The ABC's of Looking Amazing on a Teacher's Salary

Did you care about what you wore the first day of school?  I may be a little odd, but I can remember what I wore the first day of school for many, many first days of school.  That is how much I thought about my first day look, my first impression on the potentially coolest kids in school.  How about you?  The problem is that the coolest kids in school will quickly dismiss you if the following days don’t live up to the first day hype.  As adults, are we and our teachers really that much different than the kids who want to put their best shoe forward and keep it there?  The advantage we have is that we don’t outgrow our new clothes every year or two.  (At least we hope not.)  So we can afford to be strategic, to invest our money wisely in clothes that will be more versatile, that combine well together, and help us keep the attention of those we wish to influence.  The clothes don’t need to be expensive, they just need to be smart.   Curating a smart first day and beyond wardrobe is as simple as remembering your ABC’s.  (Is there are pun there? I’m nor exactly sure but it seems to fit all the same.)

Be sure to catch the style segment video at the end. 

A for All Season Fabrics
Fabrics that are light to medium weight, the ones you can wear at least three seasons or about nine months of the year will wear longer, and can easily be layered in cooler weather.  Add a few light to heavier weight pieces for seasonal comfort,  Some all season fabrics include: gingham, pique, denim, broadcloth, chambray, twill, pinwale corduroy, jersey/knit, cool wool, crepe, cashmere, charmeuse, challis, and suedecloth. 

B for Basic / Classic Styles
Clothes with design lines and shapes that are simple or plain, not extreme, and look good on most people are more versatile as you can combine them easily to create many different outfit combinations. Add a trendy or decorated piece to show a little personality. Basic styles include what is shown below in addition to many other styles that are simple such as a camp shirt, straight skirt, sheath dress, pleat-front pants, turtlenecks and more. 

C for Colors that are Neutral
Colors that are dulled or muted tones of every hue, as well as black, white, and gray look good on most people, especially if those colors include your personal coloring, your hair, eye, skin, and blush colors.  Then add some bright or contrasting accent colors for interest.  Some wardrobe neutral colors are black, ivory, hunter green, camel, plum, and those shown below. 

​Whether you’re a teacher or a different type of influencer, looking amazing on a teacher’s salary is simple when you apply the ABCs of smart dressing.  Check out the video from Dani's Good Things Utah segment below.