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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?

OP posts:
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5
Cyclingmummy1 · 03/12/2023 09:22

SwedeCaroline · 03/12/2023 08:48

well, you wont have done it as effectively as someone in flat shoes, and yes, the sole purpose of heels is to disable women for the titillation of men. That is why they exist. They were originally designed for cavalry soldiers, but guess what, we are not charging into battle on horseback, are we. men just discovered that putting women in heels meant for cavalry soldiers when they were not even riding made it harder for them to move around on the ground, showed off bums and legs and more flattering angels and made women prettily helpless.

They cause long term medical issues, and cost the NHS billions

This is why women's heels exist. If you wear them you are colluding with this.

Show quote history

I'm a less effective teacher because I wear a heeled shoe? Utter nonsense.

And the idea that I am 'prettily helpless' is laughable.

dontgobaconmyheart · 03/12/2023 10:30

I no longer teach (and only did so briefly) but always aimed to wear practical smart casual clothes. Eg smart cut of trousers and a blouse/shirt/cardigan/jumper - i used to layer a jumper over a shirt quite a bit. Nothing that caused a problem with movement (bending or kneeling etc) and brogues or loafers in terms of footwear.

Ad an aside I have a sibling who teaches and a close friend and both dress very casually. Sibling has worn black jeans, a jumper and Vans trainers to work many times and is in the trainers daily so clearly not an issue at her school but I wouldn't want to do it personally, I don't think it gives the best impression.

Anotheranonymousname · 03/12/2023 10:38

Have a look on the school website, Twitter feed or other publicity to see what the school wants everyone to think their teachers wear. Dress like that for at least your first day.

tobee · 04/12/2023 01:17

Hmm. Let's stop men dictating to us what to wear. Fair enough.

But having a random woman on Mumsnet tell us what to wear instead 🤔

leccybill · 05/12/2023 00:52

Knee length M&S dress, thick black tights and knitted cardy like 95% of other teachers in my school. Flat slouchy boots.

bravefox · 05/12/2023 00:55

On day 1 it's always safer to err on the side of being too smart

JamieKnows · 05/12/2023 01:28

My kid goes into school looking like he's about to approve someone for a business loan so I'll be fucked off if I find out his teacher is wearing jeans and trainers 😅

BananaSplitsss · 05/12/2023 01:45

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

Just came on to say what an EXCELLENT username.
Made me smile 😊

Rechurez · 17/05/2024 05:27

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Engaea · 17/05/2024 05:34

Wow @SwedeCaroline, she should not be dressing so as not to avoid the girls' "contempt".

WhereAreWeNow · 17/05/2024 06:07

IME teachers in secondary dress smarter than teachers in primary. All the men wear suit and tie or at least smart trousers and shirt at DD's secondary. None of them wear jeans or trainers.
Personally I'd go for something smart but comfortable like wide trousers, flat shoes, and a shirt or blouse that won't inadvertently flash more cleavage than you were planning to.

Maddy70 · 17/05/2024 06:29

Every school ive worked in has a dress code. Always professional dress. Suits or dresses

If yiu generally dress caaual i would go with a dress tights and boots

Wisenotboring · 17/05/2024 06:53

SwedeCaroline · 03/12/2023 06:41

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
Show quote history

I think this is quite an extreme reaction. Fair enough if you choose not to wear heels but others may hold different views.
OP, I would dress on the more formal side to begin with but remember you will need to feel.comfortable. if you do decide to wear block heels no-one is going to stage a protest so go ahead.

Watchwatchmymysteedsteedgogofarfar · 17/05/2024 06:56

The teachers wear jeans in my children's school in the UK.
My husband works in a school (UK) and jeans are specifically not allowed - not even back jeans. So it depends on the school.
You are probably better off going overly conservative the first few weeks and see what everyone else is wearing.

Duckschmuck · 17/05/2024 06:58

I got told, you shouldn't be able to see up it, down it or through it. Also make sure that is the case when you are leaning over and kneeling down. Ensure you can move quickly and are smartish.

Idontjetwashthefucker · 17/05/2024 11:19

I work in construction and have been on many, many sites, there's no way you'd have got on any of our sites with heeled boots - steel toe capped, steel midsole, lace ups with ankle support only

bravefox · 17/05/2024 14:26

Lots of schools the dress code for teachers is 'business dress' - appreciate that's vague but I'd play it safe on day 1

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