Primary teachers, what do you wear?

[NewTeacher2026]

Hi, I am starting my teacher training placement and need some new clothes. The dress code is no trainers, no open toe, no jeans, no leggings (unless to mimic tights) and the usual can’t see up, down or through it. It is not expected to be business wear with a blazer either so something in between. I’ve been told there’ll be one break duty each week.

I have lots of black tube type skirts, but I am looking for more ideas. Pockets would be a bonus, but I am not a fan of the Popsy ones.

Size 12-14, blonde, mid 30s.

Also poor 🤣

Primary Teacher here. I’d say that black tube skirts are not really practical in Primary Schools, you’re doing a lot of bending/kneeling down/sitting in floor at times. I (and most of my colleagues) tend to wear long dresses with boots, shorter dresses with leggings under or smart (but stretchy) black/navy trousers with a nice top. Cardigans and jumpers are a must as it’s better to layer up as classrooms can be cold at this time of year. You’ll need comfy shoes/boots and I wouldn’t recommend much heel. Invest in a good thick, but waterproof, coat with gloves/scarf as playground duty can be chilly at this time of year.

Yep, as @LadyPenelope68 says.

Ours wear, dresses with thick tights/leggings and boots. Or trousers.

Cardies for cold classrooms/playground. Boots need to be flat so you can dash onto the grass/ field if need be. Warm, waterproof coat.

What a shame your school doesn’t allow trainers-I think a lot of schools have moved on in this respect and smart trainers are ok. I wear wide leg trousers, tops and cardigans, or other knitwear. I also wear skirts, with midi, or not too short mini, with opaque tights and Chelsea boots or black chunky lace ups, with similar tops. Or dresses layered with knits. I do wear black denim wide leg jeans too-but my school is fairly relaxed.

Stretchy black trousers, comfy tunic tops, cardigans, flat shoes/ boots is the basic uniform. A warm, waterproof coat.

What kind of dresses? I see some I like but they’re either too low or look a little dressy for school. It is the balance I struggling with.

So no to the skirts, I do have 2 pairs of wide leg trousers.

Which shops would you recommend?

Is your placement primary or secondary?

Have a look on ASOS. I have a couple of cord skirts from Oliver Bonas. M&S wide leg trousers are good. And get some comfortable boots for the next few months and next year x

Why not have a look at charity shops until you know what you like that is within the dress code at your school

Primary @Bigearringsbigsmile

Thanks everyone. I’ll have a look online now, charity shops locally aren’t great, but there’s some decent ones further out so I’ll try and make a trip in the next week or so.

I like this style of dress. It comes in lots of different colours and patterns, it’s got small pockets and it’s very often on sale at a good price. Washes well and doesn’t need ironing if you hang it up straight out of the washing machine https://www.weirdfish.co.uk/p/sale/womens/i/markle-organic-cotton-printed-sparkle-jersey-dress-forest-night-203644?fromsalecategory=true