It’s back to school time! Today is the first day of school & I thought it’d be fun to do a post for the teachers. In all the prepping for classes, checking roles, & getting your own kids ready, teachers forget to take care of the most important thing – themselves! My goal when I head out the door is to be comfortable, confident, & feel fabulous. It can be tough to figure out an outfit that meets those requirements sometimes. Especially since every time I look up “back to school” or “fall fashion” I see mostly things geared towards the 30 & under female crowd . Now, I’m sure there are some teachers out there that fall in that age group & I’m not leaving y’all out. There will be tips on back to school fashion for teachers of all ages, as you will see! Maybe you’ll even find things you can use beyond the classroom. ; )
P.S. I’m not a fashion blogger, in case you didn’t know! ; D
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What is Fashion to Me
I’ve always had sort of eclectic tastes when it comes to anything, including fashion. I don’t follow trends & I don’t dress to please anyone but myself. For me, fashion is about figuring out what makes you feel confident when you leave the house. It’s not the same for everyone – nothing ever is! I’ll be 40 this year & I feel I’m just now figuring out who I am & how I want to dress.
Here are my personal requirements for school {& beyond} wardrobe pieces:
- Tops ~ The main thing I think about when I look at tops is “am I covered?”. I work with teenagers {mostly boys} so I don’t want to be bending over helping out & exposing myself. Not appropriate! Something that can be layered when it cools off is always a plus!
- Bottoms ~ Whether I’m sitting or standing, my bottoms have to move with me. Anything that makes me feel like I need to undo a button when I sit down is out. That being said, I don’t want to look like I’m wearing pajamas either!
- Shoes ~ Comfort is key! I don’t care how cute a shoe is, if it pinches or rubs every time I walk in it I’m not dealing with it. There are plenty of options out there that are cute, comfortable, & stylish.
- Bags ~ Number 1, it’s gotta hold all of my essentials. I’m not one to swap bags out with every outfit change, so I need something that’s versatile.
- Foundation garments ~ While I’m not making any suggestions here, I feel the need to say these are very important! Buy things that fit, are comfortable {no wedgies please!}, & don’t show through your clothes. Like the foundation of a house – if it doesn’t start off right, everything else will fail!
The Looks
Now, I’ll show you some outfits I would personally wear & tell you what I love about them. Just remember, these are outfit “ideas” to help you get started. Adding your own flare is what makes an outfit unique.
The Basics
These pieces go together & will work with other pieces easily.
LIZ CLAIBORNE Liz Claiborne Cap-Sleeve Popover Shirt • Liz Claiborne • $17.99~ A floaty top with a simple print is great for work days or date night. It goes with dress pants, jeans, or a skirt.
Women’s Bp. Bar Charm Necklace • BP • $14 ~ This necklace has a simple design that is on trend, but not so trendy that it will look outdated eventually.
LIZ CLAIBORNE Liz Claiborne Paula Peep-Toe Wedge Pumps • Liz Claiborne • $60 ~ I find wedges to be more comfortable than high heels. The nude color will pair well with many outfits.
Lee Platinum Madelyn Straight-Leg Trousers • $27.99 ~ A classic, straight leg trouser will be something you can use for many years & use for many outfits. This one comes in many finishes & colors as well. {$56 currently}
Casual Style
I like these pieces because they are casual in nature, but the materials and finishes take them up a notch.
ModCloth Peeps Me On My Toes Flat in 8.5 • $19.99 ~ These sandals look so comfy! I really like the gold as a neutral instead of just black, brown, or white.
Fragments Multi-Strand Cord Statement Necklace, Brown • Fragments for Neiman Marcus • $24.50 ~ A multi-strand necklace in metal tones gives basics pep.
BUFFALO JEANS Buffalo Jeans Short Sleeve Foil Tee • Buffalo David Bitton • $24.99 ~ Nothing like wearing a comfy tee to work!
