I was chatting with Stephanie the other day and realized her and I both shared in the same #teacherproblem. “THAT SHIRT IS ONLY $9.99?? That one is $12.99? Yes, yes, and yes!” Every time I walk into Tj Maxx or Marshalls that’s basically how my shopping trip goes. I have all these cute patterned tops and pants that are on trend but you will only be able to wear them once or twice. In the long run, we decided we are probably spending more money thinking we are getting more pieces for a good deal.
Who else guilty of this?
If feels good on the teacher budget… not so good when you’re trying to get ready for student teaching or work in the morning. Having pieces in your closet with high outfit versatility are key when you’re a teacher. I don’t know if you guys have noticed but I wear a couple pieces at least weekly.
Weither you’re building your teacher wardrobe, trying to update your closet with some basics, or looking for pieces to pair with your current style, these teacher style basics are an essential piece of getting ready for work each day!
jean jacket
A jean jacket can be worn with any color of pants (even jeans), any color of dress, any type of dress, any type of shoes! It’s my most worn item! You can wear the same outfit with and without a jean jacket and it looks like two totally different outfits! It’s how I get a lot of double use in outfits in.
every day white tee
Finding a good white tee that is the perfect thickness, type of cotton, and fit can be a challenge. My go-to is this ruffled sleeve from Target. Having a great white tee is essential as it goes with almost anything. Pants, jeans, skirts, overalls! You name it. Pairing it with statement necklaces and different bottoms continues to give it a different look. Those $14.99 floral pants from Tj’s that you had to have because they were so cheap but am having a hard time wearing? Pair with this tee (and maybe even the jean jacket)!
stripped tee
Having a strong stripped tee is just as important as the white tee! While you can’t wear it with as many patterns, it’s perfect to wear with cardigans, jean jackets, any jackets, jeans, slacks, skirts, etc. I wear the same stripe tee over and over again and each time it feels like a totally new outfit.
gray cardigan
A gray cardigan is the only way I can wear leather leggings to school, ha! But really, I pair my gray cardigan with anything from dresses to joggers!
black joggers
Classy, versatile, comfortable.. joggers are the real deal. You can dress them up or down with wedges or converse. Any type of top looks great with a slight tuck in and the best part? They feel like you’re wearing pajama pants!
navy chinos (or slacks)
Having a pair of navy chinos is HUGE especially if you can’t wear jeans to work. You can substitute in chinos for any outfit you would wear with jeans.
converse
My show go-to! Not only are they super comfortable, but you can wear them with dresses, skirts, jeans, slacks… anything. In my opinion, converse are the most universal shoe. My go-to color is white but I’ve been debating adding a fun color into the rotation!
statement necklace
If you like jewelry, having an any outfit friendly statement necklace will change the look of any outfit. Wearing the same dress with a statement necklace and then not can have two totally diverse looks. I am a huge believer that having the right jewelry will make your clothing switch ups go a long way!
To find out the details about the shoes in this picture, check out the 5 must-have shoes for back-to-school shopping post!
With Kindness | Ashley
