10 Second Wardrobe Makeover: Classy Vintage

by Beka

Dear reLYME,

I recently got my first out-of-college job as a ninth grade teacher. I’m very excited about my new career, but a bit worried about my wardrobe. I always have this vision of teachers wearing hideous, plain clothing. I love wearing vintage, and would love to continue wearing vintage, if possible. But, how can I make it look a bit more grown up and classroom-ready?
-Miss Mod

Dear Miss Mod,

Don’t worry your pretty little head: You don’t need to surrender your style in order to be an effective teacher. However, since you are a new teacher, you still do have to work hard to impress your administrators, and that often means looking the part of a professional. A teacher myself, I understand the fear that you feel: that one day, you are going to become one of those matronly teachers who wears boringly bland, and often downright, frumpy frocks, but this doesn’t have to happen.

The important thing to keep in mind is that you do need to stand apart from your students. If you look too cool, sadly they might regard you as a cool big sister rather than their grownup teacher. (Trust me…this DOES happen.)

So, how to keep your flair for all things vintage, while still looking the part of an educational mastermind?

Trade in the a-line pinafores and jumpers for dresses with a more grown up silhouette. Then, throw a cardigan or blazer over them. Add a pair of tights and some flats or pumps, and voila! You still maintain your style, while mainaining order in the classroom:

Try on some of these dresses for size (all available from Modcloth.com):