Welcome back to back-to-school shopping for college teachers! When I was shopping for teaching clothes as a new grad student, I also lived in a very small town. This made it hard to find things secondhand and meant we didn’t have most name-brand stores. One store we did have, however, was Target! Target has some decent work clothing if you’re willing to dig around a bit. Here’s what I tried on and how I would style it to go back to school as a new college teacher.
I like to look for slightly nicer basics at Target, especially t-shirts. But I did find a few good pairs of teaching pants on my trip. I also managed to avoid back-to-college shopping and the school supply trips that get made in August–when in doubt, go during the off hours, early in the morning or late at night!
These pleated pants had elastic in the back (speaking my language after 2 years of mostly teaching online). The mockneck also had a nice texture that just made it slightly more interesting! These pants were short on me (I’m 5’11”) but they did have a turned-up cuff that it looks like you could cut open for an extra inch of length or so.
Top (wearing a M, I’m usually a S or M in tops)
Pants (wearing an 8, usually a 6, I would stick with the 8)
I thought this dusty pink was a nice and sort of unexpected color for fall. The cuffs on this shirt were too tight for my comfort, though. These pants were nice–just a step below dress pants, and they also had an elastic waist! I think a couple pairs could get you started in the classroom for sure!
Button down (wearing a S)
Pants (wearing an 8 but they were loose, would pick a 6)
This top was probably the nicest thing I tried on. It just felt like a hug. The sleeves were pre-rolled, so that could be annoying, but I wear my sleeves rolled most days anyway.
Top (wearing a M)
The Target mockneck is the superior mockneck. I own 2. Everyone I know who has bought one has bought more. They’re cozy and the sleeve length is a nice semi-professional touch. This almost came home with me but I’m cutting myself off from more t-shirts.
Mockneck (wearing a M)–these come in and out of stock online frequently, but most stores have some colors available. Not that I check every time I go…
This skirt was a nice crispy cotton! It had 2 functional pockets and the length would be perfect classroom coverage! It came in a striped version as well.
Skirt (wearing a S, usually I’m a M)
Thanks for coming to Target with me! Where should we go next?
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PhD in Clothes 