Outfits to wear? Female substitute teacher attire.

Whether you’re a fashionista or prefer plain – finding the right female substitute teacher attire takes some preparation. From choosing the right skirt length to suitable shoes, many factors play into picking appropriate outfits for women teachers.

Here, we’ll share the dos and don’ts of female substitute teacher attire to ensure you feel confident while meeting dress code expectations.

Quick tips for female substitute teacher attire:

• Follow dress code
• Business casual
• Wear neutral or soft colors
• Comfortable shoes
• No jeans
• Keep jewelry simple
• Wear layers

Learn the school’s dress code.

Each school typically has its own dress code, which may be available to you before your first assignment. Still, getting acquainted with a school’s dress code isn’t always possible. The good news is that most dress codes typically overlap.

Dress code fundamentals, like modesty and simplicity, maintain a respectful, distraction-free environment. Sticking to professional attire that exudes these qualities is a surefire recipe for success. Maybe you’re still stuck on, “What clothes you should wear as a teacher?” The key is finding a balance between comfort and appropriateness. Go with pieces you enjoy wearing for long hours that work well in multiple classroom settings.

Business casual is your best friend.

The meaning of business casual can vary from workplace to workplace. Luckily, the following clothing items generally always fall into the business casual category:

• Cardigans, turtlenecks, blazers, button-up shirts, high-neck blouses, and collared polo shirts
• Dress pants, tailored slacks, chinos, and knee-length skirts
• Modest-length a-line dresses
• Jumpsuits
• Closed-toe dress shoes, flats, loafers, knee-high boots, etc.

Stick with neutral colors.

Neutral colors are typically the way to go when curating outfits for women teachers. These shades are versatile, with low saturation and a subtle appearance. That said, neutral doesn’t have to mean boring!

Beyond your typical blacks, whites, navies, grays, beiges, and khakis lies a world of gentle tones! From sage to dusty rose, you can effortlessly add a pop of color to your outfit without overdoing it. Muted colors also simplify incorporating soft patterns, like florals, plaids, stripes, paisley, and more.

Pro Tip: Your clothing (including colors) should not distract students from studies.

Avoid jeans.

Blue jeans of any shade are generally seen as inappropriate when it comes to the school dress code.

But there may be one exception to the rule: Casual Fridays! On these cherished days, schools welcome comfortable attire, like jeans, relaxed tops, and sneakers. Still, it’s best to familiarize yourself with a school’s policies before showing up in denim.

If you’re looking for a casual yet professional feel, chinos are a nice substitute. Chinos provide a refined look with the same comfort as jeans (if not more). And they come in countless colors!

Keep accessories simple.

Simplicity is key for designing outfits for women teachers. That said, less is often more regarding accessories. Avoid distracting or noisy jewelry, like large bangles or dangling earrings. Minimal jewelry, like a watch, some dainty rings, or a necklace, can keep the focus on your teaching. The same goes for bags. Opt for a practical yet stylish option, like a tote, messenger bag, structured satchel, or bucket bag.

Think practical, yet comfortable.

When it comes to female substitute teacher attire, consider that no two days are ever the same. You might start your day teaching 7th grade English and end it by cheering on 5th graders in a softball game. Prioritizing functional, business casual teacher outfits can ensure your clothing doesn’t interfere with your substitute teaching duties.

For example, your favorite pumps might take your outfit to the next level. However, you may feel differently after walking up and down multiple flights of stairs to your classes all day. Here are some other not-so-practical clothing items you may want to save for another occasion:

• Overly casual clothing, like sweatshirts, sweatpants, leggings, and graphic tees.
• Super long skirts, oversized tops, or loose-flowing dresses can get in the way, particularly when passing out materials or moving around the classroom.
• Statement pieces with bold patterns, sequins, or embellishments typically aren’t appropriate for professional environments.
• Tight, restrictive, revealing clothing, skinny jeans, or low-cut tops can all be uncomfortable and distracting to students.
• Avoid sandals, open-toe shoes, Crocs™, UGG^® boots, sneakers, and high heels.

Steer clear of overpowering scents.

Everyone loves to smell nice. But avoid intense perfumes. If wearing a scent is a necessity, lean toward a subtle or neutral fragrance. Body mists are the perfect option. With a much lower fragrance oil concentration than perfumes, body mists provide a light and delicate scent. They’re less likely to overpower a room and cause discomfort to those sensitive to strong smells.

Leave controversial apparel at home.

Always leave clothing with political or religious statements, bold slogans, or inappropriate content of any kind at home. These pieces won’t only cause distractions. They could also offend or spark strong reactions in others. A good rule of thumb is, if you’re questioning it, it’s best not to wear it. Choosing business casual attire typically helps avoid any predicaments.

Come prepared with layers.

Most substitute teachers are familiar with the unpredictability of classroom temperatures. Layering your outfits is a great way to keep warm while adding depth to your outfit. Blazers and cardigans are simple add-ons that can keep you stylish and cozy throughout the day.

Casual teacher outfits for female substitute teacher attire.

So, now that you know the basics, we’ll leave you with some easy casual teacher outfit ideas. Whether gathering inspiration or recreating these looks, the following outfits can ensure you always feel fashionable and professional:

• A knee-length dress with knee-high boots.
• A white blouse, a burnt orange skirt, and black Mary Jane flats.
• A neutral, floral maxi dress with ankle boots.

We can’t forget outfits for women teachers who don’t want to wear dresses:

• A striped sweater, black pants, and black loafers.
• A neutral plaid jumpsuit with ankle boots.
• A chunky knit sweater vest, a white button-down shirt, black pants, and ankle boots.

Grow as a substitute teacher with Kelly Education.

While each school dress code may vary, these simple dos and don’ts provide a basis for navigating any classroom. From casual teacher outfits to polished female substitute teacher attire, you can make a positive impression every day.

We have an entire library of helpful articles for substitute teachers. They include:

• Classroom management for substitute teachers
• What not to do as a substitute teacher
• How to become a substitute teacher in your state

If you or someone you know is interested in substitute teaching jobs, fill out our brief interest form, and one of our recruiters will contact you to answer your questions. We’ll also share more about opportunities to become a substitute teacher or support staff with one of our school district partners.

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