CLASS IT UP

For most of us school is almost back in session. That means that there are lots of Professional Development meetings coming up, not to mention Back to School/Open House/Meet the Teacher night (aka Make a Good First Impression Night), and of course the First Day of School. These occasions are all important for different reasons and have the power to impact how your year goes and possibly even the course of your career.

Let's face it, we live in a culture where first impressions and how "put together" you look are crucial. As you gear up for what these exciting and busy next few weeks have in store, don't let your wardrobe decisions be what you're stressing over. Today, I'm sharing some ideas for how to look professional, put together, warm, inviting, confident and all of those other good vibes you want to put forward when gearing up for these big functions.

As a teacher, sometimes it is hard to Class it Up on a tight budget. I totally get that! Whether you have loans to pay back, a family to support, or you're student teaching... a teacher's wallet will most likely never be robust. Please note that all of the clothes & accessories I'm showing you today were either purchased on sale or at a really great price. I'm a penny pincher, and paying anything over $15 for an item gives me anxiety, so I'm right there with you! Just know that having a classy wardrobe IS doable on a budget... sometimes you just have to hunt to find what you're looking for in your price range. 

Come take a peek into my closet and check out outfits I'd wear for Back to School meetings/events, Professional Development Days or Observations throughout the year!

Look 1:

I love this outfit because it's professional without feeling too "stuffy." I chose to dress down the pencil skirt by wearing it with the chambray shirt and suede ankle boots. The statement necklace adds a nice finishing touch and ties in the black from the pattern on the skirt, while also giving me a little bling. I love wearing these ankle boots because they are super comfortable and very versatile. This is a perfect first day of school outfit!

The Look:

Chambray Shirt - Target (similar, similar, similar)

Textured Pencil Skirt - Target (similar, similar)

Black Statement Necklace - Walmart

Suede Ankle Boots- Old Navy

Also, proud to be sporting my Erin Condren Teacher Planner! 

Look 2:

Hooray for skirts with pockets! Hooray for finding cute comfy flats on sale! Something else that makes me cheer is the fact that I can keep the same basic pieces of this outfit, but just switch out the cardigan and have a totally different look! Right now, I'm looking very fall-ish in this mustard sweater, but I could do a red, lavender, teal, black (or really any other color cardigan) to make this outfit perfect for another season. 

The Look:

Mustard Cardigan- Target

White Blouse- Forever 21 (similar, similar)

Jean Skirt- DownEast Basics 

Striped Flats- Target (same)

Apple Necklace- Claire's (it was a gift from a student!)

Look 3: 

I love everything about this outfit! I had fun mixing patterns and textures when putting this outfit together. Polka dots are a favorite pattern of mine. They're so classic and I don't think they'll ever go out of style. This skirt is so fun and my favorite thing about it is the pockets! Heels are a great way to look professional, but comfort is key when you're on your feet all day... If I knew I was going into a long day where I wanted to look spiffy I would wear this outfit and probably wear flats with this during the school day and bring the change of heels for an after school meeting or conference. 

The Look:

Polka Dot Blouse- Target (similar, similar)

Black Skirt- H&M (similar)

Nude Pumps- Target (similar)

Pink Chain Necklace- Forever 21

Look 4:

This outfit is seriously SO comfortable! I love that I can dress it up or down based on what accessories I wear. I feel like putting on a blazer automatically classes up any outfit and makes me feel put together without really having to try. 

The Look:

Blazer- Target

White Blouse- Forever 21 (similar, similar)

Royal Blue Pixie Pants- Old Navy

Black Ankle Boots- Walmart

I hope taking a peek into my wardrobe has inspired you and given you some ideas on how to class things up this school year! Share how you plan on Classing it Up this school year using the #myteacherstyle tag on your social media posts. 

P.S. A huge shoutout and thank you to my sweet sister for taking these photos for me and editing them. I appreciate you Em. <3

P.S.S. This blog post came to be because of a few requests from fellow teachers. If there is something you would like to see on the blog, comment below and I will work on it!