If you follow me on Instagram you’ve probably seen my ‘teacher outfit of the day’ pictures, but if not, this post is for you! Although my school is pretty laid back when it comes to enforcing a staff dress code, most days my outfits are on the dressier side. Even on days I dress more casually, I try to ensure I look well put together when heading to work!
The places I tend to shop most frequently include Forever 21, Old Navy, H&M, Target, GAP outlet, and Banana Republic outlet. I do tend to find some great accessories and items at WalMart, too! I don’t have a big budget (shocking…I’m a teacher so you would think I’d be rolling in the dough) but have found that creativity can really stretch ones wardrobe! The pictures to follow were all taken with my iPhone so the quality isn’t the best, but hopefully you’ll find some inspiration for your work attire nonetheless!
My students said ‘Miss Rush, your outfit looks like something I would wear’ which I took as a compliment! Ha! I think the soft fall colors work well together here. The sweater is from H&M, the burnt orange tank was only $4 at Forever 21 (necklace is from Forever 21 as well…they have tons of fun and inexpensive accessories), boots were a splurge from my local Nine West outlet. Jeans are from Delias, a store for teens, but they have pant lengths for short people such as myself so I shop there for that reason!
This is a really simple outfit but I love the soft colors and the bow detail of the neckline on the sweater. The top is from H&M, skirt is from Target, pumps are from Nine West outlet. I also have the shoes in black patent and really love how they look and feel (not too uncomfortable to be in all day). Purchasing classic pieces like the khaki pencil skirt & the nude pumps, really make it possible to mix and match my wardrobe.
Dressing for a field trip in New England, in the rain, in November is not an easy task! It was cold and really windy and we had to walk outside around Salem all day. So, I paired my warmest blue wool sweater (purchased 10+ years ago at Old Navy) with my all time favorite Target purchase, this navy blue polka dot rain coat! Jeans are Delias and the Sperry wellies were purchased at Marshalls last year. They are warm, waterproof, and comfortable!
And finally, a mono-chromatic look with a pop of red at the waist! This navy shirt dress from Old Navy is paired with navy tights and navy ‘booties/shoeties’. I wasn’t sure if I could pull off the bootie look as I’m pretty short and thought they would chop up my visual leg line. But, I think keeping the whole look mono-chromatic worked well. This is an example of me going out of my comfort zone, albeit cautiously, to try something trendy…and isn’t that what fashion is all about? Trying new things and having fun while doing it? My goal with work attire is to look put-together, conservative, and trendy all at the same time, while maintaining a strict budget!
Linking up to The Pleated Poppy for ‘What I Wore Wednesday’!
Fonda @Savvy Southern Chic says
Love the bold bright colors in the first outfit.
Unknown says
Love all these outfits! I think 1 and 9 are my favrorites!
-Karen
http://www.ladyinviolet.com
Unknown says
Found your blog through the pleated poppy. Love all your outfits, you've got great taste! 🙂
April says
Very cute! I love all of these-especially your polka dot rain jacket!
Jule aus 9B says
Hi, I found your blog through Pinterest and really like your outfits, esp. no. 3, 5 and 10…. but they're all really nice and I would wear them myself. Except the brown boots. It's funny because on my teacher fashion Pinterest board, there are so many teacher photos with similar brown boots.. seems to be a teacher thing in the US. 😉 I have nude pumps like your ones and wear them on short days (when I teach just a few lessons) or on special days like when the parents come in…
Crafty Teacher Lady says
Thanks for stopping by the blog! Hope your school year is going well! And yes, brown boots are very popular! Ha!
Virginia says
Love these outfit ideas, especially the bold colors! I needed to get reinspired for back to school outfits because the school year is rapidly approaching! It's not just kids that get excited about new school clothes!
moretomrse.blogspot.com
Crafty Teacher Lady says
Oh I totally get excited about 'back to school' shopping! So fun! Hope you're having a great school year!
Elizabeth Barnett says
Hi!
Love all of your outfit ideas! I'm student teaching at the elementary level but I can see how I could turn a lot of these outfits into things I could wear student teaching. I especially love your polka dot rain jacket – too cute! 4 & 7 are probably my favorites! 🙂
Thanks for sharing your outfit ideas. I'm undertaking a similar project on my blog.
Elizabeth
styleelementary.blogspot.com
Crafty Teacher Lady says
Thank you! I'm hoping to write a post soon with fashion advice for new teachers! Your blog looks great!