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Back-to-School Basics for Educators (No Amazon Links)!
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items A range of clothing items that are appropriate, functional, and stylish for the school setting. Simple patterns and no wording maximizes the potential to mix-and-match these pieces with clothing you already own or wear these items outside of the educ...
Sections
4
Tops
Bottoms
Dresses
Shoes
Tops
Shirts, blouses, cardigans, sweaters, etc.
A men's linen shirt is an easy layering piece that can be dressed up or down. Wear it with trousers, jeans, overtop a long dress, etc. Linen is especially good for the transitional months and buildings with inconsistent A/C!
Premium Linen Shirt -- UNIQLO US
Another basic staple, the crew neck t-shirt is easy to wear day-to-day. Owning a variety of colors helps your wardrobe feel well-rounded with minimal brain-power needed for the mornings. Additionally, owning pieces in 100% cotton increases the longev...
Crew Neck T-Shirt -- UNIQLO US
Uniqlo's Airism line is no joke--I bought a tank from them on a trip to Japan this past June and felt significantly cooler in the 90 degree heat. The Airism line is great for warmer climates, and working in buildings with inconsistent A/C.
AIRism Cotton T-Shirt -- UNIQLO US
A boat-neck style shirt adds a little chic-ness to a basic piece which can help your wardrobe feel more versatile. This is a great way to get away with wearing a t-shirt in a more business casual environment.
Ribbed Boat Neck T-Shirt -- UNIQLO US
The Uniqlo bra tops are next-level--providing support without the need for a traditional bra. I own the cropped ribbed tank top in four colors! This washable knit style can easily be worn in the educational setting with a cardigan or linen shirt thro...
Washable Knit Bra Top -- UNIQLO US
This boxy-cut oxford spices up the traditional look of a button down with its fun shape and cropped style. The shirt material is light and breathable, which is always a must for me. Make sure to wear an appropriate top underneath such as a tee, sleev...
Oxford Boxy Shirt, Striped -- UNIQLO US
The ribbed polo cardigan is a trendy, yet also classic look. This item looks great with both trousers and casual pants, making it a multi-use item. Being short-sleeve, the piece is wearable in the transitional months such as Fall and Spring. As with ...
Ribbed Polo Cardigan, Short Sleeve -- UNIQLO US
This blouse is cute and work-appropriate, without feeling like you borrowed it from your mom for your first day of internship. The linen blend is a high-quality and breathable material, and the boxy sleeves provide a unique look. Some lighter colors ...
Linen Blend Volume Sleeve Blouse -- UNIQLO US
A classic long-sleeved style made from 95% cotton with 5% elastane. This top will last multiple wears and keep you warm in the winter months. This style offers a variety of color choices to complement your wardrobe. With this cut hitting at the hip, ...
CloseKnit Jersey T-Shirt -- Gap
Similar to the Uniqlo top, this organic cotton t-shirt is another staple piece with some additional color options. The fit is slightly looser, which may be more comfortable for educators who are moving frequently throughout the day.
Organic Cotton VintageSoft T-Shirt -- Gap
This cardigan is thin enough to wear year-round, and its pointelle detailing provides a dainty + trendy look to round-out a classic trouser or jeans-and-sneaks fit. Once again, 100% cotton ensures your wardrobe lasts more than 180 days. This piece is...
100% Cotton Pointelle Cardigan -- Gap
This crochet vest provides an almost summer-y look for those who wish they were still at the beach on a Tuesday, and is lightweight enough to wear during the warmer months. I like investing in pieces that I can wear both in and out of the educational...
100% Cotton Crochet Hook-Front Vest -- Gap
You can't go wrong with an oversized sweater, and this one is the perfect fit to wear on the days when its 50 degrees at arrival and 75 at dismissal. Being 100% cotton, your body temp can stay regulated without sacrificing comfort or look. This sweat...
