Complete New Wardrobe

[ParryMoppins]

Hello everyone,

I need your help with my outfit!

I am at university just now and a complete sneaker/flats and jeans and t-shirt sort of person. I do like to dress up nicely but every day I am just happy if I can wear something comfy.

I am 24 and about to graduate, and am starting a GTP (teacher training) this summer. I am going to be a primary school teacher and basically need to get myself a complete new wardrobe.

I worked as a nanny before and wore my normal stuff for that. I bought one suit for the interview and got one sort of office dress.

It has to be smart but comfortable so I can bend down, be quick around the classroom etc. Obviously no really short skirts or deep cleavage.

I had a bit of a look around but I am not completely sure what to get. I guess I should start with some basics that I can combine in several ways so I don't have to buy too much before my first pay check arrives...

I am just a bit lost to be honest, I am used to buying a few nice pieces but to completely 'reinvent' myself-I could do with some help with that.

I am a pear shape with a medium top and a large (or x-large bottom). Maybe a 14/16 in trousers. I am trying to lose some weight at the moment but I have always been that shape. So I like things to be quite flattering around the bum and thighs, for example A-line skirts.

What are the basics I will need? A few pairs of flats (I can't do heels), skirts, blouses...? What would you like your children'r primary school teacher to wear? Where would I look?
Can I wear dresses or skirts with floral prints? I think suits might be over the top, I thought more of something more colourful?

Oh and it would be best if I wouldn't have to dry clean everything, I will have to wash the things myself (and a lot) with all the painting, sitting on the floor and so on going on.

I know I got a lot of questions but I would be very grateful for any help you could give me!

Younger teachers at my kids school often wear tailored trousers and a nice blouse type top or maybe a printed tea dress with a cardi, opaque tights and flat shoes. As long as its not too restrictive or the dress too short you will be fine.

If you are a pear, Id try the tea dresses as they tend to have a little volume on the bottom half or stick with darker trousers and maybe a brighter or printed blouse on top to draw the eye up. Maybe get 2 dresses, 2 cardis, 2 pairs of trousers and a handful of smart tops. Choose a colour palette that suits you and stick to it, then everything will mix and match (eg, silver grey, navy and red). Get some ballet pumps and some beads in one of the colours too?

Id try Next, Zara, Oasis and Dorothy Perkins.

HTH and good luck

Primary Teachers I see tend to wear dresses w/ tights & flat shoes like brogues; others were trousers with tops -- a step up from jeans & a t-shirt. Alot of scarf wearing as well.

Thank you!

I have volunteered in a few primary schools and all people seem to dress a bit differently. Some wear dresses, sandals and leggings, others wear proper pencil skirts with button up shirts.

Gillybobs, I had to google tea dress but I definitely think they would work with my shape. I tried on some tailored dresses and they never really worked with big bums as they tend to be quite tight.

I know this oe if a bit short but do you think something like this would be appropriate? I am not sure how much print is ok.

The amount of clothes you are mentioning is actually less than I thought I would need but you are right, if the colours match I can coordinate outfits. I am definitely up for some accessories as well.

mirpuppet I guess I will need some fancy scarfs then!

That dress is lovely. Pick out one of the colours in the print and get a cardi that colour to wear on top. Great start : )

I thought the dress might show a bit too much cleavage and leg, it looks quite short. But I really love it, the pattern is very nice.