Teacher Fashion Must-Haves

This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission (at zero cost to you). Please see my full disclosure policy for details..

As the Summer is coming to a close, it is time for us to start thinking about getting dressed for work again. Although waking up earlier, checking emails, and attending back-to-school PDs don’t sound too fun, going shopping in my closet is! How’s your teacher wardrobe looking for this year? Are you ready? If not, here are my teacher fashion must-haves that’ll have you being the most stylish and comfy educator in the halls.

*Disclaimer: my school’s dress code is pretty strict, so we cannot wear denim, shorts, t-shirts, backless shoes, or flannels, so I will not include them in this post. Also, our dress code calls for school-branded items to be worn 4 days a week, so we’re given polos, vests, and cardigans with the school logo.*

Cardigans

If your classroom is anything like mine, the temperature is unpredictable. Thus, layering is my best friend! And what better way to layer and look professional than to wear cardigans. I have cardigans in nearly every color because they’re such a staple in my teacher wardrobe. And if you have to wear school branded items as part of your uniform (I do), cardigans really help spruce up work polos. I’ve found that thrift stores are the best place to find cardigans. (For thrifting tips, check out this post here!)

Long Cardigans

I love long cardigans because if worn correctly, they instantly make you look like you tried harder than you actually did. And, I just feel super confident when my long cardigan flows behind me as I enter and exit rooms (this may just be me being weird…). Shockingly, my favorite places to buy these are Rainbow and rue21.

Comfy Dresses

I love wearing dresses to work because they are so comfortable, cute, and fun! My favorite dresses are from Old Navy, and a lot of my coworkers would agree! Just don’t forget to buy a good pair of biker shorts to go under your dresses. Any plain ones will do the job!

Sleeveless Blouses

With the varying temperatures around the building (and the fact that my lob also makes branded cardigans), sleeveless blouses are definitely one of my teacher fashion must-haves! I have them in every color because they add so much versatility and class to my wardrobe. Of course, I usually style them with a cardigan, but layering a sweater or blazer on top is also pretty cute! My favorite ones are thrifted or from Kohl’s.

Long-Sleeved Blouses

I feel like long-sleeved blouses are key in any professional’s wardrobe, but they are also a teacher fashion must-have. They are professional, cute, and easy to layer. Just tuck one into a nice pair of slacks or a skirt, and you’re good to go. They also work well under the branded fleece vests that my job offers as part of the uniform. As with most of my wardrobe, I find these shirts at the thrift store 99% of the time. If you’re building a professional wardrobe and you don’t thrift, what’s wrong with you?!

Sweaters

If you work in a place with Autumn and Winter, you need sweaters! Not only do they keep you warm and cozy, but there are so many different types to choose from! And since I live in the Midwest, I’m pretty sure I have every single type in multiple colors! Unsurprisingly, sweaters are my favorite things to grab at thrift stores because they are so cheap and always out, so that’s where the majority of my sweaters are from. I’m telling you, I would not make it through Winter without them!

Blazers

One or two blazers is enough to build a great teacher wardrobe, and they are a must-have if you are more of the professional type. Not everyone needs them, but I always love the class and structure of a good blazer. If I am going to splurge on something in this post, I would invest in a quality blazer, and I would choose one black one and one fun color. And if you are purchasing blazers, make sure you can move your arms comfortably with a long-sleeved shirt on underneath. Nothing is more uncomfortable than a too tight blazer on a Monday morning!

Basic Dress Pants

I’m pretty sure basic dress pants are on everyone’s list, but they are a staple for my teacher fashion must-haves! By basic dress pants, I just mean solid colored, professional looking pants. My favorites are from Old Navy because they offer a variety of fit, sizes, and colors, and they comfortably fit my body type. Oh! And they have a decent amount of stretch. I like the Pixie style the most (first pic), but my sister loves the Stevie style (second and third pics), so there’s a style for everyone. Even my mom wears these pants, and she’s not even a teacher, so that just proves that they are perfect for any working woman!

Patterned Dress Pants

Technically, if you have the basic dress pants you’re all set, but I just love the style and versatility of a patterned pant! Whether it’s flowers, plaid, polka dots, or stripes, patterned pants can instantly make you look more stylish than you actually are. My favorites are from Old Navy and Target, but you can literally find them anywhere!

Pencil Skirt

If you want to have a professional, feminine wardrobe, then you need at least one pencil skirt. Pencil skirts, paired with a blouse, are one of the easiest ways to look polished and put together. A few things to remember when picking out a pencil skirt: 1. Make sure there isn’t a really high slit up the back. 2. If there is a slit, make sure you cut the bottom so you don’t make a rookie mistake. 3. Shapewear is your best friend! Panty lines in pencil skirts are one of my biggest pet peeves!

Jeggings

As I mentioned in the disclaimer, denim is not allowed at my school, but most of the women I work with get away with wearing jeggings! They’re stretchy and more comfortable than denim, and they come in a lot of patterns and colors. Believe it or not, my favorite jeggings are from Walmart!

Leggings/Tights

Leggings are not pants, especially in a classroom, but I love leggings and tights for layering in the Fall and Winter. Rules to remember for leggings are that your bottom and crotch should be covered and whatever you wear over them should reach your fingertips. I get my basic black leggings from Forever 21 because they’re cheap, and I don’t wear leggings a lot. Personally, I like tights with my skirts and dresses because they look seamless with booties, my favorite work shoes. And, tights can easily be found anywhere…I’m pretty sure they are still sold at the drug store! Either way, leggings and/or tights are definitely teacher fashion must-haves!

Booties

Booties are hands down my favorite shoes to wear to work! They are comfortable, stylish, and they easily make me look like I tried harder than I did. And because I live in the Midwest, I wear booties from September through May, so I get a lot of wear out of them. The most comfortable booties I have ever worn are from…you guessed it–Old Navy, and I have them in black and leopard print. But, I recently invested in a pair of vegan leather booties from Steve Madden that are to die for! If you haven’t tried wearing booties to work before, what are you waiting for??

Cute Sneakers

Even though my school has one of the toughest teacher dress codes I’ve come across, we are still allowed to wear sneakers, so I make sure mine are cute! No offense, but I hate seeing teachers with dirty, run down sneakers on! Anyway, my favorites for work are white, low top Converse (which I also wear with dresses) and slip on sneakers because they are so comfortable! But, every once in a while, you’ll catch me in some Nike or Adidas sneakers, too. (I just can’t turn the swag off). Pro-tip: Invest in a lot of no-show socks! They will save your outfit and your toes!

Riding Boots

I love riding boots, and they are so comfortable and chic! In the Winter season, you can usually catch me in a comfy dress, black leggings, and riding boots because it is the world’s easiest, lazy girl approved outfit! And if you’re not a riding boots girl, combat boots are cute, too! I have a black and a brown pair, and they get just as much wear as my riding boots. (See pics above for me in riding boots) Similar boots: 1, 2

Flats

Finally, I am at the end of my teacher fashion must-haves! The last item is a comfy, flat pair of shoes. I love the look of ballet flats, oxfords, and loafers, and they got with any professional outfit! If you want the comfort of a sneaker with the professionalism of a heel, invest in a nice-looking flat. They can literally be found everywhere! I like to buy basic colors like black, brown, and nude, but I also have a statement bright red pair that I love. As with anything in fashion, find what you like and stick to it!

I hope you enjoyed my list of teacher fashion must-haves. Are there any essentials you would add to the list? Leave them in the comments!