Are You Really Ready for the Classroom?
People always make a big fuss about what the students wear, but teachers are held to the same level of strict standards at school. Despite these protocols, not everyone knows what constitutes an “appropriate” outfit and which ones land them in hot water. Don’t worry, we’re here to revamp that closet and make you the most stylish one in class!
1. Wrap Dresses
First, let’s start with a few things you shouldn’t wear. Wrap dresses almost don’t seem that bad—they usually come with cleavage coverage, and some even go down past the knee. However, they’re far too tight for the classroom. Leave them for a night on the town instead!
2. Pencil Skirts
Pencil skirts are another typically classy item that seems okay on the surface. The thing is, they’re way too form-fitting; most districts outright ban the option, citing issues like fit, length, and movement restrictions.
3. Ripped Jeans
Jeans in the classroom? Absolutely. Ripped jeans, on the other hand? That’s a huge no-no. There’s nothing wrong with teachers dressing down, especially on hot days, but they’re held to a higher standard of professionalism, and ripped jeans are a little too casual.
4. Open-Toed Shoes
As you can imagine, flip flops and gladiator sandals are a big red flag. However, even simpler options like open-toed wedges can cause problems with school districts. Most of them require their teachers to wear closed-toed shoes only, so you might as well leave anything else at home.
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5. Sheer Fabrics
Dress codes strive for professionalism, and sheer fabrics aren’t really up to par. These fabrics could include anything from lace to thin material, but they should all be left in the closet. Basically, if you can see undergarments through it (or even a tank top), it doesn’t belong in the classroom.
6. Untucked Shirts
Believe it or not, some districts restrict untucked shirts! We know it sounds crazy, but take a fine-toothed comb to the dress code and ensure you don’t accidentally break protocol. Thankfully, not every district is this strict, but you never know.
7. Leggings
Leggings aren’t always the end of the world, so long as your sweater or shirt covers your backside. That said, people gripe enough about their public appearances, and the classroom is a dicey choice for them. They’re best kept under longer skirts or just in the closet!
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8. Tank Tops
Hot summer days deserve a little reprieve, but teachers are often bound by their district. While some don’t mind them, especially if they’re under sweaters, others have a real bone to pick with the choice. Check your dress code to prevent any violations.
9. Skirts Above the Knee
Teachers spend the entire day on their feet—they’re at the board, may need to bend over, and scurry through the class to help every student. That’s why it’s important to wear a professional skirt at an appropriate length! Anything above the knee could spell trouble.
10. Sleeveless Tops
Sleeveless tops are like untucked shirts: some districts have an issue, and others couldn’t care less. They’re far from the worst thing you could wear, but they could also land you in trouble with administrators. In most cases, it’s best to play it safe.
We know it’s hard to pick the perfect outfit, but we have a few options that just about any teacher can get away with! Let’s dive into some of the best pieces you can rock in the classroom.
1. Fitted Jeans
Remember how we said jeans were a good choice? That’s because they are! So long as you steer clear of obvious issues, like ripped fabrics or skin-tight denim, you can easily wear this to school. You can also dress them up with a nice button-down or keep things casual with a simple cardigan.
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2. Button-Up Shirt
Speaking of button-up shirts, anyone can strut their stuff in this classic piece. They’re pretty much the epitome of professionalism, and no teacher was ever chastised for wearing one. They pair well with slacks, khakis, or skirts as well!
3. Something That Shows Your Ink
Now, you want to be careful before displaying tattoos—some districts frown upon it. However, if you’ve been given the green light, rolled sleeves or short-sleeve sweaters can proudly show off that ink, which lets your personality shine.
4. Floral Maxi Skirts
A good rule of thumb is if you’re ever worried about your skirt’s length, leave it at home. Do you know what never causes any problems, though? Maxi skirts! They’re the cutest addition to the classroom and come in a variety of breathable fabrics that keep you comfy all year.
5. Trousers
Of course, trousers deserve a spot on this list! They fit within every dress code, allow for all sorts of movement, and complement any number of tops. You can stick with a sweater or cotton shirts in the fall, but the summer months could easily see short sleeves and more comfortable fabrics.
6. Cardigan
At the end of the day, you can’t go wrong with a good cardigan. They’re the perfect piece for nearly any outfit. Summer dress? You got it. A brisk fall day? They have your back. An appropriate choice for school dress codes? They nail it!
7. Loafers
There’s no way around it—loafers are a teacher’s best friend. Sure, they’re stylish, but they’re also one of the comfiest shoes on the planet, making them a terrific choice for anyone constantly on their feet. Oh, and they have the added bonus of fitting into any dress code.
8. Classic Black Blazer
Black blazers haven’t failed us yet, so why not welcome them into the classroom? They’re sleek and stylish and can actually be dressed down for a more casual look. We know it seems a little 1990s, but denim and a blazer pair surprisingly well together!
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9. Dress and Denim Jacket
If you’re really looking for something cute and casual, a dress and denim jacket duo can get you through the majority of the year. So long as you don’t have any plunging necklines or exposed shoulders, this classic pair looks great during the summer or when the autumnal chill hits the air.
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10. Sneakers
Not every teacher wants to roam the halls in loafers, and we get that! But everyone can get on board with a stylish set of sneaks. Depending on the color, you can pair them with anything from jeans to trousers—but they also let you show off any quirks with bold hues.
