It’s that time of year again… the autumn term is fast approaching and teachers, parents and kids are preparing to go back for the new school year. In solidarity with the children they instruct, many teachers have a personal ‘uniform’ that they stick with throughout the year.
It might make getting dressed in the morning a simpler affair but there’s no reason you need to stick to the norm this year.
Take inspiration from our 7 outfit ideas for the fashionable teacher and update your work wardrobe for the new school term with flying colours.
The traditional Teacher
Particularly for high school teachers or college professors, a smart work wardrobe can be an essential outfit choice either for everyday or for events or lectures. The key here is to keep things simple.
Choose block, dark colours or neutrals for a chic and timeless style, adding a touch of colour with footwear or accessories. While looking smart might be your priority, never forget that when you’re on your feet all day teaching, comfort is a must!
Look for lightweight, soft fabrics and supportive footwear for all-day style that won’t leave you longing for your pjs after only one class. Finish any outfit off with a classic leather satchel, complementing any look.
Sporty with a stylish twist
When thinking about PE teachers or pre-school teacher outfit ideas, it is important you dress with practicality in mind. An outfit with a sporty twist means comfort and flexibility, giving you the tools for whatever the day throws at you.
The key to adding a sporty twist to your workwear is choosing the right items. Plain leggings, smart joggers or yoga pants with minimal branding, teamed with plain black trainers will keep you looking chic but well put together.
Choose an elevated tee with lace details or a stylish cut for a touch of class, keeping you well covered when performing physical activities. You can always finish your sporty teacher outfit with a colourful or patterned jacket for a playful twist.
Summery yet sophisticated
Everyone loves an Indian Summer…. except for teachers stuck in stuffy classrooms. Now you whilst you wouldn’t wear your beach kaftan while teaching students, you can still stay cool yet professional during the hot spells of September.
Light, floaty fabrics are a perfect choice for teaching in hot weather and they require little-to-no thought. A throw on dress is your best friend when those early mornings may seem a little rushed.
Whether you choose patterns or block prints, sunny days are ideal for adding a splash of colour to your work wardrobe with a modest maxi-dress.
Team with pretty sandals or espadrilles for a laid-back summer style that’ll keep you cool under pressure in the classroom even when the temperature rises.
Colour beyond the classroom walls
It’s amazing how colour can elevate your mood and teachers in particular will be aware of how important colour is in the classroom. Embracing a splash of colour in your teaching uniform can brighten yours and your students’ day.
When it comes to primary school teacher outfit ideas, rich hues and bold patterns help to attract the attention of your students and help to show you as approachable and fun.
For high school teacher outfit ideas, team a subtly patterned blouse with a block colour jacket for a colour pop that’s still chic and pretty.
Know your denim do’s and don’ts
Some schools do have ‘no-denim’ policies, but if yours is comfortable with smart denim workwear, then this is a versatile fabric to choose for a teaching outfit.
A chic denim jacket adds an ideal finishing touch to almost any outfit, so it’s an easy way to incorporate denim into your workwear uniform. With many different styles of jeans out there, it can be difficult to know where to start!
Top tips to remember when choosing jeans for a work situation is to avoid rips or unfinished hems, steer clear of embellishments, and choose a comfortable and flattering style that you can wear with different tops to create multiple work outfits.
Classic and cosy knitwear
As the nights draw in and the temperature drops, autumn knitwear becomes something we all look forward to bringing into our work wardrobes.
From preschool to high school, knitwear is something every teacher can style to suit their needs and guarantees comfort during long school days. Whether you love a chunky knit cardigan or a fine-knit cashmere or Breton jersey, there’s a whole world of soft comfort out there ready for you to bring it to the classroom.
The perfect winter wardrobe
Autumn term might start off with warm sunny September days, but by the time we’re into November, winter wardrobes are firmly back in place. During the winter season, classroom temperatures can vary hugely, so layering is key to make sure you can be comfortable wherever you’re teaching.
Check or tartan prints are always a big hit during colder weather, and investing in a comfortable pair of boots is a must. Throw a cosy scarf into your bag before heading to school for an added touch of warmth whenever you need it most.
Bravo to stylish teachers everywhere - you’re ready to go Back To School! But don’t fret if the summer holidays has ran away with you this year, there is still plenty of time to prepare. We’ve created a guide to acing the back to school sort out with clever storage hacks and useful tips to give you a kick start to the term.