Hi!
Before having
my children I taught elementary students. Now that my younger child is 5, I am starting to substitute teach. I
hope to go back to work full time soon. Here is my problem. While at home for the last nine years, I have put on some weight.
I'm not really sure how to dress my body anymore. Also, teaching is a field that is tricky to dress for. How does one look
professional yet casual enough to do playground duty, and incorporate a modern look without appearing like your trying to
look like a teenager?
Haha!
Thanks, Working Mom
Oh, wow, Working Mom, that is a good question.Those are all important issues.
First let's start with some things to
avoid so as to not look dated:
1.
No mom jeans - for those of you who don't know, mom jeans are high waisted jeans that are a little too full in the legs and
come in weird washes, such as acid wash...basically, anything that looks like it would have been hip in the '80's. Go for
darker blue denim jeans cut to skim your legs with either a straight leg or a slightly flared leg to create a slimmer look.
Don't go for too many pockets or details or too much contrast stitching or embroidery.
2. Make sure your hair cut is modern. Go to a hairstylist who keeps up with trends
(not all of them do) and ask them for something more current. Classic is fine - but if you're stuck wearing the same haircut
that you were 9 years ago, you're bound to look dated. Stay away from too much streaking or big hair - sorry, those are pet
peeves of mine - they just take away from your beautiful face.
3. Get some makeup advice - try some new ideas in makeup. Makeup doesn't have to be complex, there are a lot
of easy tricks to keep your face looking fresh. Try googling makeup on YouTube. You'll find a lot of great tutorials.
4. No t-shirts for school - if you must, make sure they're not
faded from too many washings and fit well. No loose t-shirts, please!
6. You can build a simple wardrobe around some nice blouses, skirts, a pair of pants or two, a couple of jackets
& some cardigan sweaters (which are really hot right now). Keep things fitting well. One thing that women who've gained
a few pounds tend to do is to wear things too loose. They think this hides their flaws but what it does is just make them
look lumpy! Don't do this, go with the new curves you have and accent the positive.
7. Start off simply - so simple skirts, such as a-lines and straight skirts are a good
start. Find ones that fit closely over your hip, not tight but just skim it. Waists are going higher these days but don't
go too high.
8. Keep your pants modern looking - if you're
heavier, then the new skinny silhouette probably won't work. On the other hand, too wide of a leg won't look good either.
Just try something with a slim fit.
9.
Since you're on the playground, try a cool boot with a small heel. You should be able to handle an inch to an inch and a half
heel - sometimes you can find very cool-looking boots in the shoe lines that cater to comfort, such as Aerosole, which no
longer look like nurses' shoes.
10.
Stay away from Crocs. I've heard tell there are some cute Crocs out there, so I'm not totally against them but stay away from
the classic Croc clog.
11. Try wearing some
tailored-ish jackets to wear over the whole thing for warmth & to look stylish.
12. Accessories, accessories, accessories. To look pulled together, be sure to try
out the new scarves and wear them in stylish new ways. Again, you can find tutorials on how to wear scarves on YouTube. Belts
- wear them over your skirts, dresses and pants. They just look professional. Earrings & jewelry. Don't forget that they
will make you look polished and ready. Don't match earrings to necklace, that looks dated. Only coordinate - silver with silver.
Gold with gold.
13. Stay away from
nude-colored pantyhose - wear dark stockings, especially black ones to complete your cool look.
14. Boots, boots, boots: Ankle boots, below the knee boots. Now the new look is over
the knee, but I've never loved those unless they're on tall & skinny & young girls and even then, I think they're
kind of trampy-looking. Sorry! But that's just me.
14. Finally, stay current. Just because you've been out of the game for a few years doesn't mean that you still
can't look as fabulous as you did 9 years ago. You'll be surprised that if you try these things out and aren't afraid to step
out of your comfort zone (in more ways than one), how many compliments you'll get.
Thanks for asking AdviceonFashion.com!
