I’m continuing reader questions this week with a really fun academic fashion one: how to dress like a confident badass as a professor or graduate student!
A while back, a read DM-ed me to ask: how can I dress like a fully confident, badass, accomplished woman as a professor? (If this was you, I am so sorry, I am bad at Instagram messages and can’t find it!). So today, we just get to do something SUPER fun and round up all-out confidence pieces you can add to your work closet! These would be great additions if you are looking to dress confidently in graduate school, too.
Shoes! Shoes! Shoes!
You already know fun shoes are the answer. With a basic outfit, they aren’t toooo loud for teachers, but they will garner compliments!
Silver boots: Sam Edelman Circus has been knocking the fun shoe collection out of the park recently. Very tempted by these ugly-cool sandals also.
Green sandals: Must not link to more Camper…must not link to more Camper…but, seriously, they are awesome. Watch for sales and check Nordstrom, too!
Studded flats: Almost conservative, but with a bit of fun!
Eye shoes: I have never met something with an evil eye on it I didn’t like. Hilarious for test days.
Clothes that take up space
The bigger the clothing item, the more confidence it projects. Think long dresses, oversized items, etc. Here are a few that caught my eye!
Cos dress: Love the asymmetry here and that it’s a subtle statement in slate gray.
Pink jumpsuit: Are! We seeing! This! Jumpsuit!!! With a blazer???
Cargo pants: If you’re like, “Rebecca you’re not seriously telling me to revive parachute pants,” then just keep scrolling, but I think you can get away with it with a blazer and flats unless HR has specifically said, “you are not allowed to dress cool as a professor.” And they haven’t, right?! It’s just our limiting beliefs about teacher clothes?! You could also choose a toned down fabric!
Subtle sparkle: If you just want a little fun, this rhinestone button shirt would be easy to layer with anything.
Pile on the little touches
Accessories are a really easy way to add layers of fun to your outfit. You can also consider the more permanent parts of you and what they convey–my hair has been my statement thing for many years at this point, and budgeting to keep it bright auburn is important to me! If you have tattoos and are in a tattoo-friendly workplace, show ’em! I am slowly adding ear piercings for a similar reason. I like the layered vibe and can switch them out for different looks.
Irregular pearl necklace: My current cool dream accessory. If anyone finds a budget version, let me know.
Mismatched earrings: I have another pair from this shop that I love!
Slouchy laptop bag: One other thing to think about is how to make everyday accessories do the most work for you. If they convey your personal style well, basic outfits will feel more like you. So, if you want a chill look, for example, this would be an easy laptop tote choice.
Snake huggie earrings: For your reputation era.
Zodiac pendant: Considering adding this to my silver layering with this necklace.
Slate tumbler: I’m thinking of replacing my SUPER BRIGHT TEAL tumbler with this one. I know this is extremely silly, but I carry my water around campus all day, so it might as well match the vibe I want!
That’s all I’ve got! What else makes you feel super confident at work?? Have you seen any showstopper clothing items lately?
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Heels and a power blazer always !!
I love these suggestions! Especially the lime green Camper shoes (they don’t care my size 11 sadly) and the rhinestone button shirt from GAP.