Back-to-School Teacher Style: Fashionable & Functional

My friend recently left her corporate job at a major bank to pursue her dream of teaching.  One of her concerns was how to dress for the classroom. She wanted to maintain her personal style while leaving a positive impression on her students.  She’s very stylish but  is used to her corporate uniform: a blazer and pencil skirt in the typical black, navy blue, or grey.  Although she’s excited about the opportunity to break free from her corporate uniform, she knows that she may face some challenges when it comes to dressing for the classroom.

Teachers can have a huge influence on their students’ lives. I can still remember my kindergarten teacher’s style and the impression she left on me. I remember thinking, “She is the most beautiful woman in the world,” not because she wore the most glamorous outfits but because she had an amazing personality, and it showed through her outfit choices.  She wore a lot of color and vibrant prints. You could tell she was comfortable with what she wore. Her greatest accessory was her smile, and her positive energy was contagious. This proved to me at an early age that it’s not necessarily what you wear but your attitude & personality when you wear it.

Reflecting on my kindergarten teacher, my advice to my friend was:

• Show your personality: Although there may be certain guidelines to adhere to  – such as dress code, professionalism, and functionality –remember to be yourself.  This could mean adding your favorite color or accessory to your outfits.
• Be comfortable: Don’t wear the new heels you bought last weekend if you are standing all day.  Try comfortable flats or low heels that can give you the flexibility to engage and interact throughout the day.  If you feel uncomfortable you may act uncomfortable and give the wrong impression.
• Have fun: Although you can’t wear those faux leather leggings you just saw in the September issue of Vogue (I don’t know many careers where you can), you can still wear those trendy Charlotte Olympia kitten flats. (A more affordable kitten flat option is below.)

Check out these comfortable and fun options: