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Summer office wear that's comfy and practical and looks nice?

8 replies

wonderstuff · 26/04/2025 19:06

I'm a secondary school teacher, so can be on the casual side a little. I've just started a new school so keen to make a good impression.

In the winter I wear boots, either calf length boots, tights and a dress or ankle boots and trousers with a shirt or nice jumper. I've put on a little weight and my trousers no longer fit. I always struggle with what to wear in the last few weeks of term when it's warm. I can't do heels, I have some ballet flat type shoes, which are okay with trousers. But now I can't find any nice grey trousers - I think black is a bit severe. I hate my legs so would rather not get them out. I do have a black jersey skirt that is not quite ankle length.. I'm wordering if that will work with a shirt? I don't know. 20 years I've been teaching, every year summer stresses me out. I feel like I've got a winter 'uniform' with my boots and a dress. I'm also not allowed to wear my birks this year, which I normally go to when it's really hot as I have to have shoes with a back support in my new school (whether that is a hard rule or not I'm not sure, there do seem to be a few rules that everyone ignores..)

Anyway - any ideas? I'm thinking of hitting the shops tomorrow, it's going to be 23 and sunny here next week.. I have a £20 M&S voucher so that would be particularly good (although their online is down I assume stores are okay). Thinking about hitting Southampton tomorrow.. My go to stores are often White Stuff and Seasalt, but I haven't found much there to float my boat recently.

OP posts:
ANagsHead · 26/04/2025 19:17

Comfy and practical suggests

Community Clothing

Excellent trousers in natural fabrics, and small selections of skirts, dresses, knitwear, shirts. (Plus an array of loungewear.) Like an upmarket and ethically produced Uniqlo.

StMarie4me · 26/04/2025 19:33

3/4 trousers are my go to, with a cool cotton shirt or similar. Try Roman? They have some colourful clothes usually.

DisplayPurposesOnly · 26/04/2025 19:37

Closed back flat sandals do exist. Moshulu and Hotter both have a couple of styles.

WonderingWanda · 26/04/2025 19:45

Crew often has some quite nice dresses that I wear to work with sandals or ballet flats.

I like this one but they do different styles and floral ones depending on your body shape or what suits you.

www.crewclothing.co.uk/womens/clothing-and-accessories/womens-dresses-and-skirts/ava-linenblend-shirt-dress-navy-wwj036/?_gl=115ufu0q_up*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiLLABhCEARIsAJYS6umuuCOASVikGzssY7ndUp1yM6L6rRlHgkDc1O_1fnep8bccpfQGxpMaAoCYEALw_wcB&gbraid=0AAAAAD3mUSNdYsF1MwB4vSFMOshywhnu2

wonderstuff · 26/04/2025 20:09

DelphiniumBlue · 26/04/2025 19:31

This dress is cool and billowy and covered up , and I think the colour keeps it work appropriate.
this. M&S also do a flat sandal with a covered heel.

That looks lovely in the green, thank you

OP posts:
alldressedupinblue · 26/04/2025 20:10

Quick heads up that in store M and S are NOT accepting gift vouchers.

wonderstuff · 26/04/2025 20:11

alldressedupinblue · 26/04/2025 20:10

Quick heads up that in store M and S are NOT accepting gift vouchers.

Good to know, thank you.

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