Okay. So I've been kind of quiet so I'm just gonna say what I think about this.
Jean skirts: I'm Pentecostal (one of the "super strict" religious groups) I wear skirts every single day and instead of wearing jeans, I wear jean skirts. I personally think they can work just like regular jeans. I grew up on them, and I get compliments on them often. I'll take a jean skirt over whatever else is in "style" today. (Like seriously, everything is sheer. Can I get something not sheer and form-fitting and not super duper short? Kthanks.)
Now, I have never worn a jean skirt when I go out to the schools. I just thought I would ask. I normally dress professionally. No cleavage, skirts all under the knee, no tank tops, no sneakers/flip-flops/sandles, just closed toed flats for shoes.
I only asked this because I have not gotten a legit answer for this. My mom never wore jean skirts to work because she actually worked in an office. I think if you work in an office, outfits like what Steel suggested are appropriate. I think that may be a little too much, that's something you should wear to an interview. I don't think you have to dress like you're going to an interview every day. Still look professional, just tone it down a little bit. For an elementary/primary school teacher... not so much.
Okay, guys. I will be working with children under the age of ten on a daily basis. If I dressed like what most of you are suggesting, all of my super nice clothing will be covered in markers, glue, chalk, etc. Ain't nobody got time or money for that. Also, I want my students to feel comfortable around me--not afraid because I look like the superintendent every single day. Also, I LOVE colors and patterns. I don't want just plain Jane black and white and solid colors every single day. I like patterns and colors, and hey, kids like them too. I want their attention, I don't want to blend in with the chalkboard behind me. I have to move around, stand up, possibly chase students around on a daily basis.
And yes, kids won't care what I wear, but I know that doesn't mean I can wear jeans and a t-shirt to school everyday. I'll still have my colleagues and my principal, so I still have to make a statement for myself with how I dress.
Do ya see what I'm saying? Yes, teachers have to be professional, but a different kind of professional. We don't wear suits every single day, because our job just doesn't make sense for it. We constantly get told what to wear to schools all the time, but it usually covers things along the line of "don't show cleavage, no piercings, no jeans (pants), no shorts, no visible tattoos." All of which don't apply to me, except for cleavage because it's IMPOSSIBLE to find a shirt that won't show it anymore. Even the camis will show cleavage. *flips table* But they never ever specify jean skirts, just the pants, and I've asked and I always get an "I don't know." I play it safe and never wear them to schools.
P.S. Also, I don't want you guys to think my legs are hairy monsters. I shave them regularly. I was just particularly overwhelmed and exhausted that day, and I just did not want to add "shave legs" to my list of things to do that night. The showers here are awkward and it takes twice as long to do anything here. I did end up shaving my legs, though.
EDIT: Yes on the tights, I own a pair, but I forgot them at home. ._.
Also, I just saw what you edited, Jasi. Yeah, professional, but not business formal.
Edited by Kisseena, 26 September 2013 - 11:33 AM.
