Chic for Cheap: Elementary School Art Teacher
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Hello lovelies. I seem to have gotten behind on my Chic for Cheap posts, so today I'm excited to be taking on a challenge by reader Jessica who has just had a career change and needs some ideas for dressing for her new profession as a elementary school art teacher. Here's the challenge in her own words:
"After a long career change and job search, I just got a new job as an art teacher for an elementary school in Manhattan. I am beyond excited, but having trouble figuring out what to wear! The students wear uniforms and teachers are encouraged to dress professionally (no jeans or sneakers). Office clothes sound terrible to me, especially if I have to bend down 100 times a day to talk to kids, or work with paint and other art materials. I love Anthropologie-like clothes and aprons, but can't afford an entire work wardrobe from there. Oh, and I am very tall and with a curvy figure. Can you help me?"
I can definitely see the challenge in dressing for this job position, but the great part is that as an art teacher it seems that you have some leeway to be creative and have a bit of fun with what you'll wear. Of course anything you pick will need to be classroom and kid-friendly...so the key pieces that come to my mind are:
Cozy but delicate cardigans (ideal for keeping warm in a cold classroom).
Statement earrings (something pretty and with a bit of color to add whimsy to your outfit).
Embellished tops (look for sophisticated details such as glass beads, sweet ruffles, or a single bow).
Figure-flattering pants (look for pants that give you room to move and interact with your students - machine-washable varieties are going to most forgiving in a classroom environment).
Pretty flats (since you're tall and will be on your feet all day, there's no use in torturing yourself with a pair of heels when a pretty pair of flats will do the trick just fine).
Some other ideas:
Pair a pretty dress with a classic blazer and scarf for a look that is feminine and professional. Jewelry doesn't have to cost a fortune — these pretty earrings are only $4. Play around with what you have in your closet currently and see what pieces you need to complete your own perfect Chic for Cheap look!
Congrats on your job Jessica! Have a fantastic school year. xo Ez
- V-Neck Cardigan in Wild Berry - Anne Taylor LOFT | $49.50
- Smoky Gems Earrings - Banana Republic | $35.00
- Wide-leg Trousers - Old Navy | $32.50
- Bohemian Getaway Tunic - Ruche | $32.99
- Zig Zag Railway Top - Ruche | $29.99
- Ribbon-Trim Ballet Flats in Pewter - Gap | $19.50
- Snake Print Ballet Flats - Charlotte Russe | $19.50
- Brazler Flats - Aldo | $22.49
A special tip for teachers: Anne Taylor LOFT has a special program with 15% off for teachers. Find details here.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010 
Reader Comments (18)
Most stylish school teacher ever!! Love your picks! I want the blouses and I am not a teacher! :)
Totally cute, love this! wanted to become an Art Teacher before as well! ha! ;)
LOVE that zig zag top SO much!
xo
Melis
Very nice! I'll have a new Chic for Cheap challenge for you in a few months ;)
Ahh! I love it all! Thanks so much, Ez! I can't wait to pick out my first day of school outfit!
So jealous of Jessica! Art teacher + Elementary School + Manhattan = Wow! + Wow! + Wow! Great outfits too - love the bottom pair of flats.
Love the outfit!! I should have been a teacher I knew it!
I love the color pallet here and I love that you feature affordable items.
I've been an art teacher for 5 years and trying to be fashionable or dressy is hard when each day I get covered from head to toe in pencil smudges and paint splatters. Love this post! Flats are definitely a must, I am always on my feet. No light colors or white! Cute apron and earrings are a way to create your art teacher style.
I'm an elementary art teacher! And I would totally wear all of these items (and can I just add that you pretty much outlined my wardrobe. I even wore my statement earrings today! )
Lovely picks! I adore everything!
Hey there lovelies! Thank you all for your kind comments! Your sweet words really filled my day with sunshine! xo Ez
I too love those bottom flats. Nice affordable finds that I can work into my work wardrobe. Thanks girl!
oh how i could sure use more embellished tops in my wardrobe collection! :D
Ooo, I love these outfits! I work at a university and don't spend a lot of time getting messy, but I'm always cold and walking all over campus--this outfit would suit my job perfectly, too! I love the Ruche tunic. I'll be purchasing it when I have some spare cash for sure.
I love when you post these! I'm a high school English teacher in Colorado and I would absolutely wear that outfit! Thanks for the post :)
I am delighted with your chic for cheap posts. I used to yearn to become a grade school teacher, but I don't think I'll become one someday. Your outfits are really wonderful. I also love the flats.
Irene Love
Fashion Sale
Hey, just wanted to thank you for the great post, I’m looking forward to your next one ........