Back to the Classroom: A Teacher’s Guide to Comfortable Style

Go back to class in comfortable, stylish apparel. Teachers don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort—there are plenty of outfits that offer both. Lands’ End has women’s dresses, skirts, pants, and tops for teachers in sizes to fit every body. There’s also an excellent selection of men’s dress pants, dress shirts, sweaters, and other classroom-ready wardrobe staples.

Fashion Tips for Teachers

The first step when planning your classroom wardrobe is to check your school’s dress code. If your school doesn’t require a uniform, it’s likely that business casual is the preferred apparel style. Some schools may have rules about certain garments—for example, denim may or may not be prohibited. Others may have a permissive dress code that allows casual clothing.

It’s also good to know a bit more about apparel fabric. School days can be long, so it’s important to wear clothing that’s comfortable. Light, breathable fabrics are comfortable and easy to layer; options include Supima cotton and cotton/polyester blends. Cotton/modal is another good fabric choice for teachers because it’s soft, sturdy, and drapes well. It’s lightweight and excellent for layering, and it’s machine washable for easy cleaning. Many clothing items for teachers are made from these high-quality fabrics. Now that you know more about apparel style and fabric let’s look at some specific outfit ideas for educators.

Fall Dresses

Women’s dresses check all the boxes when it comes to teachers’ outfits. They can be made to look casual or dressy with shoes and accessories, and they come in an array of modest, classroom-appropriate styles that flatter every body type.

A fit-and-flare dress is a mid-length style that you can wear with dress shoes and a women’s cardigan sweater. Three-quarter sleeves and a banded waist add a structured touch, and if you choose a cotton/modal fabric, it will typically be enhanced with the slightest hint of spandex, so you’ll never feel constricted.

Another knee-length dress style is the long-sleeve wrap detail dress. It has side-tie detail and front pleats for a dressy classroom look. The fabric is a cotton jersey with spandex, which imparts a smooth, silky feel and allows for freedom of movement.

Maxi dresses for women are another fashion option for the classroom. This dress style can look casual, so choose a maxi with structured details like a surplice bodice and cap sleeves. When it comes to the fabric, Pima cotton and rayon-modal with Lycra® spandex will be soft, light, and move with you, plus it will layer beautifully under your favorite cardigan or blazer.

Skirts and Pants

Women’s skirts are another option for the classroom. There are midi skirts and maxi skirts in soft, comfortable fabrics, including cotton, cotton/modal, and washable wool. You’ll also find pencil skirts in performance fabrics that pair well with women’s blouses . When it comes to colors, there are skirts in neutral tones such as black and khaki, along with brighter hues and an array of prints. Choose from paisley, plaid, and a variety of other stylish motifs.

Another versatile option is the skort, which combines the best features of a skirt and shorts. Skorts come in classic khaki and other colors, so you can pair them with almost any top in your wardrobe. To dress up any skort, add a blouse in a silky fabric and slip into flat or mid-height heeled shoes.

There’s also an excellent selection of men’s pants for the classroom, including chino slacks in pleated and flat-front styles. Washable wool pants are another option for men. Men’s cargo pants in a khaki or charcoal hue are a style to consider for casual classrooms.

Sweaters and Jackets

Sweaters are a must-have for every teacher this fall. A women’s cashmere turtleneck can be worn with any skirt or pants to impart dressy flair and plenty of warmth. There are also women’s cardigan sweaters in a variety of materials, including Supima cotton. This type of cotton represents only a small fraction of cotton grown in the USA—it has a long-staple fiber that’s both durable and colorfast. Supima cotton sweaters keep their shape and are fade-resistant. They layer well with other pieces and have a soft, smooth texture.

Cotton/modal sweaters are a wardrobe item that women and men can wear all season. These sweaters come in crewneck, V-neck, and cardigan styles for her and him. They’re available in a rainbow of colors and can be worn with dress shirts underneath for a professional, polished look. On casual days, layer one over a flannel shirt or even your favorite tee.

Men’s corduroy blazer is another piece of apparel that’s great for the classroom. Pair one with khakis, an Oxford shirt, and a sweater vest for a dressy school outfit. Women’s blazers are also a versatile item; they can be worn with slacks, skirts, and dresses for professional workday style.

Uniforms for Teachers

There are also uniforms for teachers that can be personalized with a monogram and school logo. You’ll find Oxford shirts for men and women, along with skirts and pants in durable, easy-care fabrics. Many of these pieces are wrinkle-resistant, which eliminates the need for ironing. When it comes to accessorizing a teacher’s uniform, there are multiple tie styles to consider. Choose from traditional silk ties and bow ties in a wide variety of colors and prints.