Starting this next week, most of the Junior Elementary Education majors at ISU will be starting clinicals. This means that we will be in classrooms a couple days a week full time. Upon letting this settle in, we all realized that we need to start preparing for our teacher wardrobes. This sounds like an exciting task because it means that we will be doing what we love a couple days a week. The scary aspect is paying for all of these clothes and figuring out what is appropriate to wear.
"If you can see through it, under it, or up it, it's inappropriate." This was repeated over and over in the first meeting with our professors. Basically what this is saying is if it is see-through, don't wear it. Even if you decide to wear a camisole underneath it, it is not appropriate around children.
No cleavage. I know this is harder for some than others, but try your best to keep your ta-tas away. You'll be more comfortable in the classroom and won't have any chances of your cooperating teacher being upset about your attire.
When wearing dresses and skirts, it is best to have them reach all of the way down to your knee. Also, when figuring out if you should wear it or not, try sitting down on a chair or the floor.If you feel uncomfortable or like any body parts that shouldn't are showing, you probably shouldn't wear it. Also, try bending over like you would at a desk to make sure that you are safe there as well. You need to be able to interact with children without feeling uncomfortable and worrying about something like clothing.
Finding shoes that are cute and comfortable will sometimes be pretty difficult. Sandals, flats, and booties have been my favorite, but you could also wear short heels and/or wedges. Focus more on comfort rather than attraction. Payless has been my favorite because they have reflex soles that are pretty comfortable.
Get a couple pair of khakis and/or black pants, a couple blouses, and cardigans. Dresses and skirts are always an option as well. I am mostly fond of maxi dresses and mixing outfits between pants, blouses, and cardigans. Old Navy has been my favorite place because they have great deals. (They also have talls, petites, and plus).
It's hard to find clothes that are long enough and appropriate enough these days. It also seems like the clothes that are okay to wear are quite "old lady-ish" so I know that it is difficult to build your wardrobe. It is possible and it's way more fun to go on this adventure with your other teacher candidate friends by your side.
Clothes should be the least of your worries when you are preparing to be in the classroom. Remember, if you can see through it, up it, or under it, don't wear it in the school. Keep it as comfortable as you can and make sure that you can sit in whatever you are wearing without exposing yourself. One of my professors pointed out that students will not care about how cute your outfits were, how your makeup looked, or what your hair looked like that day. While you should look professional, the children do not care about all of those little things. Focus more on the experience of being there rather than making it all about your clothing.
