What is appropriate for a 22yr old Female Substitute Teacher to wear??

Question

I am a first year sub teacher and I want your advice on what I should be wearing. Im a 22 yr old Female. I dont want to look too dowdy, but I want to look fashionable and professional at the same time. Dont take this as snobby or egotistical, but I have been told that I am attractive, and I dont want to give the boys i am teaching the wrong idea. Do you know what I'm saying? Whats your ideas???

Answer 1

I'm pretty much in your shoes. I look 19, and I'm really 26, and substitute for junior highs a lot.
Invset in sone pants (khaki, brown, black, whatever. And I love sweater sets.
Classrooms tend to be cold for teachers if its hot, because the students come in fronm outside and its warmer there. Or vice versa.
So layers are important- button ups and sweater vests,
You can probably do jeans if they are classy - darker washes, no fading ot tears.
shoes, whatever makes you comfortable. I thought flats would do it, but the heel clicking around tends to intimidate (of course, harder to sneak up on them) ; )
They will think you're cute no matter what, if you are a little. It can make the boyd behave nicer. If you're worried about them getting to friendly/relaxed with you, I say go by your last name only.
And never answer personaly questions. If you dont let them know you're only 22, they wont know. You can act older- My kids always guess between 22 and 30. Not that I care how old they thoink I am.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

Just dress as you would for church or a dinner out with your parents/grandparents. Conservative and demure without being too old for your age. A business look would be OK, as long as you are comfortable in it.

Your skirts should be at least to your knees, and nothing tight.
Your slacks and pants should be tailored and fit well.
Your tops and blouses should be tailored, not too loose or too tight. They should also be high enough in the neck so that when you bend over, nothing shows. Try it in front of a mirror to tell if a shirt exposes cleavage or not.
Try adding a jacket or blazer to your outfit, you can always take it off if you get too hot or uncomfortable.
Shoes should have no higher than a 3" heel, and no platforms, stilettos, or open toes. Stick with basic pumps and heels. Flats or very low heels are your best bet, you will be walking and on your feet a lot.

When you go to the stores, try to stick with the professional looking clothes in the Juniors section so that you don't end up with something designed with a 40 year old woman in mind. I like Deb personally, but most any trendy store will carry things that are appropriate for your age.

Some stores to try for ideas:
http://www.coldwatercreek.com/
http://www.anntaylor.com/
http://www1.talbots.com/talbotsonline/index.asp
http://www.wetseal.com/
http://www.chicos.com/store/home_intro.asp
http://www.christopherandbanks.com/
http://www.metrostyle.com/
http://www.charlotte-russe.com/

Mainly, just look at yourself in the mirror before you decide to buy. See how you think it looks. Does it show a lot of skin, does it ride up when you sit/squat, does it show clevage when you look down or bend over, does it make you feel old, etc... If you are picking something out of your closet, again, try it on. Use your best judgement, and you will be fine. If there is a dress code at the school, find out about it. If not, just see what some of the other younger female teachers are wearing, go from there.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

As a high school teacher for 35 years, I would say dress comfortably but still look like a professional. Make sure no midriff skin shows when you reach up. Be careful about the neckline, especially when bending over to help students on their papers. Teen age boys are always looking! If you're wearing a skirt, check the length when reaching up, sitting down or bending over. Make sure when people walk in the room they can tell the difference between you and the students. Good Luck!

Answer 4

You might want to check out some rules on business casual attire. Slacks, knee length skirts, sweater sets, fitted blazers and button down shirts would all be fairly appropriate. I would skip jeans unless it is a Friday and the other teacher at the same school dress down that day. Also remember that as a teacher you may need to bend over a desk or two, so make sure your shirt is not too low cut or revealing. My mom is a teacher and she dresses in business casual attire for the most part and jeans on certain Fridays.

Answer 5

Teacher What To Wear

Answer 6

Well you said it “I don’t want to give the boys I am teaching the wrong idea ", therefore nothing low cut and nothing above the knees, slacks, a comfortable but not sheer blouse and a blazer.

PS. if you are attractive, the boys will get the wrong idea even if you were wearing a full radiation suit.

Answer 7

No matter how conservative or professional you dress the boys WILL get the wrong idea. At least one of them will think of you like that. So dress fashionable and professional. Here's an idea....

Answer 8

Fashion is like the saying beauties in the eye of the beholder,and age has nothing to do with it. you know your body type and as long as you wear your clothe in a tasteful manner you have no control on what others are thinking.

Answer 9

A button-up blouse, I saw some inexpensive nice ones at Old Navy over the weekend. Khaki pants. Sandals. Those should be fine!

Answer 10

It depends on what age of children your teaching. You could just dress with your regular clothes just decent. My daughter had a teacher who was also young and she wore jeans everyday with a regular blouse and she looked decent. I think she was your age too, she looked very young. She even had a tattoo, and the children loved her and she wasn't a substitute teacher she was a teacher.