Student Teacher Outfits

Oct 31, 2015

Eadaoin M.

Hey everyone!! So I'm starting teaching practice in an elementary school next week and I'm really stuck on what I can wear?! It has to be formal, no jeans at all :'( and I'm hoping something stylish! Any suggestions will help. Thanks so much xx

Nov 1, 2015

Lisa S.

Check out Pinterest, they have endless ideas for teaching outfits...

Nov 1, 2015

Rebecca S.

Get ready for the hardest few weeks of your life! When I was doing my student teaching, the worst fashion crime we could commit was to have an exposed midriff. Get a few pairs of nice, plain dress slacks, and mix and match with button down shirts and nice sweaters. If you wear a dress or skirt, the hem should be no higher than the tips of your fingers when your arms are held straight down by your sides. No shirts that are so low cut your cleavage is exposed. Clothes should be well-fitting; nothing too tight (I.e. sexy). Basically, if it's an outfit that would pass at church, or out to dinner with grandma, it's acceptable for school. J. Crew and Ann Taylor have some lovely clothes for professionals, but they are expensive. They do offer a 15% discount with a student or teacher ID, but you can't combine that discount with any other store-wide sale events (although it can be added to clothes that are on the sale rack.) if you're strapped for cash, you can usually get some good finds at Nordstrom Rack or T.J. Maxx. As for shoes, always wear closed toed, and I wouldn't recommend anything higher than a kitten heel, because you will be on your feet pretty much the entire day. Jewelry should be kept small and tasteful; nothing that might distract the students or get caught on something. Also, just as a general rule, keep makeup minimal and natural looking, no chipped nail polish, and stay away from perfume, cause you never know who has asthma or allergies. And whenever possible, wear outfits with pockets! You never know when you'll have to confiscate something. It sounds like a lot to keep track of, but if you can put together 10 or so solid outfits and wear them in rotation, it won't be too hard. Best of luck!

Nov 1, 2015

Rebecca S.

I forgot to add, NO FISHNET STOCKINGS! I had a principal once who used to wear them with 4 inch heels, and she just looked trashy. More like a hooker than an educator. It's always better to play it safe and err on the side of boring. You will never be criticized for failing to be fashionable, but you could well be faulted for dressing too risqué.