Back To School Fashions for Teachers

Caroline Graham Swann

Hello darlings, time for the alarm clock to ring in the new day early, school is starting!  The daily lesson plans, the myriad of other duties and always the chore of “what I am going to wear today?

Let’s start with the elementary level fun fashion for teachers.  The most comfortable clothes are needed for these grades as getting down on the floor and other issues require a lot of slacks that are durable but not expensive.   Neutral colors are best because dark colors show dust and dirt from the floor very easily. Different lengths add more choices, ankle, wide leg, straight leg or leggings with a long tunic or topped with an inexpensive dress are easy to find.  Also be sure to check the label for spandex and washable fabric.

Tops are where the fun comes in, students like bright colors and blue, red, green, yellow, purple, hot pink and orange convey a happy teacher.  The lower grades love animal patterns or characters form fairy tales on tops, these may also be added with different scarves.  Polka dots are also a happy look for tops.  The Disney Store has a myriad of selections to add to a teacher’s complete look for the lower grades. Use imagination about which to add, could even be jewelry, a bracelet with a Disney character.   A  Mickey Mouse watch is always a hit with kids.

Shoes are also a tool for engagement in the lower grades.  Zebra, tiger, giraffe and other synthetic animal prints are a great attraction for these kids.  Comfortable flats, with a sole that grips and does not slide or a pair of flat boots are a super choice.

For the upper elementary grades action heroes are fun.  Wearing an action hero watch, finding a long sleeve t shirt with action figure heroes is sure to be a hit.  Just think about what kids in your age grade really think is fun and find clothing or jewelry in bits and pieces to add interest and fun to their teacher’s clothes.

Secondary school clothes are another “ball game” for a teacher.  First rule of thumb, do not emulate the teen age fashions.     Clothes that represent more authority are my choice.   Jackets represent authority.  My first stop for buying jackets that are perfect would be NEW YORK, NEW YORK, in the outlet center in Five Oaks Mall.  Another great place is Chico’s, especially during a sale.   Dark tights under a skirt or dress with kitten heels is a great look and very comfortable  Kitten heels are darling pumps with only a one inch heel, so comfortable and add a fashion zip.  All lengths are in style now, pencil skirts touching the knee or below, maxi dress with a short jacket, and of course the different length of slacks topped with a sweater/tunic length matched set.

Wedge hells about one or two inches, flat boots and shoes in the most comfortable brands are of course perfect.   My suggestion is to try on many brands to find the most comfortable for one’s foot.

To add a certain flair and teen respect form from the girls is the much wanted Michael Kors watch and purse. A bit pricy but worth the investment. Go to the Michael Kors Five Oaks Outlet, great buys there.  Also stack the watch with two bracelets and add an elegant fashion zing!

Use scarves to create different looks with the sweater / tunic match set.  Use different methods of wearing the scarves.   Try wearing two at a time, very fashionista!  Belts are so important to really bring an outfit together.  Such a symbol of good taste!  Try on belts to see what type looks best.

These simple clothing suggestions add a lot of interest in the classroom and the teacher.