Hello everyone,

I have a small problem. I'm 22 and consider myself to have a good fashion sense, but this coming fall I will be student teaching in a high school classroom. I have this weird fear of dressing like one of my students on the first day, but I don't want to dress like my host teacher either. Does anyone have any advice they can offer?

Thanks!

First of all, don't try too hard. Think simplicity and comfort. Pair of jeans or dress pants with a simple top might do. Maybe you could try a fitted jacket to clean up your look. Whatever you wear, make sure it is not something a high school student would wear. You want your look to subtly say "I'm professional", not, "I'm one of you. So like, what's up?"

I think stepping it up a notch from the Juniors section, will help. I would also say that jeans are not an acceptable piece of clothing to incorporate into your work wardrobe...unless of course, you work in a casual office environment. As a teacher, you need to look respectable. Of which doesn't have to translate into frumpy and dumpy. A nice fitted jacket ( long or short sleeve ) with jewel toned cami's, and skirts of a comfortable and appropriate length, along with a nice dress pant are going to be key to your wardrobe. Think business casual when dressing for school. Sweater vests layered with dress shirts. I'm not really sure your type of style, but classic with a few trendy pieces is always a good bet. You can act your age with the accessories you purchase. Good luck.