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Original poster

What would you wear for first day as a teacher?

67 replies

frogswimming · 03/12/2023 05:41

I am a mature student, starting teaching course next year. I know teachers wear jeans, trainers etc day to day now. For a first day what would you wear? Would a blazer and trousers be ok?

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HollyGolightly4 · 03/12/2023 05:44

What are you teaching? There's absolutely no way jeans and trainers would be ok in my school. Dress smart and you can adjust accordingly to the school and what you feel comfortable with- blazers and smart trousers sound fine. Although, if you are Early Years, I have no idea!

ProfessorPeppy · 03/12/2023 05:44

None of the teachers where I work wear jeans and trainers, nor at any other school I know.

Blazer and trousers would be fine. I wear dresses/jackets/cardis. I tend to wear Dr Martens because they’re flat/warm, but I also have Ugg-style boots in winter.

Original poster
frogswimming · 03/12/2023 05:48

Ah my own kids are in quite a hippyish school so unusual dress code. I will be teaching history in a girls school - not hippyish!

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LolaSmiles · 03/12/2023 05:50

Another voice asking where you're teaching because unless it's a specialist setting no teacher I know wears jeans and trainers other than early years teachers who sometimes wear trainers.

When I'm classroom based I wear dress, leggings and boots, or wide leg trousers and a top. Most days I wear a blazer.

Mummymummy89 · 03/12/2023 05:51

If you're in the UK, definitely no to jeans or trainers in the classroom. Male teachers still wear ties at many schools.

Wear a suit in a boring colour, simple and comfortable top underneath, and comfortable but smart looking shoes. You can take your blazer off when you're actually teaching.

When you're an established teacher at the school then you can relax a bit and maybe wear chinos etc.

If you're talking about the uni training days where you aren't actually in school but instead attending pedagogical classes, you can wear whatever you like

SadlyACupOfTeaDoesNotSolveEverything · 03/12/2023 05:55

I would go for long sleeve blouse, wide leg trousers and flat shoes with optional blazer as my most casual.

Mummymummy89 · 03/12/2023 05:55

I personally wear (when not heavily PG) comfy black trousers by Lucy and yak, a plain long sleeve top/jumper in a boring colour, and a loose black blazer thrown over (taken off when I'm actually teaching). But if I were new to a school I'd wear a proper matching suit for a bit. I have a comfy one from Dai (are they still going or did they shut down?) And also m+s.

Maireas · 03/12/2023 05:55

I'm just going to echo pp - definitely no jeans or trainers! I wear a trouser suit usually with smart shoes or ankle boots. Usually a shirt underneath or fine knit. In warmer weather a cotton dress and flat courts.
Wear a jacket and it'll smarten up any trousers or skirt and top combo. Get some comfy but smart looking shoes.

Original poster
frogswimming · 03/12/2023 05:57

Would black trousers herringbone blazer be ok (which I already have) or a matching grey or black trouser suit? I'm not in the uk which I probably should have said!!!! My own children are also in primary school, whereas I'll be in a secondary school. I meant in the actual school not uni.

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Maireas · 03/12/2023 05:59

That sounds fine. You're not in the UK?
You'll need to find out what the dress code is - where are you?

Original poster
frogswimming · 03/12/2023 05:59

Was planning on low block heeled black stretchy fabric sock boots with wide leg black trousers.

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HollyGolightly4 · 03/12/2023 05:59

I don't think they need to match to make a complete suit

Mummymummy89 · 03/12/2023 05:59

Ps in the summer I lose the blazer and wear the comfy black trousers with a linen button up shirt, I have a zillion linen shirts from uniqlo. Summers have been so hot lately!

When it gets really hot like 30+, the dress code does relax a bit

Mummymummy89 · 03/12/2023 06:01

frogswimming · 03/12/2023 05:57

Would black trousers herringbone blazer be ok (which I already have) or a matching grey or black trouser suit? I'm not in the uk which I probably should have said!!!! My own children are also in primary school, whereas I'll be in a secondary school. I meant in the actual school not uni.

If you're not in the UK then I have no idea, it varies hugely in Europe, the US etc. You'll need to say where you are so that local teachers can advise

Original poster
frogswimming · 03/12/2023 06:01

Ireland so similar enough to uk. My own kids are in an educate together school, which is less formal than most so it threw me. The school I'll be in is a catholic girls school so definitely formal!

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user1492757084 · 03/12/2023 06:10

Unless you are a Phys Ed teacher, trainers could be too casual.
Jeans are too casual for a first day until you see if denim is acceptable at your school.
Wear clothes that are comfortable in which to move and run, clean, smart and easy to wash.
Choose quality fabrics, higher necklines and non see through natural fibres.

Some wardrobe staples .. for the classroom and playground.

Wider legged trousers or coloured stretch formal jeans, pinafores and skirts (that do not fly up in the wind) with leggings and button up cotton shirts, quality polo shirts, shirtmaker type dresses in solid or patterned colours.

Leather flattish heeled shoes and boots, woollen socks or cotton tights (less smelly).
Woollen cardigans and jumpers, some sleeveless, a blazer or two, a puffer jacket, rain coat, sun hat, sunglasses, umbrella.

You need to cater for all weathers and read the school dress codes.

Georgie743 · 03/12/2023 06:26

Something similar to other teachers in the school - did you notice at interview/going to visit? I'm not in UK. If a teacher wore a suit in the primary school I work at, everyone would assume you were leaving early for an interview in a fancy private school. In our public primary, smart dark jeans and sneakers are 100% ok and normal.

SwedeCaroline · 03/12/2023 06:41

frogswimming · 03/12/2023 05:59

Was planning on low block heeled black stretchy fabric sock boots with wide leg black trousers.

no heels of any sort

  1. completely impractical, you are not able to run, climb, stand on a wet football pitch, creep around an exam hall, break up a fight, or in any way move around naturally
  2. You are supposed to be a role model to young girls, and as such should not be parading around in a fashion which damages women's health for the titillation of men
  3. The girls who have already decided that any sort of heels damage woman's health for the titillation of men will view you with contempt the moment they see you in any heels, low or not.
Flat shoes or boots, but no, not trainers
SwedeCaroline · 03/12/2023 06:42

Unless your school insists on a blazer, a cardigan is far more practical and allows far more freedom of movement. As for the rest, dark skirt or trousers that doesn't show the dirt, and MUST have pockets

SwedeCaroline · 03/12/2023 06:44

no scarf or anything dangling around the neck which gets in the way every time you bend over a child's work

fgscat · 03/12/2023 07:17

Trainers are ok if they are all one (dark) colour and slim profile eg black leather converse high tops with no white trim.

Jeans cut trousers but in black/navy are also ok if you wear a smart blouse or top with chest and arms covered

Original poster
frogswimming · 03/12/2023 07:23

Alright swede I wore them on building sites in my old job and was grand!

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Meadowgrasses · 03/12/2023 07:34

Skirt, tidy trousers or dress with non matching jacket or blazer. I have a kind of uniform of the above in a limited range of colours so everything goes with everything else. Start tidy, you can always relax later - an overly casual look does not make a good first impression! There was a a definite link between ambition and smartness of clothing where I work. You need to look tidy enough so that when/if you do go for an interview no one will notice.

RomeoandJomeo · 03/12/2023 07:39

I think jeans etc are probably less common among teachers now than they were when I was at school in the eighties / nineties. Pretty standard at schools I was familiar with then, but unusual now for teachers to be so casual.

Sherrystrull · 03/12/2023 07:53

I solely wear dresses and cardigans with flat boots/shoes.
The school is cold and I need to be comfy and practical.