In Southern California, looking professional while fitting in can be more of a challenge than it seems. Women appear to fill their closets with laid-back attire that is also excruciatingly trendy. While I can appreciate a tasteful crop top or romper, these aren’t pieces I’ll be wearing into a charter school classroom next year. In addition to looking for relaxed yet polished clothing, I’ve also been figuring out how to build a professional capsule wardrobe for teaching.
Furthermore, deciding how to dress as a teacher has always been difficult for me. Of course, it is important to look just formal enough to show that you mean business. At the same time, however, I’ve found that most students can be intimidated by the type of formalwear you might see in a corporate office or law firm. Meanwhile, most schools prefer (with reason) that we cover ourselves, tuck in our shirts, and dress modestly– whether we are women or men. Throw in the fact that it’s still in the 80s here in November, and building the proper wardrobe becomes quite the conundrum.
While there are evenings and weekends for the relaxed, trendy clothing in my closet, I really need staples that I can wear confidently as a teacher. And when I tried on The Toi, a custom-fitted dress by MM.Lafleur, I immediately fell in love.
The Toi by MM.Lafleur / Kate Spade bag (thrifted) / Stuart Weitzman shoes (thredUP)
I mentioned MM.Lafleur last week, and I really adore this company. While their pieces are on the pricier end, they have magnificent customer service and are an ethical company when it comes to manufacturing. They import their fabrics from Italy and Japan, and build their pieces to fit you to a T. If you’ve read some of my earliest wardrobe posts, you know that manufacturing ethics are important to me. I’m continually inspired by the sentiment behind Elizabeth C. Cline‘s Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion, a book I still hope to read cover-to-cover in the near future. Needless to say, I would prefer to purchase one fabulous piece of clothing than ten cheap pieces that don’t last.
The bottom line is this: I know that not everyone can afford to wear high-quality, US-made clothing, and not everyone needs an especially professional wardrobe. But I am grateful that I can slowly accumulate pieces that will take me into the classroom– pieces that are well-made, flattering and still professional! If you’re looking for more professional pieces for your wardrobe, I am loving my two purchases from MM.Lafleur (and nope this was not sponsored!).
What types of clothing do you consider professional? Do you have or need a professional wardrobe? What pieces are in it and where do you find them? I’d love to know!
You look gorgeous Daisy! I have the Toi in the beige color and I love how it fits. Now you’re making me want to get it in navy too!
I think you hit it right on the head with your “crop top and romper” statement haha. That’s totally what comes to mind for me when I think of SoCal styles. And you’re totally right that, while it’s certainly trendy, we can’t wear that stuff to our jobs. Well written and beautifully styled as always Daisy.
Jenny
Stuff I Love
Oh I just saw this comment– thank you so much! ELA is tough though!!! Especially at that age… I’m amazed by all the dedicated teachers I’ve met, and was fortunate enough to have wonderful teachers growing up!
Aw thank you so much! That means a lot to me. I don’t usually get compliments on my hair 😉
Thank you so much Laura!! 🙂
Thank you so much Sabrina! And thanks for letting me know about the giveaway! I love Loft 🙂
Oh, it sounds like you have a few different roles to play! I think that can get complicated when you’re trying to streamline your wardrobe! And let’s both read Overdressed- I’ve been promising myself to do it before the end of the year. And thank you so much Sheryl! 🙂
Thank you so much Emily!! 🙂
Thank you Erin! I love reading about how you dress for school– it sounds like leggings are must-haves! And you’re always so cute and stylish, I’m sure you come up with something perfect for the classroom everyday:)
Thanks Amy Ann! I didn’t know you used to be a teacher. That is so cool!
