Dressing Well for School Without Going Broke

Everyone has seen models parading on runways in four-figure slinky dresses and stiletto heels. That look may be hot in Los Angeles, but it would be downright dangerous for kindergarten teachers. Here are some suggestions for dressing stylishly and practically without taking out a second mortgage. Included: Tips for building a wardrobe.

While teachers are not worrying about the fashion statements their backpacks or sneakers might make this new school year, many still have a desire to look fashionable without making their credit cards run for cover.

The good news for teachers is that several of this fall's fashion trends mesh well with teachers' responsibilities and work environments. Even more good news: Dressing stylishly does not have to mean loading up on pricey, trendy designer apparel.

TIES AND BUNS

Teachers these days also have more freedom in how they dress. For many years, teachers were expected to dress conservatively, no matter what fashion trends were breaking out.

When to Shop for Bargains

Looking for bargains? Shop at the end of the season, according to Monet Cole, fashion editor for Fashion-411. "Some stores do hold pre-season sales," Cole said. "The end of the season is a good time to get classic pieces. Get trendy pieces at the beginning of the season."

"One of the challenges teachers face is that they are on their feet all day and moving around," said Amy Cafazzo, style expert for Marshalls. "They want to be fashionable, but everyone around them is younger and impressionable."

Jamie Horowitz, a spokesman for the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) recalled that a former president of the AFT applied for a teaching job in the Los Angeles public schools several times during the 1960s, and was turned down each time.

Finally, she asked, "You're not going to hire me, are you?"

No, the administrator said. He told her he would not hire her because her hair was long and she was wearing a mini-skirt. When she put her hair in a bun and wore a long skirt, he would hire her.

She complained to the head of the teachers union, who suggested she put up her hair and wear a longer skirt, and then they would fight the ruling after she was hired. She changed her look and got a job.

"When I started teaching in 1961, I wore a shirt and a tie every day, but times change," said Reg Weaver, president of the National Education Association (NEA) and a former science teacher. "We've moved away from that. We have to change with the times."

Weaver also experienced some resistance when he tried to break out of the teacher's "uniform" during his teaching career. "I remember I saw a picture in Esquire magazine of a man in a blue blazer, blue jeans, and silk shirt, and I thought that looked sharp. I wore that to school and the principal said it wasn't appropriate because I wasn't wearing a shirt and tie. I said, 'You have to be kidding.' He didn't push the issue."

ORGANIZING, BUILDING A WARDROBE

Looking good in the classroom also doesn't mean emptying your closet every season and starting over. The important thing is to identify your style and build around that, experts said.

"I can't think of any teacher or support person who can't go to school looking neat and clean," Weaver said. "They don't have to be designer clothes. I shop a lot, and see nice clothes that are inexpensive. Even some thrift stores have some nice things. There are plenty of opportunities and places to go to get appropriate and neat clothes. I believe we have to set an example for the students."

Two of the most common mistakes people make in assembling a wardrobe are not knowing their body type and spending too much money on current styles and too little on the basics, said Fashion-411's Cole.

"One of the challenges teachers face is that they are on their feet all day and moving around. They want to be fashionable, but everyone around them is younger and impressionable."

"You have to figure out what trend looks well for your body type," Cole told Education World. "You also should not spend the bulk of your money on trendy clothes." And a shopping guideline: "If it doesn't match at least three things in your wardrobe, don't buy it."

Cole also recommends creating wardrobe "capsules," which are groupings of clothes based on a theme, such as the seasons or occasions, which can be mixed and matched.

A work capsule, for example, might include items like a plaid jacket, black skirt, red dress, plaid skirt, and grey pants, all of which can be interchanged to create different outfits.

"That makes it easier in the morning to pick out clothes, and it saves time and money," according to Cole. "You can eyeball where you are missing things, and that allows you to buy items that match." You might start a capsule and then realize you have no pants to match the other items, and you can tell what type of shirts you need to match."

A few signature pieces also can establish your style, said Kristi Arndt, a spokeswoman for Target. "You need a few basics; you can mix and match items that are appropriate for school, but also reflect your style and personality. You can mix and match to create different looks so you don't have to add to your collection."

Marshalls' Cafazzo agreed. "You want to find a few key pieces that reflect your personality and the trends of the season."

Woman can use accessories to bring out their personalities in their dress -- such as a purse, belt, jewelry, or scarf, Arndt noted.

Favorable Fall Fashion Trends for Teachers, Dress Codes, and More! Click here to continue.

09/11/2006