If I were teaching elementary school, I’d want clothes that let me kneel on the rug, wave my arms around while reading The Gruffalo, and look semi-professional while accidentally wearing glitter on my face. And most importantly: I’d want to feel like me.
But not “me in yoga pants.”
More like “me in outfits I can trust.” The kind that hold up to glue sticks, surprise fire drills, and a parent-teacher meeting you forgot was today.
And yes, I still want them to feel beautiful.
Here are some teacher outfits for elementary school that are easy, old money-ish (in the relaxed, quiet way), and don’t require dry cleaning after every art project.
1. Wide-Leg Pants + Knit Top + Loafers
I’d live in these. Soft wool or cotton trousers in navy or oat, a ribbed knit top (tucked in or not, depending on caffeine levels), and a pair of suede loafers that don’t need breaking in. Add a cardigan if the classroom A/C is dramatic.
This would be my Monday outfit. Grown-up. Grounded. Zero thinking required.
2. A-Line Skirt + Cotton Button-Up + Ballet Flats
Nothing feels more “together” than a good cotton shirt. I’d wear it tucked into a mid-length skirt (navy, maybe a soft plaid), with a pair of structured ballet flats or Mary Janes. Probably a scarf tied to my tote, too.
Looks like I know what I’m doing, even if I forgot to pack lunch.
3. Sweater Dress + Tights + Loafers
This one’s for when you want to feel cozy but still look like a person. A midi sweater dress (not clingy — just easy) with opaque tights and soft loafers. You can kneel, sit, run, whatever. Add a brooch if you’re feeling extra.
You’ll look like you ironed. You didn’t. That’s the magic.
4. Midi Skirt + Sweater You’ve Had for Years + Slingbacks
This is the outfit you throw on when you don’t feel like getting dressed — and somehow still get asked where you shop. A soft midi skirt (nothing stiff, just one that moves when you walk), a lightweight sweater half-tucked, and shoes that feel like you’ve had them forever in a good way.
The vibe: calm, capable, secretly tired but still kind of glowing.
5. Tailored Shorts + Linen Shirt + Loafers
Yes, you can wear shorts — if they’re nice. Go for the kind of shorts that almost feel like trousers — longer, a bit structured, but still easy. I’d wear them with a breezy linen shirt (probably slightly wrinkled) and my go-to loafers that I don’t mind scuffing a little. Hair up. Maybe gold hoops. It feels fresh but appropriate.
For those in-between weather days where you don’t know if it’s summer or fall.
PS: This would pair beautifully with our old money suede loafers.
A Few Things I’d Keep on Repeat
If I had to build a little capsule for school, here’s what would be on rotation:
- Trousers that actually fit and don’t dig in by noon
- Midi skirts you can sit on the floor in without adjusting every 3 minutes
- Button-ups (white, striped, linen)
- Ballet flats and suede loafers
- Sweaters in soft earth tones
- A tote bag that fits snacks, folders, and your actual life
- A coat that makes you feel put together, even over chaos
What Teacher Style Means (To Me)
You don’t need loud prints or six-inch heels to look stylish. You just need clothes that feel steady. Things that move with you and don’t need adjusting every five minutes. Things that feel personal.
That’s my version of teacher style. A little bit elegant, a little bit borrowed-from-Grandma (the chic one), and always ready to hand out stickers or step into a math group.
Final Thoughts: Outfits I Would Wear As A Teacher
If I were teaching second grade, I’d want my clothes to say:
“I’m calm. I’m kind. I remembered my tea this morning.”
(Even if none of that is true.)
That’s the magic of a good outfit.
It helps you show up. It lets you focus on the kids instead of your waistband.
It makes you feel like the grown-up version of yourself.
So yes — pockets are non-negotiable. But so is feeling good in what you wear.
