The Guide to Workwear part 2: Teaching in Trousers

Picture by Tinker*Tailor loves Lalka

Welcome to part 2 of our workwear series aimed at those of you starting in the education sector- whether public or private, training or teaching. Some of you may recognise Hannah's name from the great guest post she wrote for us earlier this year (read here if you missed it). Hannah is starting on the job teacher training at a primary school this year but has been working in schools for a while now and is amply qualified to provide advice.

As a primary teacher you have to be smart, fun, practical, professional, fashionable (you’ll get the girls’ respect for this) and comfortable all at the same time, which can be hard to achieve!

 I will be starting my in-school teacher training very soon and so I have had to purchase a teacher’s wardrobe. The key is finding the right trousers. They have to fit all the above requirements, excepting the ‘fun’ one perhaps, as your top can do this all by itself. I found a gem pair of trousers in New Look (so I bought two pairs). They are black (practical, smart), with a tapered leg (smart and fashionable), turn ups (fashionable) and a reasonably (but not too) high waist (fulfils all the requirements). 

However, they’re perhaps a bit, how do I put this... manly-looking.  So the top becomes important. Just choose what suits you, but make sure it’s bright, fun and pretty. And definitely not low cut- as a teacher you’re always bending over to have a look at children’s work and you don’t want any prepubescent boys having a peek down your cleavage. Cardigans are must too, but please not granny style. If your top is patterned, wear a plain cardigan, if your top is plain you can get away with a patterned cardigan. Avoid floral patterns though; you’ll end up looking mumsy not professional.

Shoes should something plain and simple with a quirk, like a bow or a flower. But make sure you can clean them of drops of PVA glue and smears of paint, so avoid patent or suede. I would also wear flats, unless you find heels exceptionally comfortable.

If you're already in teaching and would like to add your advice to Hannah's or if you are just starting out and would like some sartorial advice please feel free to comment in the space provided below!