Elegant Outfits ideas for Teachers – Whenever people think of teachers the first image that comes to mind is the formal suit, and hair scraped back, but with summer coming in nicely it is time to tone down the formality and go casual. But what attire should teachers wear? How to dress like a teacher. How do you do makeup suitable for a teacher? And what accessories can you wear? Outfit Trends has this post to educate on these matters.
You can, of course, be a teacher and yet follow the latest trends for an age-appropriate look. Whether you are at the public or private school system and whether you’re teaching younger or adult students, your appearance can have a significant effect on how you are perceived. Wearing an outfit in an intelligent way with confidence will surely get you more respect and attention from both the students and adults. We have a complete guide that will help you become more aware of the many choices you have to dress up as a compelling teacher.
What Should Teachers Wear?
Have a look at the following tips for great styling options:
- Get out of the safe pencil skirt and cardigan combination and instead go for other unique options.
- Don’t wear the same colored blazer and pants all the time instead go with contrasts.
- Take care of the dress codes and don’t show off more skin than necessary.
- Keep comfortable footwear option and avoid stilettos because they can strain your legs in the long run.
- Go with bright accessories like a vibrant scarf or statement necklace.
If you don’t have time to go through the entire article, here’s a quick summary of all the ideas for you:
Where to shop for teaching outfits?
As you go through our list of outfits, you’ll find that most of these products at easily available at the usual brands that you shop at. But if you’re looking for something unique that is completely role-oriented, I highly recommend checking out breezybilingual and trendyteacherz. Both of these websites sell some amazing tees that are all about the love of teaching.
Available here for $25
Available here for $9.99
↓ 20. Casual Blue and Brown Ensemble
Teachers are the role models for their students, and that is a powerful reason why a teacher must always dress elegantly without looking out of sorts. This outfit look is perfect for the teacher who wants to look more inspirational. All you will need is a knee length dress, or you can also turn any knee-length shirt into a knee-length dress just by adding a belt. Choose soft fabrics that won’t stifle you like a chambray or cotton dress. On this dress, layer up by wearing a long kimono and matching shoes and a bag. To follow the latest trend, check out these fabulous Ways to Wear Halter Outfits Everyday.
↓ 19. Bold Retro Look
Being a teacher does not mean that you can not wear bold colors. You have the open choice to wear bold and exciting colors to keep your students engaged in the classroom. Go for neons or turquoise c0lor for more fun in your outfit. The best way to go about this is by mixing retro prints in subtle shades and brightly colored structured blazers or skirts. To bring the whole look together, go with white or beige footwear so that it could bring out the vibrant colors of your outfit in a perfect manner.
↓ 18. Teacher Outfit For Winters
This outfit is ideal for teachers as it has a variety of colors so one can easily pair it up with different contrasting things. In this outfit look, you don’t have to keep the colors in one tone, and you can wander away according to your imagination. Go for a green knee length skirt, white shirt with black polka dots on it and bring everything together by wearing a short black coat. Another great option is to go for a plain outfit or tee and wear it with skinny jeans and a printed blazer. Printed blazers look really chic when worn by teachers so do have a look at What to Wear with Printed Blazer?
Get the Look here:
↓ 17. Pink Flared Top and White Trousers
Flared or peplum tops look so gorgeous on mature women as they add a stylish twist to even the most simple or plain looking outfit. They give the look of a short but elegant dress. You can pair your favorite flared top with plain colored trousers. For example, if you love pastel colors, then you can wear a light pink flared top with white pants and add some cool looking white and pink jewelry. As for bags and shoes, you can keep them in nude shades.
Shop the Look:
↓ 16. Denim and Stripes Outfit
Knee length skirts are the best option available for teachers out there. There are so many different patterns and styles that you can opt for while going for these skirts. The best part about it is that you can wear anything with them. It can be a matching top or a contrasting top. You can go for black and white striped knee length skirt and match it with a denim jacket or even a plain white top. Don’t forget a black Parada purse. You can choose to wear animal print pumps with this outfit to tie the whole look together.