100% Cotton Oversized Sweater -- Gap
The SoSoft Cropped Cardigan is a classic cut in more colors than one could need. The material is soft as titled, and personally, tends to keep in my body heat. The price on the piece is fair for its fabric and functionality, but over time can begin t...
SoSoft Cropped Cardigan Sweater -- Old Navy
This pullover is perfect for a dress-down day or staff PD. The offered colors are fun, and it is made of 90% cotton. The Henley style adds some flair to its simplicity. Be mindful that this piece is cropped, so sizing up and/or wearing an appropriate...
SoComfy Oversized Button-Front Sweatshirt -- Old Navy
I own this piece personally, and wear it at least every other week. The weight of the fabric is heavier, making it great for late-Fall and Winter. Although labeled as cropped, I find the cut hits right at the top of my hips. The larger buttons make t...
100% Organic Cotton Cropped Cardigan in Speckled Beige -- Quince
A second Quince item I own personally and wear often. The cotton is a medium-weight, and the wide-cut allows for movement throughout the day. The cropped style requires an appropriate top underneath. This piece feels cozy without being too heavy, and...
100% Organic Cotton Boyfriend Crew Sweater in Sky Blue -- Quince
Quince became known for their $50 Cashmere, and I understand why. This sweater is the softest item I own, and makes any work fit look elevated. Caring instructions state to hand wash, but I'll admit, I have washed it with cold water on a delicate cyc...
Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater in Ivory -- Quince
While bodysuits can be annoying to put on, they are a great piece to wear when you want to go about your day without worrying about tucking in your shirt every 5 minutes. A short-sleeve option is great for the warmer months, and can be worn with both...
Stretch Cotton Jersey Short Sleeve Bodysuit in Black -- Quince
The sleeveless high-neck bodysuit is another great choice for when you want a layered look without the unnecessary extra warmth. The high-neck cut keeps the piece professional.
Stretch Cotton Jersey High Neck Sleeveless Bodysuit -- Quince
The oversized NFL crew neck hoodie from Abercrombie is a staple for dress-down days during football season (go birds). The material is a blend, yet holds up over multiple wears.
NFL Vintage Sunday Crew -- Abercrombie
This pullover hoodie is another classic dress-down item that is perfect for a casual and comfortable day. The drop-shoulder adds movement and a relaxed style. Being fleece material, this item will definitely keep you warm on the days your building's ...
Sunday Hoodie -- Abercrombie
A second Quince item I own personally and wear often. The cotton is a medium-weight, and the wide-cut allows for movement throughout the day. The cropped style requires an appropriate top underneath. This piece feels cozy without being too heavy, and...
100% Organic Cotton Boyfriend Crew Sweater in Sky Blue -- Quince
Bottoms
Jeans, pants, skirts, etc.
For districts that are casual, or those working during ESY, the Uniqlo linen blend easy pant is a must-have. The material and shape is light and flowy, keeping you cool in warmer temps. The length allows you to determine how high- or low-rise you wan...
Linen Blend Easy Pants -- UNIQLO US
Anyone who worked in the past decade has probably owned the pixie pants at some point. They are a classic cut, sit at a great price point, and hold up over multiple washes. For those working in a business casual environment, these pants provide you w...
High-Waisted Pixie Straight Pants -- Old Navy
This wide-leg pant provides the look of a business trouser, and is made from material that makes the feel more comfortable than it seems. The waistband is elastic in the back, which allows for flexibility. The length of these pants is long, so consid...
Curve Love A&F Sloane Tailored Wide Leg Pant -- Abercrombie
These days, I find Abercrombie's jeans to be the best option for its price. The blend of the jeans offer some stretch which is great for those who move around a lot, but don't feel too thin. While 100% denim is the gold-standard for jeans, Abercrombi...
Women's High Rise Loose Jean -- Abercrombie
The classic pixie in a wide-leg style! Not much else to be said, the pants speak for themselves.
