The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Work-Chic Wednesdays: Outfit Ideas for Preschool Teachers

I am a young twenty-something mother of 2 young children and also a teacher's aide at my son's preschool. I was just wondering what would be some work appropriate outfits for my job? The dress code is casual attire all the time. —Danielle

To help me answer your question, I turned to a good friend who works at a leading provider of child day care and education (don't want to name names). While her Masters degree in education and extensive experience makes her a great teacher, it's her personal style—both on and off the job—that makes her truly qualified to respond to this question! Here's what she had to say:






Mix affordable pieces from Old Navy with comfy flats for a cute, kid-friendly look that's professional, too.


Flutter Sleeve Top, $10; Cardigan, $20; Khakis, $15; Belt, $12.50; Crocs Prima Ballet Flats, $17.95; Earrings, $5


"Dresses and skirts are hard to wear because they are impractical for kneeling and sitting on the ground (I also know a teacher who had a bad experience with a curious child). Khaki pants or dark wash jeans are great because they are comfortable, but still can look professional/put together. Any shirt is fine, unless it has something dangly for the kids to pull on or is low-cut. Old Navy and Target have a lot of pretty shirts made from t-shirt material that can still look professional. Fun ballet flats are a great way to be comfortable and stylish while still being in compliance with most dress codes. They even make Croc ballet flats."

Regarding the Crocs, my friend also mentioned that waterproof shoes are a godsend when dealing with tots (just rinse clean when the inevitable mess happens!).

Calling all teachers: How do YOU stay stylish on the job (especially if you're dealing with small children)?

Comments
What a great post! A lot of my friends went into elementary school teaching after graduating from college ... I'll definitely be forwarding this on to them!
#1 Katie (Homepage) on 2009-09-02 07:49 (Reply)
When I was teaching middle school I never wore black (attracted to much lint) or very light colors (got dirty way too easily). Always wore layers, since you never know what the school thermostat will be like that day and always kept a spare cardigan/top in my desk, in case the inevitable happened. Also make sure to have a sewing kit handy. It has saved me many times :-)
#2 Cecilia on 2009-09-02 08:35 (Reply)
I know EXACTLY what you're talking about... no black, no light colors! Grey is my best friend! And a bonus is that grey is one of season's colors!:-) Check out more teacher friendly fashion tips here:

"Top 12 Fierce Fashion Tips for Teachers on a Budget"
http://www.teachhub.com/news/article/cat/14/item/282
#2.1 Erlinda (Homepage) on 2009-10-14 15:22 (Reply)
my mom is a 1st grade teacher and she definitely loves the layers and the cardigans..she always finds matching tank top with cardigan at marshalls..and she loves old navy for the pants..
this is kind of funny and not a lot of teachers will admit this but the cleavage and nipple concealment is important..and layers definitely help a lot

xoxo
neira
#3 Neira (Homepage) on 2009-09-02 08:53 (Reply)
YES!!! A great post and exactly what I would wear when I taught. I hardly ever wore skirts or heels (unfortunately)-but now I do :-)
#4 Real Style Real People (Homepage) on 2009-09-02 09:05 (Reply)
I think you're right on with this post. I work for a school district and I'm not a teacher, but my husband and several family members are teachers. I think the key is to be comfortable but professional and have the ability to be on your feet for long hours and even the ability to run at a moment's notice--especially with the little ones!

While we're asking BB fashion questions, I have one for you! I love the leggings trend and I know it's going to be hot for fall. I was wondering if you could do a post on just how to wear leggings and some outfit ideas. Also, how NOT to wear leggings, too! I am tall but petite in build with thin limbs and often feel like wearing leggings makes me look like I'm headed to an 80's aerobics class. Thanks!
#5 Emily on 2009-09-02 09:56 (Reply)
I think Target and Old Navy have some of the best basics to wear to school! Another store that I'm a huge fan of is Ann Taylor LOFT. They have great deals for teachers -- 15% off every purchase! -- and have cute yet practical styles to wear on and off the job. In terms of shoes: flats, flats, flats with lots of support! :-)

I agree with what everyone is saying: I always wear layers, because you never know what the day will call for. I tend to keep a cute, basic cardigan or zip-up sweater in my classroom to throw on in case it gets a bit chilly.
#6 Lizz on 2009-09-02 13:15 (Reply)
my mom works at a pre-k and works with children with special needs. needless to say, she needs a versatile shoe to chase around the kids! i think i'll be getting those flats as a gift for her - she's been searching for the perfect pair!
#7 fashion court (Homepage) on 2009-09-02 13:16 (Reply)
This topic is a challenge for me also. I recently started student teaching at an elementary school, and we have to dress professional at all times. This is so sad because I LOVE fashion and trends. I feel that I can't be both fashionable and trendy AND professional at the same time. I don't want to wear cardigans "nice" t-shirts all the time. Any suggestions on how I can still keep myself ME without losing the fashion?
#8 Karen on 2009-09-02 22:22 (Reply)
I have to say, I hate it when people randomly wear crocs around for no reason, but this is a GENIUS idea and a completely practical, awesome application of them.
#9 Sandra on 2009-09-03 15:46 (Reply)
I started student teaching too!! :-D very excited. My friend and I just went shopping and looked for sale sale sale!! @ TArget I bought "Women's Merona® Mozelle Peep-Toe Ballet Flats - Black/Tan" for 6 dlls that are very cute and stylish, i just bought some tops at marshalls and target 4 sale 5.00dlls.. 5 great slacks modern,fashionable at NewYork and Company for 25 dlls (green,gray,beige,blue) each and just combine them with belts and tuck my tops :-) its..
#10 Gisel on 2009-09-03 21:28 (Reply)
Leave a comment
E-Mail addresses will not be displayed.
Enclosing asterisks marks text as bold (*word*), underscore are made via _word_.
Standard emoticons like :-) and ;-) are converted to images.
E-Mail addresses will not be displayed and will only be used for E-Mail notifications.