If you were a teacher, what would be in your 'back to work capsule wardrobe'?

[ATruthUniversallyAcknowledged]

I'm going back to work in a few weeks and don't have any clothes

What would you buy if you had £100 to get you through the first few weeks? (Until my pay kicks in again!)

I'm a size 10ish. Average height. Dark hair. Pale skin. All black tends to wash me out, patterns tend to drown me (though I do keep trying with both!) My current new mum 'uniform' is leggings, casual dresses and country boots, but that's too casual for school.

Help? Please?

It depends how casual your school is, but at my school we can wear leggings with smartish tunics and boots (maybe with a small heel, not Uggs or the like).

I generally wear quite cheap stuff for school. Things like blouses and shell tops from Matalan eg. this and
cardigan&pageSize=20 this cardy I've practically worn with everything lately. Couple of pairs of black trousers or a simple knee length skirt with opaques. A nice scarf can smarten up any plain jersey top that you might have already. Good luck with the return to work.

Depends a bit what you are teaching and how smart your school is. My basic 'uniform' is a plain dress ( grey, navy etc, mine are from Hobbs but I know that's too pricey) slightly above knee, highish neck, short sleeves. Then I have a range of brightly coloured cardigans. I think getting clothes for school is a total nightmare because so many normal officey clothes are just a little bit too low cut. Good luck!

Oooh, I love that cardigan

I can get away with leggings, but probably not the super comfy boots I've been wearing recently. I think I used to border on 'too casual' but am hoping for a promotion when I go back so am keen to be a bit smarter. 'Dress for the job you want' and all that...

X-Posts. Thanks Beatrice. I'm currently scouring eBay for Boden so I'll add Hobbs to my list.

bargain dress £15

anoher bargain dress £10

knitted dress £10

cute jumper £10

cardi for throwing over tops £10

smart taupe trousers £20

navy top £15

large bag for all your books £12

Im £2 over, but worth it for a few bargains

That was fun! Oh, and I was working on a smarter wardrobe needed.

OOh, thanks AdventCandle - I luuuuurve the purple dress (2nd one) I'm worried it may be a bit short for school, but may get it anyway. Those trousers are exactly what I've just been trawling the internet for and the navy top and grey cardi are On The List

And you've introduced me to the Dotty Perkins website

I love Dotty Ps at the moment, especially their dresses. I have to wear a uniform at work, so was nice to do the 'if I were to have a capsule wardrobe what would it be'

I don't do dresses so can't help you there.
My key would be to look at colours and do a wardrobe rather than odds and sods.
Trousers that fit and flatter (that's a big deal in itself) with a BELT of OT has hooks. And a nice belt !! I wear with suede ankle boots.
Depending on vagaries of classroom heating (you are secondary ?) some shirts and ? Maybe tank tops or wide neck sweaters of you like the mannish look or blouses. I think collared topsare professional. And practical.
Also some crew neck cardigans with vests layered (good for busts) and good for warm rooms if you put a smart t shirt under.
I like the Zara pencil skirts a lot. Wear with stacked block heels and opaque.
Wear colour. Pupils like it. Abd accessories.

It depends what age group you teach. I tend to wear things that paint can easily wash off, jumper dresses are easy and comfortable. Thick tights and flat boots are very useful. I also prefer to wear things that are easy to move around in and sit on the floor in. A variety of coloured jumpers and cardis (cheap ones from H&M, Zara and Uniqlo) are handy to have over vest tops, so you can un-layer if you get too hot. I find I'm usually too cold though and find woollen shawls very useful. Don't forget something warm for when you're on playground duty (if you are primary). Good luck!

I teach secondary - English and drama (so I'm allowed to be a bit wacky as the head assumes all 'artists' are bonkers )

I'd forgotten the essentials of layering. Am hoping to get out of 'duty' for the first term as I'll be BFing so need to express at break and lunch (that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!)