Thank you so much Zelle! You’re so kind 🙂
Thank you Hayley!! It really is a dilemma, I’m on the hunt for more pieces or I’ll end up wearing this dress everyday 😉
Thank you so much, friend! 🙂 I really appreciate you stopping by 🙂
Thank you so much Rachel! And I love short sleeved fit-and-flare dresses. They’re just so unbelievably versatile!
you look so pretty, and your hair? Beautiful 🙂
xoxo
http://www.theblackblush.blogspot.pt
That dress is so pretty, I love your necklace
xo
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
That color and statement necklace are so gorgeous together! I’m all for being a little over dressy, but it gets a bit weird sometimes when you’re in a super casual environment.
Sincerely,
Sabrina
P.S. I’m giving away a gift card to The Loft on my blog!
I am a private counselor and teach as a college instructor, I find my wardrobe needs to be somewhat different in both places. Being too professional on a college campus can create a barrier with students. Yet, I need to be professional with my clients. It pays to have quality pieces. This post is the second post today that has mentioned Overdressed – so it’s now on my reading list. PS: Love your hair color in these photos.
I love that dress + necklace. A great professional look!
20somethingfashion.blogspot.com
Great post! The teaching world is full of so many different types of dressers. I always found that the more comfortable, the better. Heels. No way. Well..maybe a wedge. Teaching little kids requires constant time on your feet, bending over desks/tables, ETC. I found that dresses and leggings were my ticket to gold. No matter what the length of the dress, a pair of leggings made everything modest enough 🙂 Just my take. I LOVE this dress though. You look gorgeous!
As a former teacher, I totally get what you are saying. This is a beautiful and fitting work look.
xo, Amy Ann
The Real Arnolds
You look fab, Daisy! Very polished and put together, but very stylish at the same time. The perfect look!
xo Southern Style
How exciting! I have an incredible amount of respect and admiration for elementary school teachers, especially special ed teachers! You have the biggest hearts out of all of us 🙂 Yes, I teach on the westside – ELA 7th and 8th grade. I’m excited that it’s finally cooled of just a bit these past couple of days. Would love to see some rain!!
Have a fabulous hump day 🙂
xo
Just reading you describe that dilemma stresses me out, haha! I think this outfit would be perfect, though! That dress is SO flattering on you and that necklace is absolutely beautiful!
Looking so polished and cute !!
http://www.pardonmyobsession.com/
That dress looks so classy! It’s easy to tell it fits you perfectly. I also prefer to have fewer well-made pieces in my closet than dozens of cheap pieces. At our school we don’t have to dress very professional in a “business-like” sense–at least, bright colors and patterns are still acceptable. My collection of short-sleeved cotton fit-and-flare dresses have gotten a lot of use since I’ve been in the classroom!
I teach English to high school students in Spain. What about you?
Thank you so much Paisley! I really appreciate you stopping by 🙂
Thank you Cvetina!! You are so sweet, I really appreciate you stopping by 🙂
Thanks so much Tina! Oh yes, pencil skirts are great. Mine are a bit tight though so I’m looking for something with a straighter cut. Let me know if you have any recommendations 🙂
Thanks so much Jeannette! 🙂 I’m sure you look lovely at in your professional attire because you have great style! Do let me know what you think of MM Lafleur!
Thanks so much Jessica!! 🙂
Aw thank you so much Denise!! You are so sweet– where did you teach overseas? I had no idea you were a teacher, that’s yet another thing we have in common (except I have yet to get my licensure!).
Thanks Kimberly!! I really appreciate you stopping by 🙂
Thank you so much, friend! A light cardigan would be perfect 🙂
Aw thank you so much Jana!! 🙂
Thank you so much Deniz!! I hope you like the brand– it’s perfect for women of all professions 🙂
Thank you so much Jenna, your approval as a teacher totally means a ton to me! Your tips on wearing blouses and dress pants are spot-on– I also want to avoid being too flashy or distracting. I worked at a school in the summer that had a pretty strict wardrobe (yes, even in the summer!), so I’ve had a bit of practice 🙂
Thank you so much Elmira!! I am sure you look great everyday– you’ve got style!!