Shop the Look:
↓ 15. Casual Summer Skinnies Idea
You don’t have to wear knee length skirts all year round just because you are a teacher. It is always a good idea to bring some change in your everyday dressing. For a more casual look to school, you can wear a pair of skinny jeans in different shades with your favorite elegant top and match it up with a piece of contrasting jewelry like a statement necklace or broach. Take a look at this woman rocking this look with cute wedges that look super cool for the season and are comfortable enough to move around efficiently. Remember that how you dress doesn’t just help in making an impression, but it also affects your personality and behavior, as elaborated in our earlier post on The Psychology of Dressing Well.
↓ 14. Light Outfit Style Idea with Boat Shoes
For days where you don’t want to make much fuss about your dressing or feel that you don’t have the time, it is a great idea to already have some basic combinations planned ahead. We all know that light shades of different tunic can look best with white pants. Always have a white or black purse ready to go along with your outfit. You can opt for a very chic nautical theme by pair a blue and white outfit with white or blue denim boat shoes that are comfortable and easy to style. Select some minimalistic silver jewelry and pick up your shades. You are all ready to move in a matter of minutes!
↓ 13. Subtle Pink Outfit Ideas
Pink is an ultra-feminine shade and you can never escape from it. However, for the teachers who are not such fans of pink, you can go for alternative shades on the same spectrum like blush or peach. Contrast your pink ruffled collar shirt with khaki or grey pants and casual pumps in similar colors. Opt for high waisted style belts and pair your look with pear drop or heart-shaped earrings.
↓ 12. Flowing Pleated Skirt Ideas
Are you tired of those similar-looking skirts which seemed particularly designed for a boring look? So, how can you beat that? Well, we have pleated midi skirts outfit to rescue you. Not only is the length suitable for a teacher’s dress code but the style of pleats has a very flattering movement that lends you an air of elegance and sophistication. So, how to wear pleated skirts? Well, if you have a dark shade pleated skirt, opt for a plain white tee, while pastel and light shade skirts would go well with powder blue or light grey tees. The pleated skirt will not be able to show its true magic without high heels so you should definitely opt for wedges or stiletto, whichever you are comfortable with. Here are some more of my favorite Pleated Skirt Outfits.
↓ 11. Summer Dress Outfit with Accessories
Are you in trouble with your choice of summer accessories? Wondering which colors will go with most of your outfits? The honest and subtle shades of brown have your back. With brown and beige colored hats, belts and shoes, you have got it all figured out. Other than that, go for striking shades of jewelry like bright blue, purple and emerald which can uplift even the dullest outfit. Keep some minimalistic golden necklace and bracelets with you to pair up with different outfits.
↓ 10. Ideal Dress for University Teacher
Are polka dot tops too cliche for you? Well, this polka dot craze has spread like crazy, and it might not be everyone cup of tea. However, you can pair up a polka dot shirt in amazing ways to ditch the current retro trend craze. Go with a bright shade cardigan or blazer with a beige skirt and you will have successfully left behind any traces of going retro. Double shaded pumps would be a great fit for this ensemble.
↓ 9. Polka Dot Top with Skinny Jeans
Another option available for skinny jeans lovers is to pair your skinny jeans with a loose top. You should then tuck the top inside your jeans for a funky look. For example, you can go with pastel pink skinny jeans, along with a loose white shirt with black polka dots on it. Here are some more amazing Outfits with Jeans.
Do wear matching accessories with this outfit look to enhance its beauty.
↓ 8. Perfect Outfit for School teacher
↓ 7. Summer Outfit Idea for Teacher
↓ 6. Plus Size teacher Dressing Combo
To school, you can wear a knee length skirt and a long sweater and wedges. Flared frocks are also a great choice, and you can opt for loose-fitting high-waisted trousers with tops.
↓ 5. Outfit with Long Boots – Cute Professor Dressing style
Long boots are a great choice if you are tired of all the flat shoe styles. You can pair them up with your colored jeans and an embroidered or lace shirt for an effortlessly chic teacher look. Add in a green necklace to the outfit and a colorful scarf if you are a kindergarten teacher.
