Teacher Clothes

One of the more difficult parts of my job is actually dressing myself each morning. This is so challenging that I have taken to laying out my clothes the night ahead of time (a trick I mastered in college, because it is rough picking out clothes before 8 am organic chemistry). In addition to the mental calculus of whether or not I look good, there's a whole additional set of questions. Does this show too much, both on top and bottom? Can I bend over, squat, or kneel down in this outfit so I can answer student questions? Is my outfit flammable? (Essential to know, especially on lab days. Hence the scarf/no scarf in the outfit below.) I've sought inspiration in other places. One of my favorite blogs, which is sadly not being updated anymore, is academic chic. On the bright side, they have a great set of archives.

A few things I have learned:

- tank tops are your friend. They can take a top from "hmm, not sure if it is too short when I write at the top of the board" to "this might ride up, but my tank top tucks in and covers the skin!"

- I need to find some better shoes, especially for when I am wearing skirts. Being on your feet all day definitely doesn't mix with heels, and it's not so forgiving even on small wedges or platforms.

- Even with fancy clothes, I still sometimes get mistaken for a teenager. But the fancy clothes help.

- I can wear skirts, but they are often not compatible with my frigid arctic classroom.

Next on my purchase list is definitely adding to my collection of belts. I only own two belts, and they are both black and fairly utilitarian. I am hoping to make some belts with the new sewing machine I received for Christmas, but I've got to practice on something simpler first. A few varieties will really help add a colorful pop to my wardrobe and hopefully expand my options. For now, I am hoping to try a ribbon belt that I've seen on some blogs so that I can wear a sweater dress to school.

What challenges have you encountered when dressing for work? Are there any great resources I am missing for being stylish yet appropriate?

Comments

[Alissa]

I've been finding dressing myself hard lately. At 32, I feel like I should be growing out of some of the stuff I wear. But on the other hand, I'm not sure what else to wear. What else would be comfortable yet appropriate for work. And shoes just baffle me! Why can't I have something cute, comfortable, AND in my size??

[Leah]

I feel you on shoes! I spend a lot of time wearing adidas leather shoes. They're nice but not super dressy. And I do enjoy dressing up, but it does take work.

[Nicoleandmaggie]

I'm now in the too pregnant for regular clothes but not quite pregnant enough for most of my maternity clothes. I've given up and am just going for comfort.

Alissa-- Ann Taylor Loft (or just Loft) has a lot of stuff that's comfortable, work appropriate, machine washable, and 30s-something appropriate. If you hit the outlet on a sale you can end up with some nice stuff at under $5/piece.

[Denzi]

Opaque tights and leggings are your friend! At least that's how I deal with "I want to wear a dress but I'm about to go do improv in a freezing theater." Modesty and warmth. :)

[Tami -- Teacher Goes Back to School]

I'm seconding the leggings comment! I've also taken to wearing Naturalizer and Aerosole knee high boots with skirts and dresses (and of course, leggings). I'm warm, comfortable and people think I'm dressed up because I'm not wearing jeans.

Sally from Already Pretty has some great ideas. She's not a teacher, but does answer reader questions.

[garden seeds]

We eat an awful lot of small veggie plants in the spring.