Back To School Teacher Fashion

Today the talk is teacher fashion.  The colors, the styles, the places to shop will help you move forward on your back-to-school shopping!  Let's start NOW!

Click HERE for Part 1 Teacher Check List

Click HERE for Part 2 Classroom Management 

Click HERE for Part 3  How To Navigate School Politics

Part 4

How To: Teacher Fashion 

Teachers never grow old of the excitement that happens in August to mark the beginning of a school year. And I am not thinking about a new classroom desk arrangement!   Our unbridled excitement is, of course, SHOPPING for school clothes!!!!  Our heart races, our eyes dilate and our mission is intense.  We want comfort, color, some classic, maybe preppie, a tinge of trendy, and a whole lot of fun!  No teacher jumpers with the applique apples; we are talking about functional, fashionable and fantastic mix and match outfits.   

Yes, teachers can wear denim in the classroom.  Any fashion guru will tell you that denim in the work place must follow some simple rules.  Choose dark denim pants, with no holes that scream grunge look. Next consider the rise of the jeans/ pants; no low rise.  Bending over in the classroom needs to be part of your fashion consideration, so a mid rise pant is a must.  The high rise is not a comfortable fit for me.  But if that is your pick, try NYDJ for comfort and tummy control.  The new ankle length jean is ala Audrey Hepburn, and so stylish.  The trick is to find a pair that actually hit the ankle and that hug the ankle.  White House Black Market offers some very comfortable Jeggings that are not too tight and have the stretch that will give you comfort all day long and conservative pockets in the back.  A pair of dark, light weight trouser denims are so practical, as well.  And don’t forget a denim vest to punch up an outfit.  Note: the rage in California is a denim jacket with a black maxi dress, simple but classic comfort.

Pops of color will brighten up your day and keep the student’s attention on you.  Choose  a red/pink, coral skinny belt to put over your favorite Tee or blouse.  Bring the color pop into your shoes.  Don’t be afraid to give your feet the spot light.  Keep the color coming with some chunky jewelry to have that put together look.  Big for the fall is emerald green and magenta.  Some popular color combos include cobalt blue paired with black, steel grey and yellow, dark brown and black.  

Have fun with the top that you pair with your pants.  I love polka dots, rolled up sleeves, geometric patterns, the peplum look, and comfy cotton Tees.   Most of my tops are cotton knit to add comfort.  Vince Camuto has become one of my favorite designers of late.  His bold colorful top design, featured in the video, gives me a lot of color options for pairing.  Liz Claiborne created the cotton, roll up sleeve blouse with the pretty buttons.  I liked it so much I decided to get a black one as well.  Old Navy provided the  polka dot shirt, which will be a main stay for that fun Friday look.    

The classic black dress is a must.  The sleeveless black dress worn in the video was a Black and White store find.  I also found a mid calf knit black dress at the Gap that I have worn so many times this summer and will be a go to dress for school.  In recent years, my closet basket is full of colorful scarves that punch up the black dress.  I believe this caveat: One can never have too many white tops/blouses!  AND LBD’s  in every length keeps us on top of the fashion game.   

Where do you shop for your school clothes?  These stores came through for me.  Goodwill can be overwhelming for some, but if you have the time and you want to treasure hunt, give it a try.  Start with a vision of beautiful jewelry, fun scarves, a sweater, and with a positive attitude; you will find treasures on the cheap.  JCP really came through for me this week.  I found pants, shoes, tops, accessories at JCPenny.  When all else fails, I always have luck at White House Black Market.  Their clothes are so well made and have classic style with comfort.  Old Navy had a couple of shirts that worked and unfortunately Macy’s pants were not long enough, but I found a pretty black and white skirt.  This rounds out the stores that helped me put the outfits together.

Enjoy your back to school shopping extravaganza!  

Make sure to subscribe to my teaching Youtube Channel so you get an update when a new video is posted.  Off to pick up Mr. Winemaker's family from the airport.  All the way from New Jersey!  Can't wait to see them and have a fun week.  What are you up to?  OH!  And instagram me pics of your teacher outfits.  Be sure to tag me @shesparkletv and #teacherfashion.  I love to see your teacher looks!