Educators: Where do you buy your work clothes?

[trytobearunner34]

TL;DR--K-12 educators (particularly school administrators) where are you shopping online right now that you really like?

Longer version:
I am planning to return to work in August after staying at home with our daughter since April 2017.  I was an elementary principal, but am applying to the assistant principal pool in our local district to re-acclimate to the field/working outside of the home. 

I am trying to use my current state of winter doldrum/pandemic fatigue/boredom online shopping for getting a head start on next school year and am looking for clothes to wear for work next year (an to interview too-gah I haven't interviewed in over 10 years!). 

Almost all of my wardrobe comes from Ann Taylor Loft, but I am not loving what they have right now for professional wear.  What else is out there?

[Deleted]

My husband teaches first grade and buys all his work clothes from Stitch Fix.

I also use Stitch Fix for causal wear and I love it. They definitely have business casual work clothes for women.

[katfco]

What are the expectations for dress at your school? People at our school wear everything from jeans and nice T-shirts to dresses.
I like cute T-shirts with teachery sayings on them. (Etsy is great for this). Kohls is often my go-to for more professional but comfortable wear.

[trytobearunner34]

Jan 16, 2021 13:40:03 GMT -5 katfco said:

What are the expectations for dress at your school? People at our school wear everything from jeans and nice T-shirts to dresses.
I like cute T-shirts with teachery sayings on them. (Etsy is great for this). Kohls is often my go-to for more professional but comfortable wear.

Great question!  Haven't been hired yet, but it's a district I have worked in before and the district is definitely business casual.

[suzubell]

I’ve been using Thred Up because I am losing weight but not at my goal. I’ve gotten great clothes for $20-30 a piece.

[nancybotwin]

Jan 16, 2021 13:44:18 GMT -5 trytobearunner34 said:

Jan 16, 2021 13:40:03 GMT -5 katfco said:

What are the expectations for dress at your school? People at our school wear everything from jeans and nice T-shirts to dresses.
I like cute T-shirts with teachery sayings on them. (Etsy is great for this). Kohls is often my go-to for more professional but comfortable wear.

Great question!  Haven't been hired yet, but it's a district I have worked in before and the district is definitely business casual.

I’m in school administration. I’d say most of my clothes are from Banana Republic and JCrew. Some of my basic slacks are from Gap. I get some pieces from Nordstrom every now and then. And I highly recommend getting Rothys! I’m on my feet a lot during the day and they are professional and comfortable!

[noodleoo]

Not a teacher, but my company is (was?) business casual dress too. My go to was Banana Republic Factory store. I think most of the gap brands are doing free mail returns these days.

[georgeglass]

School admin here - I wear JCrew, Boden, J McLaughlin.

[sandandsea]

I’m not a teacher but my office is business casual and I think a lot of the clothes would transfer well to teaching. I have used stitch fix for the past 2 years as I keep getting a $75/year deal. It was great but has gotten repetitive.

My go to uniform is pants with a blazer and a more fun shirt underneath. I also buy a ton of stuff on Amazon based on reviews. I like these comfy stretch dress pants. There are lots of styles so you can find one you like.

Rekucci Women's Ease into Comfort Boot Cut Pant www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAIPJ78/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_nd0aGbSMFHFM1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Limited-time deal: POGTMM Women 3/4 Sleeve Blazer Open Front Cardigan Jacket Work Office Blazer www.amazon.com/dp/B01MAZ868W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_dlT3_Yd0aGb5G2D849?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Doublju Classic Draped Open Front Blazer for Women with Plus Size www.amazon.com/dp/B07RGVK1TX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_Je0aGbJ8YBA08?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1


ETA. I have two young boys so like to buy machine washable and inexpensive so if it gets stained I can replace it. And I’m in a boring industry so no one cares about labels, you just have to look out together.

[onetruething]

I use Poshmark to buy better quality (and more expensive) brands. Some are used and some still have tags. Champagne taste on a beer budget, but it helps me look cute!!

[ally]

College admin, business casual most days.  I like Banana Republic, Land’s End, JJill.  

