Express yourself while dressing professionally: Student Teacher Fashion Week

Nothing strikes more fear into the hearts of college students than the words “business casual.”

That may be an exaggeration, but that particular dress code can certainly be a place of stress for young people in their 20s. We’re used to walking around campus in oversized sweatshirts, UGG slippers, and yoga pants.

There’s nothing wrong with a more comfortable approach to fashion, but as a senior, I’ve started thinking more about how my fashion will evolve once I graduate college and head out into the “real world” . I’m majoring in education, so I spend the entire spring semester teaching students in high school English classes. This is a great exercise to challenge the business casual dress code.

Different school districts require different attire for teachers. In fact, I know that some schools require men to wear a tie every day, but my school is not very strict about the dress code. In general, you must dress business casual (slightly more casual than business) Monday through Thursday, and jeans are permitted on Fridays.

As an artist who loves fashion, I was excited about the opportunity to try on clothes I wouldn’t normally wear. I enjoyed the challenge of combining the youthful creativity of my school days with the professionalism expected of a teacher.

Monday

On Monday, I slipped out of the gates of literature nerd wearing my first teacher outfit. I was wearing a “No, Joe!”Shirt with quote from Louise May Alcott Little Women I wanted my students to know that I really value reading, and what better way to show that than by wearing a quote from one of their favorite books on their shirts? Is there a way? To keep it professional, I paired it with some nice black slacks and a striped cardigan.

For all of my outfits this week (and honestly, probably the rest of the school year), I’m wearing my trusty Mary Jane Doc Martens. Not only are they stylish and professional, they also add a bit of personality to my outfits. I usually wear them with frilly white socks.

Tuesday

On Tuesday, my class was a little warm, so I wore a fun patterned top and brown slacks. I love this blouse, but I rarely get the chance to wear it (what college event requires a ruffled lace button-up?), so I was thrilled to be able to wear it now for student teaching. .

A blouse with a unique floral neckline and lace around the sleeves and collar.

Wednesday

The saving grace for me when it comes to teacher attire is having what I call my “go-to uniform.” My go-to uniform for student teaching is nice slacks, a white top, and a fun cardigan. Since I was getting out of bed a little later than expected (5:45am instead of 5:30am! Scary!), I relied on my trusty uniform to get me out the door on time.

This Wednesday, I chose a fun green cardigan with a smiley face daisy on it. I’m a positive person and wanted to convey that to my students, so this bright cardigan was a way to express that.

Thursday

I love a pop of color, so for Thursday I chose a white turtleneck, bright orange jacket, and black slacks. I paired this look with some gold accessories: my go-to gold hoop earrings and a layered tarot card necklace.

After teaching for almost a week, I learned the importance of layering. Depending on the time of day, my room either freezes or boils, so having the option to put on and take off the jacket is a lifesaver.

Friday

For my last outfit of the week, I took up the school’s proposal to have teachers wear jeans on Friday. I chose blue jeans with no fraying or holes and wore them with a chunky yellow knit sweater.

I love the color and feel of this sweater. I thought the high neckline kept this outfit professional even when paired with jeans.

After reflecting on my first week of teaching and the costumes I created, I knew it was a great way to connect with my students. A student who was more shy than usual in class came to my desk on Monday to compliment my cardigan and ask about the quote on my shirt.

Hearing this warmed my heart and reminded me that clothes can transcend social barriers and create connections and conversation starters between people who have just met each other.

This habit of combining my personal vibrant and colorful style with a business casual dress code definitely helped prepare me for life after college. We young people have learned that we don’t have to lose our creativity or individuality when we enter the workforce, we just have to find ways to express ourselves in new, more mature scenarios.

shaffea8@miamioh.edu