Teacher style AW16

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.

Autumn/winter fashion is well and truly in stores now and autumn is making its way around the country (still waiting for it in its entirety here in QLD).

Before I go on any further, my biggest tip in regards to autumn/winter fashion is to grab anything that you have your eye on right now. Why you ask?

By the time the cooler weather well and truly sets in, summer stock will be starting to hit the stores. This is because most of our fashion trends come from the northern hemisphere and then make their way down to us.

Ok, now that’s sorted, let’s talk autumn/winter teacher style or I might say ‘admin’ style.

I have done a few post here on Styling You in regards to teacher style (here).

So I thought for this post, I would aim it at school administrators e.g. Principal, deputy principal, head of curriculum or anyone working in an admin role within a school environment. Very timely as I have just had a promotion at work – yippee!

My daily dress code for teaching is smart casual (unless your school states otherwise). If you are in an admin role, you should take your dress code up a notch and be aiming for more of a corporate look. I’m not talking about a full head-to-toe suit, instead working with core corporate pieces and tying them back with smart casual items from your wardrobe.

Some core pieces that you should have in your wardrobe for this role:

• An LBD or LND (little navy dress)
• Business shirts
• Work pants – in either a skinny, straight, wide or tapered leg
• A range of blouses in a block colour or pattern
• Skirts – in either a pencil, midi or A-line style
• Comfy but stylish shoes – think Frankie4Footwear

Now corporate does not have to be boring, black or expensive.

Below I am wearing a $49 Target Dress.

By adding a statement necklace and white shirt underneath, I have maintained a professional/admin look but am still showing my personality through this outfit.

If you aren’t ready to take the plunge yet and steer away from black when dressing in a corporate style, that is ok. Try adding a printed top or pants to break up the black.

If you are after more corporate outfit ideas, you must check out these accounts. Even though these aren’t teacher account, all of these ladies rock corporate style and you can easily transition their outfits into the classroom.

twocorporategirls

This dynamic duo are moving up in the world of social media very quickly. You must check out their account as they did a feature last week where everything they wore was under $50. Perfect for teachers.

corporatecatwalker

Emily nails it every time. Check out her account to see how she mixes lots of vibrant colours into her corporate lifestyle.

Like I mentioned above, even though these ladies aren’t teachers. You can very easily use their accounts for some classroom inspiration.

So, what pieces should you have in your autumn/winter work wardrobe for 2016 that you can mix with your core pieces?

1 Decjuba Check Coatigan $139.95

The coatigan is a mix between a coat and a cardigan – genius! Perfect to add over any outfit.

2 Forever New Pants $89.99

These pants are in the ‘it’ colour of the season and can easily be added to any black or cream tops that you may already have.

3 SHEIKE Blouse $99.95

A great investment that you can wear for many seasons to come. Plus it is something different to your everyday button up business shirt.

4 Wittner Shay Flats $179.95

These flats say ‘I mean business’ without saying anything at all. Note – I tend to opt for a pointed though rather than a round toe because it elongates the leg.

5. Collette Hayman Necklace $24.99

If adding new on trend pieces to your wardrobe may not be in your budget right now, add accessories instead. This necklace is a perfect start and can be teamed with lots of pieces that are already in your wardrobe.

6. Birdsnest Classic Trench $159.95

If you don’t have trench coat, then this is one of the first pieces that you should add to your wardrobe for the season. It’s a classic for a reason.

7. SHEIKE Jacket $149.95

Another big trend for the season is the military look. This jacket demands attention from anyone who wears it.

8. Seed Skirt $169.95

A wool blend skirt is perfect for Winter. Add knee high boots and leggings to complete the look.

What is your position in your school? Will you add any key A/W pieces into your work wardrobe?

Alex Paterson is a part-time teacher, stylist 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.