[arehopsveggies]

I’m only commenting because I’m in the same boat. Been home a few years, hoping to go back in August. My old school was very casual and I wore jeans a lot, but the district where I live now doesn’t allow jeans. I got a lot of tops at Loft back then, but there isn’t a loft anywhere convenient for me to go try things on

[notsopicky]

Loft for blouses/sweaters and NY&Co for pants (only place that sells high waist/long lengths).

[trytobearunner34]

Jan 16, 2021 13:49:44 GMT -5 nancybotwin said:

Jan 16, 2021 13:44:18 GMT -5 trytobearunner34 said:

Great question!  Haven't been hired yet, but it's a district I have worked in before and the district is definitely business casual.

I’m in school administration. I’d say most of my clothes are from Banana Republic and JCrew. Some of my basic slacks are from Gap. I get some pieces from Nordstrom every now and then. And I highly recommend getting Rothys! I’m on my feet a lot during the day and they are professional and comfortable!

Just spent a chunk of change at Banana Republic Factory Store online, so many thanks for the recc!

nancybotwin I remember having a terrible time finding flats, so I'm very interested in the Rothy's.  Is there a good time or good way of getting them at a cheaper price or is this just a good example of you get what you pay for?

[trytobearunner34]

Jan 16, 2021 14:44:08 GMT -5 sandandsea said:

I’m not a teacher but my office is business casual and I think a lot of the clothes would transfer well to teaching. I have used stitch fix for the past 2 years as I keep getting a $75/year deal. It was great but has gotten repetitive.

My go to uniform is pants with a blazer and a more fun shirt underneath. I also buy a ton of stuff on Amazon based on reviews. I like these comfy stretch dress pants. There are lots of styles so you can find one you like.

Rekucci Women's Ease into Comfort Boot Cut Pant www.amazon.com/dp/B00NAIPJ78/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_nd0aGbSMFHFM1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Limited-time deal: POGTMM Women 3/4 Sleeve Blazer Open Front Cardigan Jacket Work Office Blazer www.amazon.com/dp/B01MAZ868W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_dlT3_Yd0aGb5G2D849?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Doublju Classic Draped Open Front Blazer for Women with Plus Size www.amazon.com/dp/B07RGVK1TX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_Je0aGbJ8YBA08?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1


ETA. I have two young boys so like to buy machine washable and inexpensive so if it gets stained I can replace it. And I’m in a boring industry so no one cares about labels, you just have to look out together.

I had no idea they sold blazers as cardigans-love it!

[Jalapeñomel]

I feel like any clothing store would have something like this.

[fumbalina]

I'm too large to shop anywhere other than Torrid, Lane Bryant or the hidden plus size sections at department stores.

[erbear]

Old Navy, Ann Taylor / Loft, Banana Republic for dressier stuff, but mostly I wear dresses or jeans.

[scout8]

Not a teacher, but dress business casual for work. Most of my clothes are from Boden. They have tall sizes which I need.

[tommygirl03]

Jan 16, 2021 16:21:13 GMT -5 trytobearunner34 said:

Jan 16, 2021 13:49:44 GMT -5 nancybotwin said:

I’m in school administration. I’d say most of my clothes are from Banana Republic and JCrew. Some of my basic slacks are from Gap. I get some pieces from Nordstrom every now and then. And I highly recommend getting Rothys! I’m on my feet a lot during the day and they are professional and comfortable!

Just spent a chunk of change at Banana Republic Factory Store online, so many thanks for the recc!

nancybotwin I remember having a terrible time finding flats, so I'm very interested in the Rothy's.  Is there a good time or good way of getting them at a cheaper price or is this just a good example of you get what you pay for?

Rothys does a referral link, so you can save $20, the person that sends you gets $20, too. I’ve got a couple pairs, and I do love them, too. I’ve never had decent luck with flats, but these are the best I’ve found. PM’ing my link, but if nancybotwin sends one, def use hers!)

[m15]

Jan 16, 2021 15:16:39 GMT -5 notsopicky said:

Loft for blouses/sweaters and NY&Co for pants (only place that sells high waist/long lengths).

