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Original poster

What to wear in a teaching environment when not a teacher?

29 replies

Loolumboolum · 07/04/2015 19:29

Evening all,

Long time lurker, finally coming out of the shadows...

So. New job. Former job highly corporate.

New job... Very exclusive school. But not part of the teaching team.

Was told to attend in smart/casual, so today wore loafers, chinos, top and cardi With hermès scarf. This, I'm told, is fine for holidays but not sufficient for term.

So... All ye in a similar workplace - heels aren't really an option- arthritis and lots of on-site walking. But what would you wear?

Am 5'9, senior management, and a size 14 hourglass.

Many thanks !! WineWineThanksThanks

OP posts:
herecomesthsun · 07/04/2015 19:58

Would smart dress, blazer, loafers and Hermes scarf do?

Original poster
Loolumboolum · 07/04/2015 20:02

I think so. But what sort of blazer? Am a 32ff and broad of shoulder. I worry Jersey Blazers look slack, but I'm used to bouclé and suits Wink

OP posts:
afterthought2 · 07/04/2015 20:05

Sounds like you have a similar issue to me with regards to the bosom. My work 'uniform' is either smart black trousers or skirt, with a blouse or smart top. My shoe of choice is a pair of brogues. I don't wear a blazer - I'm teaching staff and I can't teach properly in one, goodness knows why. I'm smarter than the average employee but I have my eye on promotion!

EvilTwins · 07/04/2015 20:07

I am a teacher in a nowhere-near exclusive school. I wear dresses and blazers or suits. I am probably one of the smarter members of staff, but I certainly don't stand out. Do you not have jackets from your previous career you could wear? Typical for me would be a fitted dress (A line rather than shift) with a jacket to nip in my waist. I'm slightly shorter than you but a size 14 hourglass with 34FF boobs. I get much of my work stuff from Hobbs with some dresses from Boden.

Original poster
Loolumboolum · 07/04/2015 20:08

So do you wear a cardi, afterthethought? Or just long sleeves?

OP posts:
tomatodizzymum · 07/04/2015 20:09

What about smart ballet flats and a flattering woman's shirt, with either suit trousers or a suit style skirt.

Original poster
Loolumboolum · 07/04/2015 20:10

Oh, and what's the etiquette with bare legs/bare toes?

OP posts:
EvilTwins · 07/04/2015 20:10

Recently bought this which I'll wear with a jacket or a cardi when it gets warm.

EvilTwins · 07/04/2015 20:12

Bare legs fine. Open toes ok but only if smart - people get told off every year for wearing flip flops - you'd think they'd know by now.

Original poster
Loolumboolum · 07/04/2015 20:13

That's gorgeous eviltwins.

OP posts:
tassisssss · 07/04/2015 20:13

Do dresses work for you?

White stuff have lovely jersey ones that can work with ballet flats and nice beads/scarves.

Original poster
Loolumboolum · 07/04/2015 20:15

I love dresses. Prefer them in fact as not a fan of my backside unless in lift and shape skinnies Hmm

OP posts:
museumum · 07/04/2015 20:16

Was the smart-casual instruction for today/holidays? It sounds like it's more "business wear" for term-time?
If the kids are in business wear then I'd say dress & jacket or trouser suit for mgmt.

museumum · 07/04/2015 20:18

This would be useful to have in the office to put on www.bravissimo.com/pepperberry/products/coats/jackets/textured-spot-jacket/black-white/pc148bwh/

Original poster
Loolumboolum · 07/04/2015 20:20

Kids wear blazers (boys) or kilts/jumpers/blouses.

Prob is, I'm the only female, non-teaching, senior manager. And wary of looking too "sexy" as am also young for the average staff age.

Male equivalents wear shirt and tie with optional jackets

OP posts:
EvilTwins · 07/04/2015 20:37

Other dresses I wear frequently include this and this in black and white Both with either jacket or this sort of cardi

Things to watch out for - low necklines (I need a V-neck because of the boob issue but not too low because I don't want to be flashing cleavage) and comfortable enough to stand/sit/run around (I teach Performing Arts) in. I tend to wear heels, but I know you're not going to be doing that.

I don't think you can go wrong in a dress and jacket. I have this one in navy and similar in black and grey.

Original poster
Loolumboolum · 07/04/2015 20:40

This is why I love MN. currently MNing withWine and laptop shopping. Keep them coming!

OP posts:
jelliebelly · 07/04/2015 20:46

Smart casual in this environment probably just means not a suit! So smart trousers/skirt with top/smart cardi/jumper or dress with cardi/jacket rather than matching suit pieces I'd have thought.

tethersend · 07/04/2015 20:48

A dress like this would be smart enough without a jacket. Wear with pointed flats

tethersend · 07/04/2015 20:52

Ditto

tethersend · 07/04/2015 20:59

What's your budget?

This would be lovely under a cropped, fitted jacket.

Original poster
Loolumboolum · 07/04/2015 21:50

ThanksThanksThanks Ladies well budget, for the right pieces that I'll wear, whatever within reason. I vary from primark to jaeger to Marc Jacobs!

Tomorrow I think I have selected pointy patent loafers, bare legs/nude tights,pink/black/Creme tea dress and cardi with pliage bag.

Sound about right

OP posts:
Original poster
Loolumboolum · 07/04/2015 22:01

Ummmm. Punctuation fail. Hmm

OP posts: