Teacher style spring-summer 2015

Editor’s note: sharing her style on the blog is What The Teacher Wears blogger, Alex Paterson. I met Alex and discovered that there is a whole world out there of teachers sharing their style. It’s far from the teacher style I knew back in the day and even if you’re not a teacher you’ll be inspired by what these women have to share.

Ladies get excited!

It’s time to rotate your cupboard.

Put all of your ‘winter woolies’ to the back and bring forward your spring/summer pieces.

As the holidays are coming to an end, it’s time to update your wardrobe for the warmer months ahead.

I don’t know about you, but I always find that this last term just flies by. Before you know it, you will be saying goodbye to your class and ringing in the New Year (scary I know).

I also find this term extremely stressful with reports and lots of end of year festivities.

So let me help you alleviate some of the stress by showing you what key pieces you need this spring/summer in your teaching wardrobe.

The perfect school sandal

Be sure to check with your principal that open toe sandals are allowed at your workplace. Some schools don’t allow you to wear them due to their WHS regulations.

In Queensland, I wear sandals all the time. I don’t know what I would do if I couldn’t.

Sandals are a must have this season and can be worn with anything.

Some handy tips to find the right pair of sandals for school:

• Be sure that the sandal has a back or strap that goes around the back of your foot.
• Think of the material of the sandal. Is it something that you will be able to wear all day?
• Same rule applies to the sole – will it go the distance?
• Make sure that your feet are sandal ready. There is nothing worse than seeing chipped polish when wearing open toe sandals.

1. Windsor Smith Daffy Sandal $139.95 | 2. Target Tana Sandal $29 | 3. Forever New Low Wedge $59.99 | 4. Country Road Tassel Sandal $79.95 | 5. Sportsgirl Closed Toe Sandal $69.95 | 6. Seed Gladiator Sandal $79.95 | 7. Target Flat Sandal $25 | 8. Windsor Smith Build Sandal $89.95

A midi skirt

If you follow me, you know that I live in these skirts all year round.

Don’t be confused with a mini skirt, there is a big difference.

Midi skirts finish just below the knee to mid-calf and this is how they got their name.  Some people also call them swing skirts.

This skirt can be a little tricky to pull off.  It’s all about finding a length that is right for your body.

Some things you should consider before making a midi purchase:

• Get the balance right – If your midi skirt has a lot going on such as a busy print or colour then keep your top half simple.  Make sure your top is tucked in or wear a crop top so you don’t loose your waistline.
• Wear a cropped jacket – A cropped jacket will sit nicely with your midi skirt and keep your waistline in sight.  If you wear a longer line jacket, you’ll accentuate the wrong area (and nobody wants that)
• It’s all in the length – Getting the length right is crucial with this skirt.  Petite ladies should not go longer than the knee.  While taller ladies can go past the knee.  You may need to alter the length to one that best suits you.
• You’ll feel super feminine – Some women tend to steer clear of this length because they think it will do nothing for them.  When in fact, it’s actually the opposite.  A midi skirt is uber feminine, glam and sophisticated.

1. Target Trench Skirt $49 | 2. City Chic Midi $79.95 | 3. City Chic Floral Midi $89.95 | 4. Country Road Lantern Midi $199| 5. Review Fifth Avenue Skirt $99 | 6. Target Stripe Midi $59

Summer prints

A great way to get you in the mood for summer is to wear a bright summer print in the classroom.

While you may not be sipping mojitos by the pool, your outfit can still totally be giving off that vibe.

Plus, a bright or bold print can brighten up your day just like that.

When looking for a print keep in mind:

• What you have in your wardrobe at home that will go with the print?
• Does the print suit you?
• Will you wear it again? A lot of us do this. Be sure that your purchase is something that you will wear again and again to get your money’s worth.

1. Target Shell Top $29 | 2. Country Road Overlay Dress $249 | 3. Witchery Tank $89.95 | 4. Marcs Skirt $159 | 5. Target Floral Dress $59 | 6. Metalicus Tank $89.95 | 7. Country Road Wide Leg Pants $149

Teachers, what’s is your spring/summer classroom clothing essential? Non-teachers, see anything you like?

Alex Paterson is a full-time teacher, styling and blogger at whattheteacherwears. She has a passion for style, grace and elegance in fashion, and wants to give other ladies ideas and tips about how to put together fashionable (while not ridiculously expensive) work and everyday outfits and ensembles.