Teacher/work clothes help

[Mumtoboyscanterbury]

I teach in an independent prep school and have to be smart-ish (ie no denim, trainers) but I feel like I’m a bit old fashioned with how I dress and would like to be more fashionable (and vaguely keep up with the younger staff!). I tend to wear dresses as they’re easy, with black tights and brogues/boots. I’m 40, size 8/10 and not tall. Where should I be looking and what could I wear that would be comfy, smart but also in fashion?! Thanks x

Shameless bump! Also looking for people I could follow on Instagram for inspiration - I don’t know wear to start with finding out latest styles.

Dresses and brogues/boots doesn't sound old-fashioned - what kind of dresses and boots do you wear?
I'm no help as I wear jeans and trainers day to day. If I have a governor or LA thing I wear a midi dress/skirt with DMS.

@Imsittinginthekitchensink I can’t imagine wearing jeans to work! All the schools I’ve worked in have expected smart-ish clothes.
Maybe old fashioned isn’t the right word, but I’ve noticed that none of the younger staff wear the same - maybe I should just enjoy being different? I have sooo many dresses that I rotate - a range from Boden, Fatface etc. I find it easier in winter with tights and boots, never sure whether bare legs look ok in summer.

I'd look at wide leg trousers/midi skirts and tops with sleeves personally. Nothing wrong with brogues I don't think, but if you need more shoes have a look at more fashionable styles.

I'm the same, I wear dresses a lot because it's easy but I feel more put together in separates if the items go together well.

I think being 'more covered up' is more fashionable these days. And looser less structured clothes that are more comfortable. I have a lot of sleeveless shift dresses that I only wear with jackets now but I've started moving away from that style now with new purchases - I'm the same age as you.

I buy a lot second hand for work and increasingly for my own casual wear. I refuse to justify spending £100 on work trousers even if they are good quality when with a bit of a hunt I can spend £20. I've made some mistakes deffo but overall I've come out on top I think.

Chinos and a nice blouse? I line Benetton chinos in different colours and Oliver Bonas blouses/tops.

@BobblyBlueJumper I love thé look of wide leg trousers but worry I’d look stumpy in them as I’m not tall. Will try some on. What shoes would you wear with them?

And yes @BobblyBlueJumper I buy a lot second hand - in fact most of my Boden/Jigsaw work dresses came from a couple of great hauls at a charity shop a few years ago.

@PandoraP I love Oliver Bonas for casual jumpers - will look again for work stuff.

I think you'd look fine especially as you're slim. Get cropped ones if you're worried about that. I wear mine with brogues!

Wide trousers and fitted shirts, a white blouse - perhaps with broderie anglaise for Summer, merino, cotton or cashmere jumpers for cooler days. Pair with chunky heeled boots or shoes and a leather blazer. I also love a trouser suit with a white t shirt underneath.

@Nomorefuckstogive I like the look of all those things! Will go shopping for wide leg trousers. (I’m still rocking the skinny jeans here but I know they’re deeply unfashionable!)

I have a similar dress code in my work and dress similarly to what you said and also what's been suggested. I find mid axi dresses quite versatile as I'm also small. I like the smart casuals that M&S do also.
I find summer dressing for work a bit easier. My work are okay with smart trainers.whixh helps also.

@IrishMamaMia what do you wear on your feet in summer?

Superga or Converse flatforms work well with my dresses and trousers. I also wear lotte from Stockholm clog sandals or loafers (not a chunky style but that is my next buy).

Someone on these pages shared gorgeous Russell and Bromley slip on flatform trainers here recently. They were going to wear them to a wedding. I don't have the budget for them but am keeping an eye out for sales as they would be fab for work. I also like the chunky sandals that Clarks have this season.

I'm a teacher too.

Almost always I'm either in a midi dress or a midi skirt with either a blouse or a t-shirt tucked in. I infrequently wear cigarette trousers and blouses too.

I have basically the same pleated midi skirt in a variety of colours and prints - teal, leopard print, bright pink, black faux leather and a red chiffon. They're my absolute staples for work.