Back To Work Style – A Teachers Capsule Wardrobe

It has been a wonderful 10 months but the reality is the return to work is looming.  I’m going to miss G and the school run with O but there is the tiniest part of me that is looking forward to it.  I know within a week of my return I’ll be regretting that sentence but I am excited about seeing my work friends, having a chat over lunch and having a bit of alone time after school has finished.

One of the things I am really excited about is getting dressed for work again.  I feel like I have been living in jeans for the past few months, it’s more practical to wear trousers when you are constantly up and down on the floor with a baby so the thought of wearing a dress again is making me a bit giddy.

I’ve been having a rummage through my wardrobe as all work clothes were banished to the back when my bump outgrew them last year.  My work wardrobe is looking a bit tired to be honest.  A lot of clothes were bought when I was a dress size bigger and are now too loose and almost all of them were bought when I wasn’t in a particularly happy place and I think they reflect that.

Going back I feel more like me than I have done in years and I want my clothes to reflect that so I’ve been browsing the internet to find myself a capsule teacher wardrobe that means I won’t be having a meltdown in the morning that I have “Nothing to wear!”  A range of clothes that can be mixed and matched and will take me from Winter through to Spring and Summer.

I’m only working three days a week so I don’t need too many different looks although I need enough to stop the kids from thinking I always wear the same outfit (believe me, they notice).  As I am on my feet most of the day, I need clothes that are comfortable and easy to move in and if they have pockets, even better!

  1.  The little black dress (Next – £32) I always have one of these in my work wardrobe as they are perfect for parents evenings and important meetings.  They can be worn with a cardigan for the colder months and on it’s own when the sun comes out.
  2. The pencil skirt (Boden – £85) Another staple in my work wardrobe as it can be worn with shirts, jumpers or t-shirts and I find them really flattering.  This one is a little pricey but it will last years so if you think about the cost per wear, it’s not as bad as it first seems.  It does come in other colours if you’re not a fan of the pink.
  3. The pair of black trousers (M&S – £39.50) I love wide legged trousers and have avoided them in recent years in favour of skinnier pairs, but I think they’re making a come back.  I love this pair from M&S and they go with pretty much anything.
  4. The white shirt (Boden – £55) This will go with the trousers, the skirt and I often wear a white shirt under a shift dress if I fancy a different look.
  5. The statement dress (Oasis – £48) I already have this dress and it is so pretty and fits beautifully, and for those days when the thought of heading into the classroom makes you want to weep a little (we all have them) this is guaranteed to make you feel a million dollars.
  6. The cardigan (Oasis – £40) Schools are funny places with regards to heating.  It can be freezing cold but once you have a room full of 30 teenagers the temperature soon rises so a cardigan is a must have.  Layering is key!
  7. The sweater (Oasis – £38) I already own a very similar jumper from New Look but I probably prefer this one a little because of the collar detail.  I really like this style of jumper at the minute and it’s really easy to wear.  It will pair up beautifully with the trousers and makes for a great smart/casual look.
  8. The blouse/splash of colour (Warehouse – £35) For those Spring days when the sun is shining and you want to get embrace that summer is coming.
  9. The smart t-shirt (M&S – £15) Like I mentioned above classrooms can get very hot very quickly, especially in May and June and a t-shirt is a must for those hot sticky days.  I love the subtle nod to this years ruffle trend on this one.

What are your work wardrobe favourites?  I’d love to hear.

 

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18 Comments

  1. February 13, 2017 / 10:22 pm

    Lovely collection Jo, and wow I can’t believe it is back to work for you. I love next for their workwear, they have some gorgeous skirts and trousers in at the moment. Have you thought about a pair of cullotes or wide leg trousers. Oh and M&S have some gorgeous wide leg trousers in mustard. Lovely! x
    Kerri-Ann recently posted…Things I’m loving latelyMy Profile

    • February 15, 2017 / 9:56 pm

      I’m ordering some wide legged trousers tomorrow (been waiting for 20% discount day) but culottes just don’t suit me. I love the idea of them and have tried loads on but I just don’t feel right in them. xx
      Not A Frumpy Mum recently posted…The Last DayMy Profile

    • February 15, 2017 / 9:57 pm

      Thank you, I always feel more in control when I’m happy I what I’m wearing. Xx
      Not A Frumpy Mum recently posted…The Last DayMy Profile

  2. February 14, 2017 / 9:44 am

    I shall be heading back to school in June after eight months of maternity leave and am also now starting to think ahead when it comes to what I’m going to be wearing!
    I’m a big fan of sweaters like your #7. I find I’m often up and down on my knees working next to student desks so keep skirts and dresses for parent evenings but I love the pink skirt you’ve chosen.
    You’re spot on when you mention layers being a must. I’m forever adding or losing layers in between lessons depending on class sizes and activity!
    Mary recently posted…Fitting in running alongside a babyMy Profile

    • February 15, 2017 / 9:58 pm

      I’m often in different classrooms and the temperature variation is huge, the more layers the better! Xxx
      Not A Frumpy Mum recently posted…The Last DayMy Profile

  3. Naomi
    February 14, 2017 / 9:14 pm

    Ooh, I love that pink Warehouse top. My classroom can be freezing in the morning but boiling by lunchtime so I need layers too x

  4. JESS | mummy of boy girl twins
    February 15, 2017 / 9:37 pm

    LOVE these picks..we have such similar taste!! 🙂 Hope that going back to work isn’t too stressful and you get into it all again quickly xx
    JESS | mummy of boy girl twins recently posted…Home Etc #86My Profile

    • February 15, 2017 / 10:00 pm

      I’m sure y the end of my first full week it will feel like I’ve never been away. Just hoping that now I’m only doing 3 days I can get the teacher/mum balance right. xx
      Not A Frumpy Mum recently posted…The Last DayMy Profile

  5. JESS | mummy of boy girl twins
    February 15, 2017 / 9:38 pm

    LOVE these picks..we have such similar taste!! 🙂 Hope that going back to work isn’t too stressful and you get into it all again quickly xx

    Jess xx

  6. February 16, 2017 / 9:57 am

    Gorgeous selection of items. Being a performing arts teacher I only really wear kit, it is nice when I get the opportunity to ‘dress up’ a bit! Hope that your return to work is a stress-free as possible xx

  7. February 17, 2017 / 7:20 pm

    OH Jo you are looking so great I think you will look amazing in anything back to work. These are fab and gorgeous with the trending colors so you can mix and match these together making more fab outfits. WIN in my book. #WRC

  8. February 17, 2017 / 9:47 pm

    This is just a stunning selection! I was just saying on Jess’s post that I’ve totally lost my sense of style since having kids. Office clothes was always easier for me, but I struggle with casual. I’m all over that Boden skirt!! xx
    Pamela | Life With Munchers recently posted…Making Time 2 | The BattleMy Profile

  9. February 19, 2017 / 5:06 pm

    I love the pink Boden skirt, this would look great with so many things for spring. I actually quite miss having a work wardrobe x x x
    Kerry recently posted…Beating the Winter BluesMy Profile

  10. February 19, 2017 / 10:31 pm

    Perfect collection, I love those colours. I especially love the grey Oasis jumper, that would look great dressed up for work or down with jeans for the weekend. Good luck when the time comes xxx

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