The crisp fall air is upon us and it's the perfect time to start re-organizing your closet and putting those autumn staples front and center. When it comes to back-to-school fashion, students aren’t the only ones who want to look and feel their best in the classroom. If you're a teacher and want to prioritize comfort without compromising style, dresses are a great solution (Just ask Ms. Frizzle).
We spoke with renowned stylists as well as a classroom teacher and speech pathologist to help us find the best teacher dresses for the upcoming school year. From Loft to Beyond Yoga, we've selected a variety of chic options to help you win "best dressed" in the school yearbook.
What to look for in teacher dresses
No matter your age, deciding what to wear to school can be stressful. "Teachers, particularly those who teach younger children, should look for machine-washable, durable fabrics that wear well over time," suggests Samantha Brown, a New York-based celebrity stylist.
"Since they often have to sit on the floor, play and engage in messier activities and art projects, avoiding silks or dry-clean-only fabrics is key. It’s also important to consider length and comfort, as the last thing on your mind should be adjusting your dress throughout the day," continues Brown.
Christina Stein, a personal stylist and CEO of Style by Christina, insists that comfort should be the number one priority when it comes to dresses for teachers. She recommends fabrics that are light, such as cotton or linen blends and long sleeves if the classroom gets chilly. "Also, I like to tell my clients to stick to colors and prints that you can incorporate into your current wardrobe a little easier," she suggests.
"As far as what I look for in a 'teacher dress' it’s really something that’s easy but trendy and classic at the same time," explains Raea Dimassimo-Owens, an English teacher from Rochester, New York. "We are teachers on a budget! So I’m looking for something under $100 and preferably under $50. I look for something that is easy to move around in since we spend most of the day on our feet," she shares.
What teachers should avoid wearing in the classroom
When it comes to wearing dresses to school, you'll want to make sure it is office-appropriate, first and foremost. "I’d recommend that teachers avoid dresses that are revealing or show too much skin — modest necklines and lengths are appropriate in a school environment," explains Brown. "This doesn’t mean the dress needs to be dowdy, just be mindful of your environment and avoid anything that would distract you or your students," she says.
Brown also recommends avoiding dresses that are too short as well as fabrics that don't breathe. Additionally, she mentions steering away from sheer fabrics.
Dimassimo-Owens personally avoids wearing dresses that are too short, thick or form-fitting. "I feel like I’m always on the go and I need something that is comfortable and breathable!" she explains.
When it comes to shoes, there's one main style that's not conducive to the daily activities of a teacher. “I like to avoid high heels in the classroom to prioritize safety and efficiency,” adds Ashley Paris Lawlor, a speech-language pathologist. She explains that it is important to be safe in the classroom, and she doesn’t want to risk falling or a slower pace if she has to run after her students.
Here are the dresses that our experts recommend to keep you comfortable in the classroom.
The best dresses for teachers, according to experts
Angela Affronti, the director of technology for Victor Central School District, owns and loves this dress for the classroom. This comfy dress features a scoop neckline and sleeveless armholes so it can easily be paired with a classic cardigan or oversized sweater.
Dimassimo-Owens can’t get enough of this babydoll denim dress that features a cute lapel collar and buttons down the front. "I like something that transitions well and can be dressed up with some wedges or heels and dressed down with some dunks or cute sandals just in case I have dinner after school or practice with the kiddos!" she says.
This adorable dress is the perfect option to wear on the regular, as it is super versatile and comes in over two dozen hues.
Stein recommends this Loft dress for the handy pockets to store all your everyday essentials. This stylish smock fits true to size and comes in regular, tall and petite cuts for a more inclusive fit. Pair this little number with cozy clogs and chunky earrings to complete the final look.
Affronti also recommends this Beyond Yoga dress for work and often pairs it with a denim jacket or button-up. She owns it in the pink haze heather, which is currently on sale for 50% off. Finish the look with a pair of white sneakers and you'll be as comfy as can be all day long.
If you're looking for a long-sleeve dress for fall, this feminine frock from Tuckernuck will do the trick. Stein loves this option for its trendy hemline that is classic at the same time. You can also choose from a variety of sizes and colors, including black gingham, blue stripe or chambray.
More affordable dresses to shop
Swing into fall with this cute polka dot dress that features a modest neckline and hidden side slit pockets. This adorable midi dress comes in eight patterns, including floral & solid prints, and is available in sizes up to 2XL.
Stay comfortable all day long in this lightweight maxi dress that has over 2,800 five-star ratings on Amazon. This fabulous frock comes in 28 unique hues and features a tiered skirt with pockets. At an affordable price of under $25, why not get two to match your favorite pairs of shoes?
"I wore this to the US Open, but it had total teacher vibes," says associate editor Kamari Stewart. "The tie-waist is figure flattering, the sleeves give it a bit of flair and it's the perfect length. I wore it with both tan flats and black flats and both paired well. I love that the colors are jewel tones because I find them to be really flattering."
Whether you're supervising outdoor recess or working up a sweat moving desks, this linen dress will keep you cool all day long. This breathable option has multiple pockets, includes a removable belt and is available in over a dozen hues.
Splurge dresses to shop
Nothing screams fall like apple pie and a glass of hot cider! Look the part with this cozy flannel cotton dress that you can wear both in the classroom and on field trips. This charming dress features a ruffled collar and a belted waist which adds a nice accent.
As a proud owner of this dress, I can assure you it is totally worth the investment. Not only is it super classy, but it is also the most comfortable dress I own and is super versatile. I have about ten of these nap dresses in my closet right now. This flirty frock may run a bit big, so I would recommend sizing down if you are between two sizes. I always order the medium and it fits me like a glove. I'm also a big fan of the matching bows!
Frequently Asked Questions
There are a variety of ways to accessorize your dress for the classroom. Paris Lawlor recommends sprucing up your outfit with a pair of dangly or hoop earrings, necklaces, a bracelet (or two) and a watch. "I typically wear flat shoes or dressy sneakers to work to maximize my comfort. In the fall and winter, I enjoy wearing boots with my outfits to really get that seasonal feel," she says.
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How we chose the best dresses for teachers
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best dresses for teachers by enlisting the recommendations of personal stylists as well as an English teacher and speech pathologist who are both on their feet a good portion of the day. We prioritized dresses based on comfort, affordability and style.
Meet the experts
- Samantha Brown is a New York-based celebrity stylist and author of Dressing Up: Pip’s Truly Fashionable Tale”.
- Christina Stein is a personal stylist and CEO of Style by Christina.
- Raea Dimassimo-Owens is an English teacher from Rochester, New York.
- Ashley Paris Lawlor is a speech-language pathologist currently residing in Boston, Massachusetts.
- Angela Affronti is the director of technology for Victor Central School District in Rochester, New York.
