Teachers!

[Elfina]

So I've just found out that I've got my dream job! It's not as a teacher, but I will be working in schools. Time for a new work wardrobe, me thinks!

What sorts if things are good? I'm 5'8", so dressed need to be long-ish to look decent...

Marking place with interest. I'm going back to full time teaching in new school in Sept after a house move for DH's job. I'm 5ft 7 (and a half!) and a size 14 at the mo, but I hope I'll be back in the 12s by September.

I'm thinking dresses and tights with smart cardi/ soft jackets mostly for me. I hate wearing suits and I think my new school is not as 'officey' as the one I worked in temporarily last year, thank God. I want to look professional but not like a bank manager.

When's your job starting, Elfina? and congratulations.

My tips would be: be careful with necklines and hem lines. Check how clothes will look when you: bend over, crouch down, sit on high stools, reach up (arms above head) etc.

Thank you! Am starting the end of September :)

If you're working with primary age make sure it washes well....

I'm not a teacher (but a lot if my family are) and it really depends on the school- some wear business suits and others wear jeans.

I follow a blog called silverbrogues.com, she is a primary teacher I think but goes for the more casual look. You might get some ideas there.

Trousers tend to be more practical in primary environment. Everything needs to be washable. We don't usually wear regular jeans but coloured jeans can look slightly smarter whilst still being very practical. The teacher I work with is currently wearing 'city' style shorts with a smarter T-shirt and she looks great! Comfortable shoes are also important - not granny styles, just comfy to wear as you're on your feet a lot of the time usually.

This time of year I am wearing cropped trousers with a well fitting t-shirt and a cardie. In the winter it's boots, tights, skirt and light layers on top. Layers are important because all my schools are wildly varying temperatures!
I second the advice about checking necklines, and would also like to add that you need quite a high waist line. Lots of bending/crouching in schools and no one wants to see your bum!
No dry clean only, everything needs to wash well.