Need help :(

[spedrunner]

I seriously have NO clue when it comes to shopping for clothes. I get anxiety and overwhelmed, crazy , i know

anyway, I am a teacher and starting a new job in the fall and really want to widen my wardrobe for work. I teach special ed so i need something comfortable yet professional, i want to keep it fun too

Are there any teachers on here? I need a list of basics to get me started so im not so overwhelmed when i shop!!

Thanks!!

[Chrysanthemum]

Ann Taylor Loft. If you go in there and just explain to an associate what you need, you should be able to get a lot of what you need there. They also give a teacher discount.

-pair of black and gray trousers (find some that don't require dry-cleaning or ironing!)
-some kind of cotton twill pants in other solid colors (brown, tan, something pin-striped)
-cardigans-lots of them in different colors
-blousey tops (Loft always has lots of these)
-a couple pencil skirts if your position doesn't require you to crawl on the floor or tunics with leggings if it does

[spedrunner]

thank you!! i love loft! Even better they offer a teacher discount! I will def ask.

THey never have my size though, how are they with ordering ?

[Chrysanthemum]

I've ordered from them lots of times with no problems. So long as you already know what size you are from there, I think it will work out fine.

Another store I thought of for school clothes: New York & Company. Affordable, some cute stuff, mediocre quality, but for what it costs, I like it!

[spedrunner]

thank you!!

[monsterellachz]

FYI J Crew also gives a 15% discount for teachers.

[spedrunner]

Thanks gold!

[315bride]

Agreed with all of the above.

I am a huge fan of knits. Easy to care for (no ironing, etc), can be dressed up or down, and look put together. I wear with skirts and pants. Also, a no-iron button-down for the same type of reasons.

Get yourself at least one pair of comfortable shoes. I love ballet flats for work. Cole Haan Nike Air or Kenneth Cole 925 lines are my current faves.

[venice2007]

Everything pp said plus I love the editor pants at express. But def comfy shoes. Invest in good heels and flats as you will be on your feet a lot. I love the cole Hann Nike air. I can be on my feet all day in them no prob. They are pricey but worth it. Get basic colors and they'll go with everything.
Fitted blouses are neat and crisp all day long too.

[mrsacornblue]

Also agree w/ all of the above. I wil likely be doing a teaching practicum for my Master's in the winter (it's college level) and the only thing left on my list is a few pencil skirts and a few new tops. I also think dresses in the spring/summer are a nice change. Loft has some great ones. Old Navy sometimes has some cute tops to pair with dress pants. I also like Boden USA when their things are on sale.

[karebear304]

Before you get too much, I'd make sure you know the dress code. I was a teacher a few years ago (just wasn't for me) and I worked at two schools.

One was very uptight on the dress code- had to wear hose if you wore skirts, all closed toed shoes, etc. I never, never, ever wore skirts there.

The other school was a lot more relaxed. I taught special education and wore a lot of khaki type pants (like the Gap Perfect Trouser) and the Editor from express with flats and then a lot of sweater dresses with boots in the cooler months. We were jeans on Friday too so of course I wore them every Friday. Not missing a jeans day! As for shirts BR outlet was a favorite then (and still is now). They have tons of sales and their basic tops & dresses are great for work.

[honeydew1894]

I do most of my school shopping at Banana Republic and NY and Co. Depending on where you live, maybe add a pair of cords to your list? I teach in the mountains and spend my winters in turtleneck sweaters and cords.

[slarce]

I was also going to recommend determining the official dress code and how the teachers in your department actually dress before you spend much money. I teach high school social studies and the SPED dept is much more casually dressed than the rest of us - especially the ones who work with the high needs students. There are probably 20 SPED teachers, one wears heels (ever) and she's a team teacher. Get a few basics to start your first week, and of course you want to make a good impression and not dress down too much, but make sure you know the environment you'll be working in before you do a complete closet overhaul.

[pinkpeonies]

I also like the Limited. You should check them out too.

Also, if you have any outlets near you I always find great things at both Ann Taylor and Loft outlets.