Spikers! Help is needed
two clothing conundrums
I am invoking the Bat Signal on behalf of two readers who wrote to me asking for clothing advice. Let’s hive mind this!!
No.1 is a teacher in need of instruction.
I’m 40 and about to start re-training as a teacher and I have no idea how to dress for this.
I’m addicted to leggings and tea dresses but now I have to go into a school, every day, and look presentable and authoritative. Tights, I think? Blazer? And shoes? I’ve no idea.
And from where?! White Stuff? Hobbs? When I was 20 my mum bought me ‘office clothes’ and I looked like a child playing dress up. I can’t imagine I’d look any better now. I’ve no idea what clothes will do and there will be teenagers looking at me.
If I was doing this I would wait until the Autumn new season stock and then go straight to OtherStories, who do very good trousers and get some. I recently bought a white t-shirt from Colourful Standard and was very impressed. Once you find the size and style that suits you, you’re away, with a rainbow of colours to suit all occasions.
Then I would add one or two of the famous crew-neck fine-knit sweaters from Uniqlo.
I actually wouldn’t bother with a jacket for now - if “office clothes” freak you out.
Shoes: the one thing I know about teachers is that they spend their whole life on their feet. I’m pretty sure schools are relaxed about shoes, unless you are e.g head of department. Are Adidas Sambas allowed? Otherwise a nice pair of stout loafers - comfy and also on-trend.
If you’re into tea dresses and leggings and have worked in creative industries for a long time you will probably be drawn to a lot of pattern and colour - and that’s fine, but it’s also okay to wear very plain clothes. Don't forget - these clothes are on your lively, friendly person with your hilarious head on top. You can also add your best earrings or a necklace to liven things up.
A few really solid and comfortable things from the above stores will get you started: once you’re on your way and more steeped in the teacher culture, you will get style ideas from colleagues.
But teacher-Spikers! Please help our Miss Honey wannabe with teacher outfit must-haves in the comment box below.
No.2 - a keen wedding witness.
At the end of July, Gina will be a witness at the wedding of her beloved sister to her long-term partner. This is not a big church thing requiring hats, but more low-key event that still wants to feel special. Gina has a very generous budget - £700! Whoop!
My instinct is to say: go directly to Me + Em. I love the dress I have linked to and am waiting for it to go on sale.
Those bishes know how to cut a pattern to an actual lady’s figure - all my smart dresses are from there and they never let me down. I’ve said this before but I will say again: the company uses very slender models in its marketing, which is madness when the clothes are so good and flattering on regular women.
If you are in London, Me and Em have this service called ‘Harper’, where they will come round with a van and a selection of dresses and you keep the one you like. It’s mad! I’ve never tried it, but I see the van buzzing around Hampstead Garden Suburb sometimes.
My other top tip is to use the John Lewis styling service: everyone makes fun of me when I suggest this, but I’ve had great success with it in the past. If you are anywhere near a John Lewis store you book an appointment and then a nice lady will whisk around the store fetching you a collection of appropriate dresses and it’s very relaxing. The only thing is that you have to know you are okay to be firm and say “Sorry, not my lucky day” if nothing is right, rather than buying something out of guilt.
Just generally, if you’re ever looking hard for any “just right” bit of clothing, I always say over-order online and be very VERY strict with yourself about sending things back. Only do this if you know you can be ruthless and very efficient about returning things that don’t work.
Last point: if a dress is a 99% hit but there’s just something slightly wrong - tiny bit too big or the sleeve is too baggy, don’t forget that you can take it to a tailor who will be able to fit it to you perfectly for about £30.
How about you: if you had a budget of £700 and a wedding to witness, which posh dress shop would be expecting your visit?
Leave all your teacher and wedding witness suggestions in the handy box below. And don’t forget to pop the Like button on the way out if you had fun today xx
Posting a comment here on behalf of a reader:
"I have worked for many years as HOD in a state Secondary school. If you want to be respected by students and staff make sure that you dress in an appropriate manner. There is a dress code for teachers and it is part of professional standards. Sadly not many teachers stick to those anymore .. and they dress as if they go for a casual outing.
Big No to trainers, Adidas etc, I suggest to go to Clarks and buy patent leather loafers or tie up shoes. My students always comment on my style: Mia trousers from M&S, different style blazers, skirt and blouses from Jaeger. Keep it classic! I also recommend glasses from Coco Mint ( Booths) if you need reading glasses.,Originally sunglasses but changed into reading glasses. As a teacher you are a role model for the students. They study you from the moment you step into the classroom. I hope this helps!!"
I've been a teacher for 25 years and here are my tips: 1. Alarming as this may be, don't buy anything expensive now. You will lose weight in your first 6 months of teaching; it is very active and really pretty stressful at the start (sorry... this is true but it is an amazing and joyful career from January onwards!). 2. Once your body has acclimatised to staff room biscuits and life in the classroom go to Boden and buy 2 of their nice tea dresses in colours that make you pop. Of course it isn't the focus of the classroom but it is fun for the kids to have colour and style in their classroom. 3. Get some shoes from M and S. They are comfortable and last ages. Walk to school in your trainers and keep the nicer shoes under your desk. 4. Buy a nice backpack... no shoulder bag will support your marking and planner and laptop. 5. Buy a cute jacket from zara that works with your shape. I have 2 or 3 boxy jackets that I wear with wide leg trousers and a bit more jewellery than usual for parents evenings and evening events at school. Get a VERY quick make up routine (merit works well) and keep a facial spritz on your desk (teaching is weirdly dehydrating... all that talking). Hope that is helpful! and GOOD LUCK with teaching. It is a fab career :) Avoid LK Bennet, Karen Millen looks unless you want to look like a member of Senior Management from the 90s...