Are you looking to build an inexpensive teacher wardrobe but don’t know where to look? Today I am going to give you some tips and tricks on how to dress for work and where to find a cute and affordable teacher wardrobe.
What does a teacher wear to work?
Moveable
There are a couple of things that I have come to look for over the years when looking for my teaching clothes. First, it has to be moveable and comfortable. As an elementary teacher, and especially as an elementary music teacher, I am NOT sitting at a desk all day. I am up and moving around as I teach. No tight little skirts or high heels for me.
School Appropriate
Another important requirement for teacher clothes is that they aren’t too revealing. I can’t tell you how many times I have bought a shirt with what felt like a sensible V-neck, only to bend down to pick up an instrument and feel like I was flashing the class. I have come to be VERY particular about what makes the cut when it comes to necklines.
Polished and Professional
What I wear is a representation of myself. So I want to make sure that I look professional at work. Every person will have a different definition of what that looks like, and some of what you wear as a teacher will depend on your job duties. A principal is going to be dressed very differently than the PE teacher most days, but both can dress professionally based on their post. Personally, I like to wear business casual attire with comfortable shoes.
Brings You Joy To Wear
One final important item on the checklist for your teacher wardrobe is clothes that make you happy. I’m going to borrow a line from Marie Kondo and say that your clothes should bring you joy. If they don’t it may be time for a wardrobe edit. Afraid you can’t afford new clothes? Read on! I will tell you my favorite places to buy items for an inexpensive teacher wardrobe.
Teacher capsule wardrobe
Another problem that you may come across is that you open your closet and have items that you love, but just can’t seem to ever find an outfit to put together because no items go well with the others. I found this happening a lot myself, so I decided to try a capsule wardrobe and so far I am loving it!
What is a capsule wardrobe?
If you have never heard of a capsule wardrobe before, it is a set of clothes that are very specifically planned so that each piece fits with the others. This allows you to pair together pretty much anything in your wardrobe.
I love this because it saves me precious thinking energy in the morning. (Thinking is hard in the morning!) But it also saves me money. I have to buy less things because often I would find myself buying pieces just to pair with one specific piece. I always needed to buy more pieces for the clothing that just didn’t quite fit with what I already had. With a capsule wardrobe you don’t ever have to worry about that. You choose a couple basic colors and designs within the same color palette and simplify your life. Friends, I am all about simplifying my life.
How to start a capsule wardrobe
To start a capsule wardrobe you decide on a base color. Usually black or navy. Then you choose a color palette of two to three extra colors and get the basics in these solid colors. Then you can add a bit of print or pattern to spice it up a bit and add accessories as needed. And it’s as simple as that!
For me, I am making sure I have 5 pairs of work pants (enough for 5 days of the week) and 10 shirt choices (I like to have options). I also have a few dresses and skirts and some cardigans and blazers I can wear over top. You might decide on a different number based on your personal wardrobe needs.
My New (And Inexpensive) Teacher Wardrobe From ThredUp
So I am sure that you are wondering where you can get this inexpensive teacher wardrobe I’ve been promising. For me, the answer is thrifting. If thrift stores put you off because you have to dig to find something current and in good condition, let me tell you now that not all thrift stores are created equal.
I am a big fan of thrift stores such as Clothes Mentor, which curate clothes and will only buy up-to-date, good quality clothing. They often even have designer labels for a fraction of the price! Clothes Mentor is a national chain, but you may also be able to find local thrift stores that run on the same model. They are a great place to find good clothes for cheap. Add in the fact that you can sell your old clothes there too and goodness knows you might come out earning money on your shopping trip!
But today I am here to share with you my experience with a ThredUp. ThredUp is basically the online version of Clothes Mentor. They offer gently used clothing that you can shop for online. They even have an app. I am a big fan of window shopping on my phone for items to add to my favorites list.
And as you use the app over time, ThredUp starts to learn what type of clothes you favorite and push things you might like to the top of your feed.
What Clothing Made It Into My Teacher Capsule Wardrobe?
After trying the clothes on, here are the items that made the final cut.
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