↓ 4. Spring Outfit Combo
The accessories and color combination makes this outfit a great choice for any functions you organize in your school for spring. You can also ditch the necklace and instead replace it with a vibrant scarf to celebrate this special season.
Shop the Look:
↓ 3. Accessories for Teachers
Accessories, depending on what you teach, are great for adding a bit more bling to your outfit. As with make-up, though, it should ideally be kept to a minimum and not overwhelming. Too much jewelry with an already exciting outfit can destroy the look you are trying to achieve. Instead, choose colors that suit you and keep it simple. If you are more of a silver than a gold person then choose an elegant bracelet and a small necklace. If you are more gold then go for gold earrings as this will add color at the top and not clash with your outfit.
↓ 2. Make-Up and Hair Ideas for Teachers
Because of the nature of the job, a teacher’s make-up and hair must look appealing but also subtle. Too much make-up is never a good look for a teacher so keep shades toned down or even neutral. Pale pinks, bronze or peach are all great shades when it comes to eyeshadow as well as lips.
However, there is no harm in going for burgundy or red shades of lipsticks for special occasions by keeping the eyeshades and the blush on a softer side to complement the look.
Always keep a great face powder to even out any creases or sweat marks. With it being summer, hair can be left down to add a casual feel, or simple buns or ponytails are acceptable. You can also get away with plaits or braids if done properly.
Joyelle Zealous, a New York based ESL teacher shows us some fabulous accessories of her that she chose to wear for Black History Month at her school:
Here are some more fabulous classroom outfits of Joyelle and I’m loving her use of the striped blazer and hoop earrings – perfect accessories for teachers aren’t they?
↓ 1. Ideal Footwear for Teachers
High heels are for the formal businesswoman and so not great for teachers. Especially as this job requires a lot of time being on your feet, go for more small heels or flats. Boat shoes, loafers or ankle boots are all acceptable footwear ideas for this particular job and you must bear in mind that you are looked up to by younger generations. T-Bar pumps, caged heels, and sandals are more nighttime footwear so do not choose these.
Avid reader and Fashionista. London Based freelance lifestyle editor
Thank you so much for this advice I really appreciate your service. I’ve been stuck with how to dress up especially with the weight I’ve gained. Please keep on sharing.
Thank you for your kind words.
Best regards,
Team Outfit Trends.
Thank you for these great ideas… I want to build a capsule wardrobe but just didn’t know how to get started!
This really helped.
We’re so glad that we were of help in building your capsule wardrobe. Do share your experience once the wardrobe is ready.
Best regards,
Team OutfitTrends
Although this post is dedicated for the teachers how they define themselves in schools and colleges, everyone should also keep an eye on these awesome ideas for formal dresses.
Helpful post indeed!!!!!
Thank you for your kind words.
Best regards,
Team Outfit Trends.
Real teachers rarely wear heels and do not pay over $300 for a skirt…js
Thanks for your feedback. We tried to include outfits for every budget. Even if a particular item seems unreasonably priced, one can always take inspiration and shop for similar-looking products within their budget.
Best Regards,
Team OutfitTrends.
Twenty outfits and not one Black teacher. Do you think we do not teach? Represention matters.
Most teachers are not allowed to wear jeans.
Some teachers are not allowed to wear jeans. I wouldn’t generalize and say most. Perhaps most you know?
High heels and short skirts ??
Actually I have taught in 4 different states over the past 10 years. In all of them jeans were not considered appropriate unless it was a school spirit day, which requires that you wear them with the school assign shirt. As a rule, most school systems have a policy about leggings and jeans (no matter the color . Both are considered casual wear.
It’s a start, but some older and more diverse teacher models would be helpful too…
Thank you for your feedback, we will try to update the article accordingly.
Best regards,
Team Outfit Trends.
Where are the black teachers? We are teachers, too!
Thank you for your feedback, we will try to update the article accordingly.
Best regards,
Team Outfit Trends.