Because ever since I was a little girl, the final weeks before school were the magical days when it was time to do Back-to-School shopping. I could go on a shopping spree, and for once, buying myself new clothes and shoes was not considered wasteful spending. Now that I am grown, I have found myself anticipating the first day of school all over again.
Anyone who has worked with kids knows that it is not just the words we say that kids take in. It's everything, from the way we smell like sugar cookies (or Burberry) to the way our hair is coiffed (or not). Some may not see the need to impress kids with how we dress, but what about the way looking good makes us feel? When we are put together, looking good, and feeling confident, doesn't that just set the proper posture for instructing others? It also doesn't hurt when you hear a sea of "You're beautiful, Miss Chin-Yee."
So here are a few tips for those of you who are about to embark on your very own Back-to-School shopping sprees:
1. Have a general plan. If you go in with no idea of what kind of items you need, you will probably end up buying items you don't actually need, and may not even work so well with the pieces you already have.
2. Make sure you have your basics. Oftentimes people will only buy individual pieces that they like, and ignore the more boring looking basics. But basic cuts & neutrals form the foundation of any successful work outfit. There's plenty of room for fun in accessories.
Basics include:
-Flats or comfortable wedges in black, some shade of brown, and nude/white/other light color.
-Belts of varying widths (same rules of color apply).
-Pencil skirts and/or A-line skirts (depending on your particular shape). You really can't go wrong with any shade or pattern of these classroom appropriate classics.
-Button-up blouses.
-A good neutral colored blazer (that is tailored to flatter your particular shape)
-An assortment of cardigans. You may or may not know this, but there are a hundred and one ways to wear a cardigan. Do not get stuck in the mindset that cookie-cutter librarian is the only way to sport a cardigan. Maybe in the future I will do a full post about cardigans, because the possibilities are endless.
-Good fitting work pants in black/khaki/grey/navy. It's all about the fit. Don't just buy pants because they are the least expensive and fit the dress code. If they are not flattering to your unique shape, you are paying money to look bad, and that is not okay.
-Pearls. The duct tape of the fashion world. You can fix just about any school outfit with them. These are my go to when I don't feel like getting creative with my accessories. They are so simple, yet always a classic, elegant touch. Pearl earrings will always look better than an empty hole.
3. Once you have a respectable canvas of basics, BE YOU! Splash it with color, patterns, jewelry, scarves, fun shoes, or whatever it is that makes your look your own.
Happy Back-to-School shopping!
~Miss C
No comments:
Post a Comment