Let’s talk teacher fashion…
Teachers are constantly on the go and moving.
Running down the hallway to pick kids up at specials, walking around outside at recess, directing traffic at bus duty, dodging smushed food on the floor in the cafeteria… you name it; we do it.
So it’s no joke when teachers go shopping for clothes. We need to be professionally dressed and presentable at all times, but let’s be real… “professionally dressed” is not always comfortable… or affordable. And affordable to teachers is not always appropriate professional dress. Hence, the dilemma of teacher fashion.
We live a tough life, and we make some tough calls… starting at 5:30 AM when we are picking an outfit for the day.
So where is a teacher to go when we need a new pair of pants because our favorite pair now has… umm… bathroom stains on it, or a new blouse because blue and red dot art does not belong on a white shirt?
I’ve rallied and asked the experts… experts being you, my fellow teachers… and come up with a list of stylish, affordable places for teachers to shop.
Get ready because you’re about to look ahhhh-maaaayyyy-zziinggg 🙂 …and be super comfortable at the same time.
Oh, BTW — this is not a sponsored or endorsed post. All opinions are my own, and you won’t find any affiliate links.
Shirts and Pants
Target
Target is my jam, ya’ll… and not just because of that sneaky Dollar Spot. Target is my personal go-to place for the basics. You know, under tanks, t-shirts, and cardigans… oh yes, the Target cardigan.
Old Navy
Let me share a little secret with you… I used to work at Old Navy when I was in college. So I can tell you that there are always great deals, sales, and clearance at ON.
Another great place for the basics but also a great place to find pants. Ahh… the elusive, comfortable, yet professional work pant that looks cute and that you can actually move around in all day.
Enter the pixie pant.
I must’ve had at least 15 teachers profess their love for this style of pant, exclusively found at Old Navy. After a quick search on the ON website, this pant comes in MANY colors and styles (including maternity!) and is superrrrr affordable for teachers. It’s proof that teacher fashion doesn’t have to suffer!
Kohl’s
I’ve never met a person who didn’t like Kohl’s. Sales all the time, Yes2You Rewards, and Kohl’s cash… ohhh the Kohl’s cash.
Whether you like Lauren Conrad’s line or the other name brands, there’s no doubt in my mind that you’ll find what you’re looking for at Kohl’s.
Oh yeah, and off-topic of clothes… you can find GREAT books for $5 with an accompanying stuffed animal.
New York and Company
NY&C is a great place to shop, too, if you’re heading to a job interview or job fair.
While they did have a teacher discount in the past, that has been discontinued.
J. Crew
Again, two words: teacher discount. As of August 2023, the discount is 20% off with your teacher ID, and every little bit counts because J.Crew can be on the more expensive end.
I tend to stick with staple items from J. Crew… you know, the ones that you will wear over and over again, that are worth the investment in a quality piece of clothing. Like a jacket for recess duty or a blazer.
Walmart
Walmart has really stepped up their fashion game over the last few years, and you can find some great deals on staples and statement pieces. Their jeans and basic tees are great options year-round!
maurices
Maurices is new to me, but it’s a fan favorite – especially for plus-size clothing. They have a wide selection of really cute dresses, and their cargo pants are oh-so comfy!
Torrid
Torrid can be expensive, but they have a great clearance section, and their Further Reduced items are even better priced!
Cato Fashions
From jumpsuits to graphic tees to maxi dresses, Cato has all sorts of clothes that are appropriate and comfortable for teaching! They also have a wide range of sizes and do offer plus-size options!
Woman Within
I’ll admit that I hadn’t ever really considered Woman Within for clothes, but after hearing so many fans say how much they love their clothes, I took a second look. Sure enough, there are some super cute things that are affordable and durable enough to withstand the teacher-test!
Lane Bryant
Lane Bryant is another great option for plus sizes. Their regular clothes can be a bit pricey, but their clearance section rocks! The last time I checked, there were adorable tops for less than $10 and pants for less than $25!
Shoes, Shoes, and More Shoes
DSW
Let me be honest and tell you that my husband may or may not be having a secret love affair with DSW. He works in the corporate world and always seems to find his perfect shoe here.
I love DSW for the variety of shoes they provide … and during every season! I’ve found my favorite pair of school sneakers here and my favorite pair of boots. They always have a great clearance selection, too… and clearance is every teacher’s favorite fashion word!
Nordstrom Rack
I’ll be honest and tell you this is a fan favorite… and not one that I immediately think of when I am searching for shoes. But now it is!
All of the brands and popular names you love from Nordstrom… and at super discounted, affordable prices. Comfortable, cute, and affordable. Sign me up, NR!
Target
Target is a good place to find new shoes, although it’s hit or miss on the comfort of the shoes. It all depends on the style of the shoe, I suppose.
I always fare better with Target sandals and boots, but not so much the flats. However, I have heard from many of you that you’ve found the perfect flat that is comfortable from Target. So keep looking… you may find it at Target 🙂
Where is your favorite place to shop for teacher fashion clothes?