Thank you so much Caitlin! It’s so good to hear approval from a teacher 😉 I’m hoping to work with elementary school students in special ed! Do you teach in LA as well?
Thank you so much!! Oh, I’m sure you brought some of your own great taste to that office!! 😉
Thanks Heidi!! 🙂
Thank you so much 🙂
Thank you so much Cami! It’s so good to hear that you can relate– what do you teach, by the way? 🙂
Thank you so much Shannon! I was amazed at how well the dress fit, kudos to them!
Thanks friend! I was blown away by how well it fit! And you are so sweet 🙂
Thank you so much Nadja, you are so sweet! 🙂
Thanks Elise!! You are so kind, thanks for stopping by 🙂
Thank you so much Chelsea!! 🙂
Thank you so much Cara!! 🙂
Thank you so much Michaela, that is so good to hear because I’m definitely struggling! I really appreciate you stopping by 🙂
Thank you so much Rachel!! Oh, your taste in clothing is fantastic (I really loved the eshakti dress on you today). I’ve tried to be semi-professional in the past, which worked really well on the East Coast. Unfortunately here in LA people are so laid back and casual that I often look like I was plucked out of a prep school in Massachusetts. Haha!
Thanks girl!! It really is a versatile dress (and hopefully I’ll wear it for years and one day it will pay for itself… haha).
Thank you so much Nicole! You are so kind 🙂
Thank you so much Joanna!! You have such great wardrobe pieces, I’m sure you look lovely at the office 🙂
Thank you so much! Oh goodness, to be honest, as popular as F21 is, I’m not a huge fan. That stuff falls apart in seconds! And that is so funny that you never ended up taking your coat off… I would have had a tough time in that classroom because I can’t really concentrate when I’m freezing cold.
This is a beautiful and professional look! It must be so rewarding to be a teacher!
xx,
Paisley
paisleynotplaid
Thank you so much Charity!! You’re lucky to get to be a bit more flexible with your attire 😉 And I definitely own some pieces that I should never wear to work– possibly to a festival!
Thanks Shireen!! And believe me, there will be many days when I don’t look fantastic… haha. Oh, the bag was a great purchase from several years ago! Have you looked into thredUP? You might find a great designer bag for cheaper there 🙂
Thank you so much Larisa!! I really appreciate you stopping by 🙂
Thanks so much Shannon, you are so kind! And I can see how your casual-cool style might not be ideal for the office, but I ADORE it so… 🙂
Thanks so much Helene!! 🙂
Thank you so much Nabihah! It sounds like you have a pretty stylish work wardrobe! I think I need to find some more dress pants 🙂
Thank you so much Alison, you are so kind!! And I’m glad you can relate to the idea of buying fewer pieces of better quality 🙂
Thank you so much 🙂
Thank you so much Kiki! And I agree about high necklines (though I’m not chesty) just because then I don’t have to worry about leaning over! And my teachers were always pretty formally dressed; I can’t imagine what your teachers were wearing though!
Aw thank you so much Jaelan!! And right… an easy wardrobe for a not-so-easy job 😉
Thank you so much Marlen, you are so sweet! And yeah, cardigans are great– as long as it’s not in the 90s, which it often is out here. Love your kind comments as always, friend!
Thank you so much Miriam! You are always so kind 🙂
Thanks Ashley!! I really appreciate that 🙂 You’re so kind!
Thanks so much Laura!!
Thank you so much Jasmin!! At least you get to wear what YOU like, but I can see how that could be a problem 😉
Amazing stylish look! I really love classy dress with beautiful and glam jewelry! Great job!
xx
cvetybaby.com
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Great business look! I used to be in consulting so I always had to look professional. My favorite pieces were pencil skirt (pair it with a pretty blousey shirt) and dresses like yours!
Tina
http://www.justatinabit.com
Hello Daisy! First I want to say that you look so beautiful in that dress. It fits like a glove and the dress itself is adorable and yes, very proper for a professional environment. Yes, I do need professional attire and I love wearing skirts and pretty blouses. I will check out that store and will let you know what I think. Take care, Jeannette
http://www.msjeannieandhercloset.com
You look so elegant and polished Daisy! I love i!
