Primary school teacher interview outfit

[hen10]

I am already a primary school teacher, 44, size 14, 5'5, long body, short legs, freckly, pale, dark blonde hair (this is not how I always introduce myself but will be useful here🙂).

I have an opportunity to apply for a permanent post in my current school alongside external applicants. I want to look polished and smart at the interview and also generally move away from navy trousers/colourful supermarket top which I have fallen into over the years. I want to look colourful/interesting but not ditzy, smart but not 'office' wear. I am ambitious but have fallen into a 'comfortable' look which I don"t think is serving me now.

I have about £100 to spend on a dress I'd wear again in the classroom or separates. Can anyone help? What would a stylish person wear? Thanks

Boden are 30% off until the end of today. Have a look at the Phoebe dress. Sorry for no link.

I would wear a mid length pencil skirt with a vest or camisole top and a blazer, dorothy perkins is a good place to have a look at.

What format is the interview taking, as it won't be like a normal teaching interview at the moment.

I second a boden dress in 1/2 colours

Possibly green / navy combination

Navy 30 denier tights

Possibly a pair of nice boden shoes too their heels are very comfortable but make you feel great.Even I can walk in them the t bar designs are fab

Wouldn't necessarily wear a jacket as you can get so hot in interview situation - again good colours not to show sweat.

If not Boden perhaps Hobbs dress good sales.

Beg or borrow a good bag and you are ready to go.

Avoid linen too crushy
Floral of heavily patterned tops distracting
Check your underwear not spoiling the line of the dress eg VPL or fussy bra .
Subtle make up if you normally wear some none of you don't because again you will get hot

Good luck.

Don’t wear a cami or vest style top for a teaching interview, even under a cardigan or jacket, unless you have absolutely no intention of taking the jacket or cardigan off at any point in the school building. Same goes for leggings, even under a knee length skirt ( go for opaque tights rather than leggings)
Many heads and governors see bare upper arms as deeply unprofessional. I have sat on a few teacher interview panels for primary and secondary schools, and seen otherwise good candidates rejected on this point alone.

I agree
No bare arms
No bare legs
No short skirts

I chair staffing committee of board of governors and have sat on many panels appointing teachers. Agree with above no bare arms, short skirts or any hint of cleavage. You try not to judge but looking professional is a good start. The best so far is the Hush which you could smarten up with black heels and a blazer but I think there’s better out there. I love Hobbs for work but am a lawyer and I don’t think that dress is quite right for teaching post. Please do not go for anything from white stuff or sea salt.
A simple one dress with sleeves and knee length with a nice necklace plus looking clean, groomed and smart. No wacky nails or tattoos either.

Maybe like this

Oh and I liked the Oliver bonas one linked which you could wear over a smart white shirt for inter other dress down like in the picture after.

Jesus. No to bare arms in a pinafore dress

Monsoon use beautiful bright prints for blouses/tops and dresses. It’s definitely worth checking out.

It's probably too late for your interview, but I know there are a lot of teachers but from popsy? Some of their designs are a bit way out but they do plainer more practical styles. Good price too