High-Waisted Pull-On Pixie Super Wide-Leg Pants -- Old Navy
This midi skirt is the perfect length to be appropriate for the school-setting, but not too long that you are tripping over yourself. The price is good for 100% rayon, and the pattern offerings add a fun touch to the basic offerings within this list....
Crepe A-Line Midi Skirt -- Old Navy
This tiered skirt provides movement and detail with a built-in cotton lining for comfort. The length is long, but the fit can be adjusted based on where you have the waistband sit. An added bonus: pockets! When wearing skirts in an educational settin...
Tiered Skirt -- UNIQLO US
Dresses
Midi and maxi length dresses
This item could be considered a nap dress “dupe” and the price is great for being made of 100% cotton. The fit provides comfort in both the smocked top and A-line skirt, and the strap width should align with most dress codes. Can easily be worn with ...
100% Organic Cotton Poplin Smocked Midi Dress in Tribeca Stripe -- Quince
Another midi-length option, this time made of 100% linen. Consider wearing a layer overtop--the straps may not be suitable for all dress codes.
100% European Linen Fit & Flare Midi Dress -- Quince
For those who work in a business causal environment but want to skip a day in pants, this is a great option that meets both requirements. The linen material ensures breathability and comfort, and the details of the collar, buttons, and tie create a m...
100% European Linen Button Front Dress -- Quince
The tie detail of this dress adds a modern look without compromising the fit. Cotton material for comfort in a length that is appropriate for any dress code. Consider wearing with a layer on top depending on how your district feels about sleeveless s...
Cotton Gathered Dress -- UNIQLO US
A basic dress that can be worn with a variety of layers or accessories. Be mindful of your district's stance on sleeveless styles.
Mercerized Cotton Dress -- UNIQLO US
This dress creates a cute look with its puffy sleeves and flower pattern. The smocked waist provides flexibility for a range of body types, and the length is appropriate for any setting. An added bonus: it has pockets!
Volume Sleeve Dress, Printed -- UNIQLO US
This dress has a similar look to the Quince collared button-down, but provides a slightly more casual look with the collarless neckline and striped pattern. With a higher neckline, this may be a better option for those who are concerned with showing ...
Linen Blend Relaxed Dress, Striped -- UNIQLO US
Shoes
Classic shoes at various price points. Note: I stay away from open-toe and open-heel styles for safety and dress code reasons.
Although their prices are higher, the quality of material and ability to machine-wash their shoes makes any item from Rothy's a sound investment. This pointed flat works well for a business casual dress code, and the woven material provides flexibilt...
The Point II -- Rothy's
I bought this shoe as a replacement for my white vans because I found myself needing to replace them once a year due to the way the canvas material dirtied. This shoe has lasted me more than three years with very frequent wear, and I may finally need...
The Lace Up Sneaker -- Rothy's
Another classic white sneaker option. This pair is made of leather, making it easy to wipe clean and durable for day-to-day use. The cushioned insole provides ample comfort. This sneaker is often on sale, so keep an eye out!
Women's Grand Crosscourt Sneaker -- Cole Haan
The 574 offers structure and comfort in a trendy, yet also classic, look. Another great options for educators on-the-go who can wear sneakers at work.
574 -- New Balance
Although pricier than most on this list, the boots offered by Blundstone are a great option for educators who live in climates that face rain, snow, or colder temps. This boot can be worn with both trousers or jeans, and its pull-on style avoids the ...
Women's Thermal
High Top Boots -- Blundstone
A flat at a lower price point, but not a lower quality. Great for business casual dress codes.
Italian Leather Bow Ballet Flat -- Quince
Sitting at $25, this shoe is the most-affordable option on the list. The mary jane style is trendy, but still works with a variety of fits.
Mary Jane Square-Toe Ballet Flats -- Old Navy
A popular casual shoe that comes in many colorways, the Samba is another great option for educators who are allowed to wear sneakers to work. The different color combinations allow for individuality in workwear.
Samba OG Shoes -- Adidas