Jessica
notjessfashion.com
I love this whole outfit. I cannot believe how classy it is. I have to tell you, you will probably be the best dressed teacher at the school. From my experience with teaching overseas and teaching here: many teachers do not wear appropriate attire. I think this is perfect. It is simple, yet classy and shows students and other teachers that you are there for your job! So lovely.
Denise
http://www.fashionloveletters.com
I absolutely love this dress. You have a great sense of personal style.
I think this dress is perfect for the classroom. Pair it with a light cardigan, and it makes it more student friendly. Happy Tuesday, Daisy 🙂
http://www.lovecompassionatelee.com/
I love this outfit–you look gorgeous! 🙂
I can see why you love that dress – it fits you perfectly. I have heard of that brand before and now I’ll definitely check it out. Thanks for your frank and detailed review.
– Deniz
http://www.dressedupdeniz.com
This dress fits you so well! You look great. I’m a teacher, too! And I definitely dress for comfort–stretchy dress pants from Old Navy, and flowy modest blouses. I’ll almost always be wearing sparkly earrings. 🙂 I try to not wear too many trendy clothes or loud patters so that I’m not distracting to students during lessons. My school is pretty laid back, so we don’t have to tuck our shirts in or anything, thank goodness!
Anyways, I really love that dress!
I love the dress you are wearing here. In my opinion, it would be perfect for the classroom. For my job( interior design), I can go as creative as I would like to go but I keep my outfits very professional and I play with my accessories including shoes and bags:)
xo
Elmira
http://www.wellputtogetherstylebyelmira.com
What a darling dress!! This is absolutely perfect for the classroom 🙂 And your post is SPOT-ON! Living in LA makes it incredibly difficult to dress classroom appropriately. What grade will you be teaching next year? I work with junior high students, so it’s always a delicate balance for me when I’m picking out what to wear to school!
xo
Caitlin
http://www.teachinspirechange.com
Such a great dress! And I know what you mean, trends are all over the place but it’s always the classics that stick around.
Fortunately I don’t need any professional clothes since I work from home. And before that I worked in a fashionable office so I was able to wear whatever I wanted.
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/
This dresses is so flattering on you!
Heidi D.
http://www.wishesandreality.com
super pretty dress! love the cut!
♥
a possible fantasy
I am so happy to have discovered this blog! I am also a teacher (at a catholic school, nonetheless) and we must walk a fine line between fashionable/conservative/classroom appropriate. I love the idea of investing in more expensive pieces and buying less. Recently I have been doing the same, especially with bags and shoes. I love this look!
Camellda Lynn
That dress fits you like a glove! Love how you added some sparkle! You look gorgeous!
<3 Shannon
Upbeatsoles.blogspot.com
Love this outfit on you! The dress fits so well, and is a really feminine style!
lovely outfit, you look gorgeous. I love your blog, new follower here 🙂
yellowpumpkiin.blogspot.de/2014/11/love-peace-joy.html
I love everything about this outfit! The necklace is beautiful!!!
Love this polished outfit!! Adding key and long lasting pieces is always important
-Chelsea
http://www.organizedmessblog.com
Drooling over those flats, so beautiful!
xx Cara
http://www.carascliche.com
Oh you totally pulled off the California Professional look! It is hard, but I think a dress is the perfect solution!
xo
Michaela
http://michaelajeanblog.com
You look beautiful, Daisy! Such a wonderful classic outfit, and it seems perfect for the classroom. I like the necklace you paired with it, the shape compliments the dress well.
I don’t have need for a professional wardrobe at this time; however, I do enjoy wearing semi-professional clothing with some statement jewelry.
Love that dress, Daisy! The color, the fit, everything is pure perfection! I love that you can dress it up or down and wear it in different seasons! I see you getting a lot of wear of it for sure!
