Back To School, Teacher Style

Natalie — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:09:47 +0000

Hi there-
I love your ensembles and am looking for “Back to School” attire for ME as I am a teacher. I teach 10 year olds, so I don’t need crawl-on-the-floor friendly pieces. I find a lot of appropriate dresses and skirts, but have a hard time completing my looks with pants. I can wear denim trousers or jeans once a week, but need some cute alternatives. Also, comfy but fashionable shoes are a must. I’m on my feet all day. I don’t want to look like a “teacher” or like a college kid. I just want to look fabulous-please help!

Natalie’s Outfit (for Natalie…):

Alright Natalie, I have a lot of stuff for you here! All of the tanks are meant to go under the cardigans below. I wanted to put a white tank on there… but it wouldn’t show up so that is where the peach tank comes in. (Imagine it white) I love mixing cardigans with tanks because it allows you to use more colors. Also I love when shoes can add a pop of color to your outfit. Those red shoes are awesome and would look good with ANY of those cardigans. I am also showing you three pairs of slacks. None of which are jeans (obviously) but I think throwing a nice pair of slacks into the mix is nice too. However, any of these tops will pair great with trouser jeans.

Stretch Wool Bootcut Pants at Calvin Klein on sale for $49.00

Wide Waistband Pants at Calvin Klein on sale for $34.00

Classiques Entier® ‘Phantom Mélange’ Pants at Nordstrom on sale for $99.90

Classiques Entier® ‘Bella Lana’ Open Front Cardigan at Nordstrom on sale for $89.90

Susina® Raised Seam Cardigan (Juniors) at Nordstrom on sale for $28.90

Plenty by Tracy Reese Appliqué Cardigan at Nordstrom for $174.00

Toni Crochet Yoke Tank at Delias on sale for $22.50

Scattered Petals Tank at JCrew for $88.00

Textured Ruffle Blouse from Charlotte Russe now on sale for $8.99!

Tama from Steve Madden for $69.95

Me Too ‘Limit’ Ruffle Ballet Flat at Nordstrom on sale for $59.90

Jessica Simpson ‘Edison’ Flat at Nordstrom for $68.95

Emily’s outfits for Natalie:

Hi Natalie! I’ve worked as a reading teacher at an elementary school before, so I know a little bit about how it is to wake up and have about 30 minutes to get yourself pulled together for a day on your feet. Comfort is KEY! My best advice is to buy the most comfortable slacks you can find (which for me are usually wide leg trousers), easy tops that you won’t have to fuss with, simple skirts, and comfortable dresses. I would keep your clothes in simple colors so you can mix and match tops with your skirts and slacks, but use accessories to liven up your outfits. Jewelry at Forever 21 or Charlotte Russe is so inexpensive and right on trend. And, of course, a belt and/or a scarf is always a simple way to add interest and style. Lastly, the shoes that I picked for you are both Born shoes. I bought my first pair of red Born Mary-Jane flats in 2002 and then just replaced them with a new pair a few months ago. I’d say seven years of wearing them everywhere is getting my money’s worth! They are so comfortable and you’ll find yourself wearing them all the time. I wear my red flats with everything! And I would definitely invest in the boots for the days when you want to wear a skirt but you don’t want to shave your legs. For that purpose alone, I’d say they’re worth it. Have a great school year! clockwise from top left:

Khakis, Old Navy, $12.99-19.00 (a simple pair of slacks in tons of fun colors)

Trousers, Anthropologie, $118.00 (click the link to see the back of these super-cute trousers. I love them!)

Pencil Skirt, Banana Republic, $59.50

Denim Pencil Skirt, Gap, $54.50

Red Dress, Shabby Apple, $62.00

Gray Jersey Dress, Old Navy, $24.50

Faux-Wrap Dress, Shabby Apple, $55.00

Pintuck Collared Dress, Shabby Apple, $78.00

Patterned Scarf, Fossil, $17.99

Fashion Belts (in red or gold), Old Navy, $14.50

Chiffon Blouse, Forever 21, $11.50

Ruffled Top, Forever 21, $17.80

Red Mary-Janes, Zappos, $98.95

Black Boots, Born, $170.00

Ashley’s Outfit:

Everything on here can be mixed and matched! The tops can be worn alone or with the belt, or better yet with the cardigan and the belt! The Chandelier earrings and ring will coordinate well with everything. Chandelier earrings are great because they instantly dress up any outfit, and they add a lot of style! Have fun shopping!!!

Love, Ashley
Banded Cardigan at Mod Bod for $38.95.

Pencil Skirt at Mod Bod for $44.95.

Colored Denim Pencil Skirt at Gap for $54.50.

215 Martin Classic Grey Trouser Pant at Banana Republic for $98.00.

Dahlia Floral Chiffon Top at Forever 21 for $17.80.

Solid Ruffle Top on sale at Aeropostale for $19.99.

AK Ann Klein Flats on sale at Piperlime for $69.99.

BCBGIRLS Flats at Piperlime for $79.00

Stud Quad Braid Wide Belt at Forever 21 for $8.80.

Wrapped Faux Pearl Ring at Forever 21 for $4.80.

Filigree Chandelier Earrings at Charlotte Russe for $4.00. (Free Shipping!)