The Teacher Dress Code: A Guide for all Seasons

Teacher dress code example
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Picking the right outfit for work when you’re a teacher can be a very tricky task: you don’t want to look too formal or overly casual, and you definitely don’t want to look boring, either!

And that’s where we come in.

Whether you’re an experienced educator or you’re just taking your first steps into the world of work, we’ve compiled a quick guide to help you put the perfect ensemble together. From tips to outfit recommendations for all the seasons, we’ll help you nail your school’s teacher dress code as stylishly as possible.

Women

Spring / Summer

Summer and spring outfit recommendations for female teachersImages via (from left to right) Everyday Ellis, Daily Mail Online, Refinery29 and Style Bee

1. Kindergarten

As a kindergarten teacher, you’ll need something practical to wear as you’ll be running after young children all day and getting yourself stuck into messy arts and crafts – you might even end up with a little accident on you! The perfect solution? A pair of decent-length jean shorts and a casual T-shirt coupled with a pair of a Vans or Converse!

2. Primary School

Your style doesn’t need to be dull or boring. Instead, consider wearing a colour-blocking outfit and some statement jewellery to make the colours truly pop, while keeping it classy and professional.

3. High School

When you’re working with teenagers, you need to make sure your outfit is practical and non-revealing. Wear well-fitted trousers, paired with sandals, to keep your outfit on the casual side.

4. College / University

As a college or university professor, you want to make sure that you don’t blend in with the students, so opting for more formal attire is the best way to go. A stylish auburn maxi skirt and short-sleeved shirt are ideal for the spring or summer.

Autumn / Winter

Autumn and winter outfit recommendations for womenAll images via Pinterest

1. Kindergarten

Although jeans are unsuitable for most professions, you should consider yourself lucky if you’re a kindergarten teacher, because a pair of stretchy jeans is your new best friend. You can move around comfortably and won’t have to worry about bending over or sitting on the floor!

2. Primary School

For primary school, you can still wear jeans – just make sure they’re a darker colour so they look more professional. You can pair them with a comfortable jumper and a trendy set of ankle boots.

3. High School

As a high school teacher, you’ll want to keep your outfit simple and chic. So, opt for patterned trousers, a simple T-shirt and a pair of neutral (and, above everything else, comfortable) heels – you don’t want to be caught tripping up in the hallways, after all!

College / University

Pencil skirts are a timeless piece of fashion. No matter what year or trend we’re following, they will always creep up in one form or other. As a lecturer, choose a simple pencil skirt with a shirt underneath a jumper for an elegant look.

Men

Spring / Summer

Summer and spring outfit recommendations for male teachersAll images via YouTube

1. Kindergarten

As you work in a casual environment, you’ll be grateful that you can wear a pair of chino shorts on a hot summer’s day. Keep the overall outfit smart by matching your shorts with a plain polo T-shirt.

2. Primary School

As a primary school teacher, you’ll be required to move around and will need clothes that are flexible. For this occasion, match a polo top with your favourite pair of chino trousers and suede boots or loafers.

3. High School

In high school, you’ll want to ‘be down with the kids’ so to speak, so you’ll need a professional yet edgy outfit. By adding a pair of Converse shoes and a smart backpack, you’ll be sure to grasp both the smart but cool look.

3. College / University

Working with young adults will require a more polished look. By wearing dark-coloured chinos, a chequered shirt and a pair of Oxford shoes, you’ll nail this trend effortlessly!

Autumn / Winter

Autumn and winter outfit recommendations for male teachersAll images via Pinterest

1. Kindergarten

Unless you’re a PE teacher, joggers usually wouldn’t be acceptable for work gear. But if you want to be comfy, the fabric of most jogging bottoms can be paired with a gilet and a casual crewneck jumper.

2. Primary School

For primary school, a dark pair of jeans is acceptable. To bring a bit of colour to your outfit, choose a block-coloured jumper, like mustard or maroon.

3. High School

As a high school teacher, you can still keep your outfit casual. Choose a cord jumper, paired with jeans or chinos and a comfy set of ankle boots.

4. College / University

For a more professional environment, ditch the jeans and choose a smarter pair of trousers. Pair with a tie and jacket for a smarter and polished look.

Top Tips

  • Chose items that are easy to wear: Don’t select fabrics that crease easily or need dry cleaning. Instead, look for cotton, polyester and nylon that lean on the wrinkle-resistant side.
  • Find your wardrobe staples: With a few key pieces, you’ll be set for the entire season – mixing and matching with different accessories, shoes and blouses. For example, if you have a style of trousers that suit you, buy them in a few different colours and use them to coordinate your outfits.
  • Build your own uniform: As a teacher, you won’t necessarily need to wear a uniform, but you could put a few outfits together that you can alternate throughout the weeks.
  • Organise your outfit from the night before: You’ve probably heard this a hundred times before but arranging your clothes from the night before will save you heaps of time and effort in the morning.
  • Wear breathable fabrics: Working as a university lecturer can be highly stressful, especially when you’re dealing with rowdy young adults. To make sure you avoid making a serious fashion faux pas, wear breathable fabrics that won’t show any sweat patches or other mishaps that can occur throughout the day.

Things to Avoid

  • Too much makeup: When choosing your work makeup for school setting, think soft glam and natural tones, something that makes your face appear fresh and brightened without looking overdone. You want to look like you’ve had a good night’s sleep instead of partying on the town all night long!
  • Uncomfortable shoes: Comfort is key when you’re dealing with infants, children or teenagers. You should be able to move around the room and hallways at ease without worrying about tripping over or breaking a heel.
  • Over-accessorising: Simplicity is also key when it comes to your jewellery for work – don’t wear any distracting or overpowering items that could become more of a hazard than a fashion statement.
  • Ill-fitting clothes: Your workwear needs to be well-fitting; if an item is too tight or too loose, don’t wear it. You should also be cautious of see-through items and sheer blouses – if in doubt, save it for the weekend and go for a safer option for work, instead.

Dressing professionally leads to credibility with your colleagues, students and admin. To help you gain that respect and not cross the line, follow the tips and outfit choices mentioned above.

What’s your go-to work outfit? Join in on the conversation below and let us know!

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