Wow this outfit is soooo gorgeous! I love your dress and your styled it so beautifully 🙂
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This dress is perfect for work and you look amazing! It’s so important to have great staples for professional settings. My job is business-casual but there are some days with important meetings that I step it up a bit in the wardrobe department 🙂 You look so pretty, Daisy! xx
lovejoanna.com
Love that dress! It looks so good on you. I definitely agree – I’d rather have one well-made, classic piece of clothing that fits than trendy polyester stuff that doesn’t last. I thought I’d need a professional wardrobe when I was teaching at a college in China – turned out my school had no heat, so no one ever knew what I was wearing in the winter anyway!
You wear this dress so well Daisy! I do not have a need for a professional wardrobe and have very few pieces. My closet is filled more with casual attire and probably more trendy items than I really need 😉 I think you are smart for slowly building your professional wardrobe with high quality items that will last.
This post makes me miss dressing up for work, you look fantastic here. And how gorgeous is your Kate Spade bag? I am still looking for one for myself, I just love the design.
Reflection of Sanity
You look wonderful! I absolutely agree – finding the happy medium between professional without breaking the bank is hard. But you look lovely!
xx Larisa @ weheartbeauty.com
You look absolutely gorgeous, Daisy. I often find dressing for work difficult because of my normally casual sense of style, so dresses and skirts aren’t something that come natural to me (but I’m trying 🙂 ). I think when it comes to a work wardrobe, especially if its not your normal way of dressing, investing in a few high end pieces that can be worked/styled in different ways is the way to go.
Shannon
Clothes & Quotes
this is an absolutely perfect teacher outfit! It’s polished and put together!
The dress is lovely – the cut is especially flattering! I’d say most tops with dress pants/pencil skirts would be professional. I do need one for work and so I do have a few pants/skirts and pair the with sweaters from H&M, Zara, or Forever21.
thesundaywardrobe.blogspot.com
I’ve found that fewer, high quality pieces purchased less often are much more satisfying than pieces picked up here and there that won’t last as long! This is an absolutely beautiful dress, Daisy! I know whatever you purchase you will make your own in a professionally eloquent way. 🙂 Xo, Alison
http://www.simplyfairbyalisonjeanine.com
this look is very nice to job!!
http://www.bdebelle.com/
Daisy this dress is wonderful and so meets all guidelines for how a teacher should dress. Being a chesty lady, I appreciate lots of high necklines in my wardrobe. Dresses are my favorite for the office and work so easily for busy mornings where it’s all I can do to get out the door on time. When I think back to my high school, even middle school years, I cant believe some of the things they let my teachers get away with wearing…
http://accordingtokiki123.blogspot.com/
You can totally pull that dress off! Gorgeous.
I can imagine finding a balance in your wardrobe can be difficult. For me it’s easy because my “professional” attire is scrubs. 😛
Hmmm now you’re making me think of what my teachers used to wear in the past. I feel like none of it was anything as pretty as this. I remember a lot of cardigans and summer scarves, at least from the younger teachers. But I think you nailed it with this look! You look polished and classic, but not intimidating or overly fancy. I also love how the necklace added a little personality to the classic look 🙂 And I agree- every now and then I let myself invest in a quality piece, and even though it stings at first, it’s nice to know I’ll be wearing it for seasons and seasons to come 🙂
xo marlen
Messages on a Napkin
That dress is gorgeous on you! I love the necklace, really makes this outfit, and the shoes are beautiful 🙂 Keep ’em coming!
DiscoverMe
The fit of this dress on you = perfection. And you look completely professional without sacrificing style- atta girl! 🙂
-Ashley
http://lestylorouge.com
love the colour, its so pretty!
Great post! This dress looks absolutely stunning on you and definitely conveys the right message. My company doesn’t have a dress code. Everyone wears whatever they feel like, which is not always appropriate. Oh well 😉
Jasmin xx
http://www.whatdefinesus.com