Teacher fashion: shoes.?

Question

I am student teaching this year and am trying hard to look professional. I have never been good at fashion, but I want to look like I belong in a high school setting as a teacher.
So today I would like to know about shoes.

Should I be wearing heals or can I get away with flats? I am 5'3".
What colors or styles work well?
I have a pair of black, high-healed boots from payless.


Thanks for any shoe advice (or even pictures) you can give. I am trying to build up a decent wardrobe before school starts so I can walk in feeling professional.
:)

p.s. I am in my late 20's so the "trendy" thing isn't an issue. I am just not good at knowing what to wear.
:)

Answer 1

I am also in my late twenties, and I have been teaching for 7 years...plus I am 5'1''. I know EXACTLY what you are talking about here!

I always choose something with a lower heel, usually 1-2 inches. I do have the occasional 3-4 inch heel, but I only wear those with longer pants and if the heel is a wider heel.

Personally, I do not like to wear flats. I have to look up at the kids when I do, and my feet feel better at the end of the day if I have on some sort of heel.

Check out DSW for shoes...they have a great selection and you can usually get different colors of the same shoe. Stick with a black and a brown for now. If you find that you need more, then get a different style and some different colors.

Find a friend to go with you to look at shoes. It is nice to have another opinion when you go shopping sometimes. If that isn't possible, ask one of the associates at the store for their opinion. I know it is summer and all, but wear a pair of black pants that you will be wearing to school so that you can see how the shoes will look.

But...the most important thing is to break in the shoes BEFORE school starts. Trust me, you do NOT want to wear a brand new pair of shoes to school and end up with a blister at the end of the day!

Answer 2

Flats to low heels are optimal. Make sure they look neat and adult. Heels are death to most teachers because by the end of the day you will have knee and back pain. Teaching is not a fashion show - you need to endure the day with a smile. Stay away from open toed shoes and sneakers, neither is appropriate unless you are having dress down days. Wear Sandals with caution, they can be dangerous on a school floor, or look scruffy and unprofessional. Slides, while having closed toes can be hard because you will be walking and turning and doing stairs. Professional does not mean ugly there are many cute shoes out there that have some substance and style. Get good support first, but then look for versatility, a nice pair of black low heeled pumps, loafers or maryjane styles will carry you a long way.

Answer 3

Comfort with some fashion... You will not be able to stand for most of the day in high heels - avoid them! I wouldn't go higher than 2 - 2/12 inches, myself. Your shoes should compliment your outfits. I'd also stay away from shoes with a too small heel - you will slip on the floors and fall - the kiss of death for a teafcher to fall in front of the kids, you know? Here in the South - where its warm all year, sandals are fine... If you're somewhere else, you have to let the weather dictate what you wear, too. If you find a comfy pair, go back and buy a second pair, as well as the same kind in other colors if you can. Good Luck!

Answer 4

I recommend flats or tennis shoes (if allowed). You will do a lot of standing and walking during the day. Avoid the high heels if you can.
I teach in a high school and most of us wear dress casual clothes. We also can wear jeans if they are not frayed or faded and we usually dress them up with a nice top. Tennis shoes are allowed, thank goodness! When dressing for school always bend over in front of the mirror to see if you're completely covered. Avoid clingy tops that accentuate your figure.

Don't worry about your height when trying to look professional. The students will consider you a teacher by your actions and attitudes, not your stature. Being in your late 20's is an advantage in this respect.

If you really are concerned over shoes and clothes, call your co-operating teacher and ask her what she wears and what the policy is for teacher attire. If the co-op teacher is not available to you, your university supervisor should know what is typically worn at that school, as he/she has probably been there before.

Answer 5

You are going to be on your feet for most of the day, so get something comfortable for you...flats mostly. Look for shoes made by Skeechers or another similar tennis shoe company that makes other types of shoes. They still have the tennis shoe feeling but can be worn with a pair of khakis and a sweater. I would choose brown, olive green or black for he most versatility.

Don't sweat the shoe thing too much. Of course every school has its divas that wear three inch heels, but the vast majority of women do not do this. Do dress up more for the first day of school and open houses. If you have any questions about dress code, call your supervising teacher. In all honesty, I would have been happy to enterain these types of questions from my interns before they showed up in something too dressy. Ask if there are dress down Fridays, too - jeans, sneaks and school spirit shirt.

Good luck!

Answer 6

Don't try to dress too "college" trendy and too cute. Dress like an adult in a professional setting. Shoes need to be comfy. Flats will be welcomed by the 10 toes after a full day of walking and standing. And... cover up the boobs before the young boys think you're the hottest thing in town... get silly and show you no respect... and you loose the class.

Answer 7

I tried to put fashion before comfort with shoes (they make such cute cheap ones now!), and I've suffered from it hardcore. Blisters aren't fun, and they make your feet look ugly. So go for comfort on most days.

I think you can get away with flats, but since you're short and teach high school, you might want to go with heels (wide, no higher than 2 inches) just so you won't blend in as much with the students in the halls. :)

I've found that buying what works with most outfits is the best way to go. You'll need black shoes and brown shoes. You'll need shoes that match your more casual outfits and shoes that work with your dressier stuff. I have 2 pairs of Mary Jane type shoes, one in black and one in brown. They work well with pants and skirts/dresses, so they're versatile. I've posted a link to a pic below. :)

Answer 8

If you are teaching, you'll be on your feet a lot. I'd go for comfort over style. I have a pair of Dansko shoes and I absolutely love them! If my feet are tired at the end of the day, I know I worked my can off, it's not b/c the shoes let me down.
You also might want to look into Birkentstocks...I know they're not all that attractive, but they are super cozy and they do offer vegan styles.
Good luck! :-)

Answer 9

I've been teaching for 7 years. Go with wedges, they are cute, and comfy. Keep a pair a neutral flats (ballet style) at school for foot pain emergencies.

Answer 10

My friend who is a teacher, says comfort is important. She wears a low heel, and a closed shoe. Nothing too trendy.