Express does! I buy the opposite...high waist, short length, but they have a ton of long options and they are my go to pants.

[mags]

Loft, Macys, Ann Taylor and Black House

[nancybotwin]

Jan 16, 2021 16:21:13 GMT -5 trytobearunner34 said:

Jan 16, 2021 13:49:44 GMT -5 nancybotwin said:

I’m in school administration. I’d say most of my clothes are from Banana Republic and JCrew. Some of my basic slacks are from Gap. I get some pieces from Nordstrom every now and then. And I highly recommend getting Rothys! I’m on my feet a lot during the day and they are professional and comfortable!

Just spent a chunk of change at Banana Republic Factory Store online, so many thanks for the recc!

nancybotwin I remember having a terrible time finding flats, so I'm very interested in the Rothy's.  Is there a good time or good way of getting them at a cheaper price or is this just a good example of you get what you pay for?

They have a teacher referral code. Let me see if I can find it and I will PM you - they give a teacher discount (so does JCrew)! They don’t discount all styles - and they are definitely worth the price if you do pay full price!!

[nancybotwin]

Jan 17, 2021 0:44:19 GMT -5 nancybotwin said:

Jan 16, 2021 16:21:13 GMT -5 trytobearunner34 said:

Just spent a chunk of change at Banana Republic Factory Store online, so many thanks for the recc!

nancybotwin I remember having a terrible time finding flats, so I'm very interested in the Rothy's.  Is there a good time or good way of getting them at a cheaper price or is this just a good example of you get what you pay for?

They have a teacher referral code. Let me see if I can find it and I will PM you - they give a teacher discount (so does JCrew)! They don’t discount all styles - and they are definitely worth the price if you do pay full price!!

PM sent!

[Doggy Mommy]

Jcrew, Madewell, Anthropologie, Nordstrom Rack. I get pants from Gap as well. I agree about Rothy’s - I bought some a few months ago and they’ve become my work staple.

[imimahoney]

Mostly Loft for tops, Gap/Gap Factory for pants. Their ankle length fits me best.

My school is very casual. People wear nice jeans and tops frequently though we do have lots of men wearing ties and women wearing dresses/slacks.

[jackie011]

Jan 16, 2021 16:21:13 GMT -5 trytobearunner34 said:

Jan 16, 2021 13:49:44 GMT -5 nancybotwin said:

I’m in school administration. I’d say most of my clothes are from Banana Republic and JCrew. Some of my basic slacks are from Gap. I get some pieces from Nordstrom every now and then. And I highly recommend getting Rothys! I’m on my feet a lot during the day and they are professional and comfortable!

Just spent a chunk of change at Banana Republic Factory Store online, so many thanks for the recc!

nancybotwin I remember having a terrible time finding flats, so I'm very interested in the Rothy's.  Is there a good time or good way of getting them at a cheaper price or is this just a good example of you get what you pay for?

I wanted to wait to receive them before I posted- check out Heawish ballet flats on Amazon. Mine arrived today and they are true to size and comfy. I haven’t worn them out of the house yet, so I can’t speak to the durability or lasting comfort.

[jane6672]

+1 for poshMark and thredup.
Since you have a lot of LOFT clothes - you probably have a good idea of your size in the brand? I love those sites for getting nice used clothes from brands I know my sizes in well.

Environmental win too

[hocus2]

Jan 16, 2021 17:41:10 GMT -5 fumbalina said:

I'm too large to shop anywhere other than Torrid, Lane Bryant or the hidden plus size sections at department stores.

  Does Lands End Plus not work either? I really like their basics. Like a simple dress and sweater can work well for business casual. I know Plus work clothing is really hard IMO.


Like this 

www.landsend.com/products/womens-plus-size-washable-wool-piped-sheath-dress/id_341814?attributes=8063,43307,43324,44256,44966

and this

www.landsend.com/products/womens-plus-size-cotton-open-long-cardigan-sweater/id_338417?attributes=32671 (though I don't love this sweater)

[juliachild]

I'm another person that buys used clothes. I mostly shop on ebay. I love Vince and Joie for tops.