Students often pull teachers in so many different directions each day. Between creating lesson plans, educating your students, and grading homework, you have a lot on your plate. You don’t want to feel uncomfortable or constricted during the school day. Instead, you want to be able to freely move around and interact with your students.
Luckily, you can fill your closet with items that work wonderfully inside and outside the classroom. Plus, you don’t need to break the bank to create outfits you love and feel confident in. Continue reading to discover the ultimate teacher wardrobe checklist on a budget.
Satin Blouse
It’s a good idea to have a satin blouse in your closet due to its elegance and versatility. Satin is a bit dressier than a regular button-down top, but it doesn’t feel overly stuffy. Plus, you can wear a blouse with almost any type of bottom, including jeans, black pants, or a skirt.
For a more polished look, tuck the blouse into your pants or skirt and add a blazer or lady jacket. You can also achieve a more casual look by wearing the blouse untucked with a pair of high-waisted denim. A satin blouse is a great transition piece for teachers who want to wear their clothing in multiple ways.
White Button-down
A white button-down will be a workhorse in your wardrobe. If you like classic, crisp styling, this kind of top is essential. A button-down looks great on its own, but it’s also a perfect layering piece for chillier days. Throw on a cardigan or blazer to create a cohesive look that’s not restrictive.
You can wear a white button-down with so many different types of bottoms. If you want to look more business casual, wear a sleek pair of black slacks that skim your ankles to showcase your shoes. For a casual ensemble, pair your button-down with your favorite pair of jeans and a lightweight knit cardigan.
Sweater Blazer
If you’re frequently cold inside your classroom, a sweater blazer is a great way to stay warm and look polished. As the name suggests, a sweater blazer looks like a blazer but has the warmth and thickness of a sweater. The tailoring of a sweater blazer helps you look more sophisticated than if you had thrown on an oversized sweater.
Like most tops in this capsule wardrobe, you can wear several types of bottoms with a sweater blazer. Consider sticking with tighter-fitting jeans or slacks instead of a flowy skirt. Since a sweater blazer can be drapey or slightly bulky, you don’t want to overwhelm your frame with too many voluminous pieces.
Crewneck Sweater
The ultimate teacher wardrobe checklist on a budget wouldn’t be complete without including a classic crewneck sweater. Depending on the thickness of the fabric, you can comfortably wear a crewneck year-round. Lightweight sweaters are also easy to layer under a denim jacket, cardigan, or blazer.
Since crewneck sweaters come in so many different fabrics, colors, and patterns, you can easily find one (or more) to add to your wardrobe. For maximum versatility, you’ll want to purchase crewnecks in varying weights. You can wear a thicker sweater on its own during fall and winter, while a lighter option is ideal for milder temperatures. Plus, if you choose sweaters in neutral colors, you’ll be able to easily pair them with other items in your closet.
Denim Jacket
Is your classroom always freezing? If so, a denim jacket can be a lifesaver. For casual Fridays, you can’t beat the effortlessly cool vibe of a denim jacket paired with your favorite T-shirt and slim pair of pants. To showcase your jewelry, be sure to roll the cuffs of your jacket.
During the summer months, it’s nice to be able to throw on a denim jacket with a maxi skirt or maxi dress for additional coverage. The lighter fabric of your skirt or dress mixed with structured denim creates an interesting juxtaposition. If you prefer to wear pants, consider a pair of black jeans or wide-leg pants. Blue denim can also work with a denim jacket, or you can choose different washes to avoid looking too monochromatic.
Maxi Dress
You may strictly think of summer when you think of a maxi dress, but with the right styling, you can make it work all year long. If you choose a dress in a neutral print or solid color, it can look appropriate regardless of the season.
During the warm weather months, you can pair your dress with sandals or mules. If it gets chilly inside your classroom, add a denim jacket. During the colder months of the year, a maxi dress works well with booties and a jacket or sweater. In fact, when you add a sweater over your dress, it instantly becomes a maxi skirt.
Sneakers
Since you’re on your feet a lot as a teacher, you need to have a supportive and stylish pair of sneakers for casual days. You’ll want to steer clear of athletic sneakers or shoes you would wear to the gym. Instead, look for a pair that features neutral colors and can work well with a variety of outfits.
Of course, sneakers look great paired with a classic pair of jeans, but they can also work with skirts or dresses. For days when you’re constantly walking around your classroom or supervising recess, you’ll be glad you have comfortable and cute footwear.
Neutral Flats
Speaking of footwear, you can mix and match neutral flats to add the perfect finishing touch to so many different outfits. Plus, it’s easier to walk and stand for a long time in a flat shoe as opposed to a heel.
Flats come in several styles, including mules and ballet flats, so try out a few different pairs to find your favorite fit. Keep in mind that mules have an open back, so they might not be appropriate for all weather conditions. However, if you live in a warm climate, mules are a great way to keep your feet cool.
When choosing the best footwear for your wardrobe, consider neutral colors that you can easily match with your wardrobe. You can’t go wrong with black or tan, but leopard is another unexpected option that pairs well with most colors.
At Tees2UrDoor, we offer personalized teacher T-shirts perfect for showing off your school spirit on a casual day. Regardless of your style, you can easily find a fun shirt that you’ll love to add to your professional wardrobe. As an educator, you deserve to stand out. One of our fun and comfortable designs will help you do just that!