A.N.A a.n.a Maxi Skirt • $16.99 ~ I really love this skirt! It was only available in an XS last time I looked, so if that’s your size, yay you! Here’s a link to a similar skirt in more sizes & colors {the first skirt was the only one that would let me show the blue color!} ~> White Mark Elastic Waist Maxi Skirt
Dressed Up Color
A dress is always a versatile thing to have your wardrobe. I know some of you are looking at this outfit & squirming in your seats! That cardi is probably a bit too busy for some, but I love the pairing of it with a simple polka dot dress. The shoes & bracelet are in colors pulled from the cardi.
Isaac Mizrahi Live! Garden Bouquet Floral Printed Cardigan • $49.68 ~ Y’all I love the colorful print of this cardi! Try pairing it with neutrals if the polka dots are too scary.
Fresh Expressions Double Wrap Bracelet • $10 ~ More cute & comfy shoes!
Aerosoles Cupcake Suede Wedge Heel Sandals • Aerosoles • $69.99 ~ This bracelet would work well with many outfits & give a little punch of color.
Charter Club Printed Fit & Flare Dress, Created for Macy’s • Charter Club • $44.99 ~ This dress comes in a bunch of patterns, but only some are on sale, so don’t miss out!
Comfortable Style
This outfit will keep you comfortable while still being stylish.
Eva Mendes Collection – Clara Palazzo Pant • New York & Co. • $48.96 ~ I call these “secret pajama pants”!
Neiman Marcus Sabina Lizard-Print Flat, Navy • Neiman Marcus • $49.50 ~ Flats make up most of my shoe collection because they are easy to slip on & off.
Women’s Bp. Bar & Crystal Lariat Necklace • BP • $11.98 ~ A little touch of bohemian style.
Women’s Pleione Ruffled Peplum Back Top • Pleione • $29.90 ~ I like that this has a peplum back to go over my behind! It’s also not so flared that it competes with the palazzo pants.
In the Bag
I don’t change my bag with every outfit – that’s too much trouble for me! There are several bags in my closet, but they just rotate with the seasons usually. These bags are neutral enough to go with lots of outfits. I had to throw in one with a little more color!
LIZ CLAIBORNE Liz Claiborne Trio-4 Poster Shoulder Bag • Liz Claiborne • $45
Mondani Loren Large Bright Tote Bag • Mondani • $58.80
ModCloth Tasks All Over Town Bag in Teal • $64.99
LIZ CLAIBORNE Liz Claiborne Tara Hobo Bag • Liz Claiborne • $45
My First Day Back Outfit
This is what I wore today for my first day back. Be kind, because it’s the end of a long day! You can see links to similar items below. I made the pants myself & you can find out more in this post.
Women’s Really Leopard Flat -Leopard • Dr. Scholl’s •
Dries Van Noten Open Front Short Sleeve Cardigan • Dries Van Noten •
WORTHINGTON Worthington Georgette Tank Top •
Actually, I Can Disc Tribe Necklace ~ To remind me that I can do this!
Take a look at my Fashion ~ Outfits Pinterest board for more inspiration. Want to make your own wardrobe? Check out my “Sewing ~ Adult Patterns” board for all the patterns I hope to make one day {gulp!}.
Fashion Inspiration
Just remember, TRY IT ON! Nothing looks the same on you as it does on a hanger or mannequin! If something catches your eye, you loose nothing really by trying it out. Also, stop looking at the sizes so much! My size is different in different brands & patterns. I’m not going to let that stop me from wearing something that I feel fabulous in & neither should you! Check out these actual fashion bloggers for more inspiration!
Outfit Posts – great resource for outfit inspiration
50 IS NOT OLD ~ Love her tag line “Age is an attitude, keep yours young”
Accidental Icon ~ 63 year old fashion blogger
Iris Apfel ~ Some of my favorite quotes from this 96 year old fashion icon~>
“When you don’t dress like everyone else, you don’t have to think like everyone else.”
“I don’t see anything so wrong with a wrinkle. It’s kind of a badge of courage.”
Okay, I think that’s more than enough for today, so y’all have a great weekend!
