Dress me - I'm a secondary teacher

[helpmeimateacher]

So, I will be going back to secondary teaching! I had to namechange because my current employer is unaware.
I need to really update my wardrobe, because in my current job the dress code is very casual, and the school I will be teaching in is very businessy.

I don't want to buy a polyester suit, and I don't wear dresses. Now what?!

What I'd like to wear is really smart jeans (definitely not an option), white shirt and navy v-neck knit jumper with brogues. Think classic Italian.

How can I possibly translate this into very businessy? I can't wear wool cause it makes me itchy, and I don't really want to wear a jacket all day because I get too hot.

Bootcuts are best for my shape, cigarette trousers or skinnies make my legs look like turnips. They are ok legs, though, I could wear skirts?

I'm an apple shape, 16 bottom (with no bottom), 18-20 on top.

a knitted one would be my mate R

Sackcloth and ashes?
A big sign that says, "Ask me about my holidays."?
A t shirt with a target front and back?

or a sign saying " i have the best job in the world'? and everyone else is jealous?

I do a completely opposite workwear look to you in that I am all Jersey comfy dresses and opaques but just wanted to recommend Tkmaxx for knitwear and blazers

Here are some examples of what I mean on "regular people" (This is off a sewing pattern review site, so if you like it you could theoretically make it yourself!)
sewing.patternreview.com/review/pattern/104308

sewing.patternreview.com/review/pattern/104668

sewing.patternreview.com/review/pattern/104561

goodbyevalentino.com/portfolio_page/vogue-8833-2/

It's a shame you're not so keen on dresses as I bet your figure would really suit a wrap dress. Worn with thick black tights and a patent black heel might work?

Failing that a blazer (navy, black or tweed) worn over a crew neck and a plain or pinstripe shirt underneath might work. With a pair of wide leg trousers.

If you have decent legs a pair of skinnies or cigarette pants with a loose and long-ish top might actually work (despite turnip fears) include gorgeous pendant/scarf/beads though.

The thing about dresses imo is that they are so easy!!! All you need to think about is your tights and footwear!!! Both a skirt and trousers you need to think of a top. Dresses are supereasy!!!! Make you honestly feel instantly smart. You should invest. There is a dress to suit everyone. I never used to wear dresses but find they are actually my favourite atm.

Chewbacca - I really like the look of the M&S trousers but, like you, I am not the model on the website! Would you recommend them even for us lesser mortals - I'm wondering if I would be a medium or a long for a cigarette trouser length. The search for these sodding trousers is becoming a Holy Grail for me. Remus - where are yours from please? I want something that is not too tight, slightly cropped and not ponte/legging type............

I bought the trousers after I'd tried ordering about 30 pairs and sent them all back, I caved in and spent a day at Bluewater dedicated to buying trousers. I must have tried about 30 more that day and these were the best. Of course that doesn't mean they're good for everyone! But I'm short and round and have thick legs (charming description!) and they work for me and I feel the shape is more modern than my previous wider, more boot leggy style work trousers. You've gotta try and keep trying for trousers I think, they are tough!

We had a full list given to us post academisation of business dress that was acceptable .

I tend to wear a variety of separates and dresses with different jackets.

I can't abide spending all day in shirts and jackets (feel too restricted) so get a bit creative. I will wear a smart long or short sleeve jumper or t shirt with a scarf or statement necklace and jackets that are not too restricting. I also wear cardigans that look super smart and a bit like jackets. TKMaxx is great for these.

I don't wear a suit but think I still look smarter than some members of staff! (Am not a teacher)

My cigarette trousers are from Cos (brilliant) and The White Company (not so good).

Hate to break it to you, but by the end of half a term your clothes will be the least of your concerns!

Nonsense!

I don't understand that, DrS. I enjoy choosing what to wear to work.

Agreed. Sometimes my clothes are the only things that get me out of the house in the morning

Similar size teacher here. My wardrobe consists of 3 shift dresses, trouser suit, a couple of tailored jackets , 3 long cardigans and about 10 shirts! Heels never!! Boots for most of the year but flat shoes and grey tights when it is warmish.

Forgot to add save Whitestuff stuff for home if you want to be taken seriously.

Well, I started Mission Teacher Wardrobe today with these, which do not turn my legs into turnips!

That's all I had time for, as did was boooooooored, but it's a start.

helpme MFL-ers unite! I've got some trousers a bit like these form Mango bought last winter. They are fab, machine wash and weren't expensive.
Before you dismiss Mango for thin-legged types, I have slightly pigs trotterish legs; thighs definitely bulbous and I was amazed how well they fit. I wear with:
crisp shirt -sometimes I add a fitted v-neck sweater in contrasting colour over shirt.
sometimes flowy top like in the Mango pic
suit jacket and brogues.
blazers: black, a tobacco brown, and a sapphire blue form H&M which machine-washes.