’ve also worn it casual, open with a white tee underneath, pair of jeans and sneakers.
“My chambray shirt is my most worn top in my closet. It will go with any of the bottoms in my closet even my dark wash jeans.” – Mrs. Smith, Atlanta
3. Black Dress Pants
Need a mature, versatile dress trousers that can take you from the classroom to date night? It’s all about the cut of the leg. These straight-leg beauties will flatter and feel great on just about everyone. I love how easily they can be dressed up or down and the elastic waist looks put-together but is just as comfortable as a pair of sweats. Their versatility combined with their comfort made them an obvious selection for this challenge.
“The Old Navy Pixie Pants are hands down my most worn pants for teaching. I prefer them over jeans because they are so comfortable.” – Mrs Michelsen, Dallas
4. Utility Jacket
There’s a good chance, like me, you wear a ton of layers in the in the fall. A green or camo utility jacket is pretty much a year round closet staple. You can wear it with prints or even under vest and other coats. Tie it around your waist with a dress for a cute outfit. This light outerwear piece is not only on-trend for fall but will also prove to be extremely functional all season long.
“My favorite utility jacket will last me through the entire school year whether its outside for car pickup or inside when my room is freezing!” – Mrs Robertson, Ft. Worth
5. Comfortable Flats
Shoes really do matter when you are on your feet all day long! I cant imagine keeping up with 20+ kids a day in heels…. no thank you lol – give me the comfy flats! I think its super important to feel comfortable while trying to rally kids all day. It will totally affect your mood and their’s too. These leopard flats will literally go with everything in your closet. To me, loepard is a neutral.
“I usually just throw on a pair of random shoes and head out the door but I have definitely become more picky over the years of which shoes work for me. As I’ve gotten *ahem* older, I am more aware of how my feet just cannot handle being in unsupportive, cheap shoes all day while teaching. The Target Leopard print flats are the best and most comfortable.” – Mrs. Southard, New York
6. Tailored Blazer
A blazer is a must for every professional closet. You can always go super traditional and get a structured, button-up jacket, or you can go a little unique and snatch up this drapey, open-front blazer in an awesome color like olive green. With olive as a neutral, enhance the outfit with pops of color. It’s a great way to express your brilliant personality.
“I like to throw a blazer over my comfortable t-shirts to make it look a little dressed up. Black will go with any and all my shirts.” – Mrs. Clark
7. Skinny Jeans
Because I work from home, I’m lucky enough to be able to wear jeans whenever I want and I wear this pair by Old Navy constantly, so naturally I had to include them. I picked them up years ago when they were first released and absolutely love everything about them from the slim cut to the color. The wash of these jeans is perfect!
“Its such a weird school year but I am also grateful we are able to wear jeans everyday now. And my favorite are the rockstar jeans from Old Navy.” – Ms. Shoemaker
8. Basic Duster Cardigan
One of the most requested from the teachers is the Cardigan… Since a cardigan is open, you can wear a solid color top underneath or even a patterned top. The beige color is a neutral, so it goes with practically any color or pattern. I’ve found this is the most versatile piece of clothing I have. I’ve styled it so many ways too: with jeans, colored denim, skirts, leggings. I’ve dressed it up and wore it casual too.
“A teacher will never leave home without her favorite cardigan! All of Targets cardigans are always really comfy and versatile.” – Mrs. Thomas
9. Black Dress
If you have only one dress in your closet, go for a black dress. The color is classic, chic and looks great for your figure! If you are not too keen on wearing the black color alone, add a statement necklace, colorful scarf or add a vest for contrast. The shape and waist line of this one is really flattering.
“I always throw on a simple black dress during the warmer months and have my cardigan in my classroom in case it gets chilly. I like being cooler during recess.” – Mrs. Cummings, St. Louis
10. White V-Neck Tee
You can never go wrong with a simple white shirt. They never go out of style or get old. A solid-colored V-neck is a classic top that pairs well with every kind of bottom. Its just the perfect layering piece that will go with everything in your closet. Throw on a bold statement necklace or a scarf to bring the party to the classroom.
“I stock up on v-necks the beginning of the school year so I always have backups for the week. My favorite tees are the amazon pocket shirts.” – Mrs. Henry, Houston
11. Denim Jacket
Friday’s arent the only “denim” days in these weird times… most schools are allowing denim every day of the week. Now is the time to really invest in a good, solid denim jacket. I always purchase the Old Navy Dark Wash every year because it is my most worn for year round. You can pair it over cute blouses or shirts or even tie around your waist when you get warm.
“I teach pre-school and I like to be comfortable while trying to be warm since our classrooms are always chilly. My old navy denim jacket is always in my class to throw on every day.” – Ms. Crawford
12. Teacher Purse/Handbag
As a teacher, you have a lot on your plate so its always important to have a sturdy bag to hold all your belongings. I love this shoulder bag that is big enough to hold your laptop, school supplies and even a large water bottle. Its also very affordable and will go with all your new outfits.
“I purchase the same shoulder bag every year to hold all my books and laptop. I can pack my lunch and bring it with me in my purse rather than bringing another bag.” – Mrs. Harrison, San Diego
Shop All Closet Staples:
Teacher Capsule Styling
Now that you have your closet staple pieces, its time to style them. I wanted to share some outfit ideas that you can wear for the school year. Every single item that is styled is part of the capsule to make it quick and easy for you to run out the door in the mornings. I really hope this is helpful and saves you time and money 🙂
Whether you teach grade school, high school, or college, creating an A+ closet filled with only pieces you love to wear is the smartest thing you can do for a stress free school year! I really hope this was helpful and made it easier to shop for your wardrobe. 🙂
