jagovino Every August feels like a perpetual Sunday to many teachers. We often refer to Sunday nights as the “Sunday Scaries” because we anticipate the long work week ahead. August 1 marks the official countdown for back to school for many teachers in the tri-state area and to me, it has always felt like every day is a “Sunday Scary” in the month of August. This year brings on so many new obstacles and things to worry about. As of this post, my district has gone back and forth many times solidifying a solid plan for restarting school, but it looks like we will be using the hybrid model. Every day the news changes and every day the reopening plans change, so I just try to take it one day at a time and breath. But as a planner and someone who likes to know what to expect, this mindset has been extremely hard for me. So, I decided to focus my energy on thinking of fun ways to make this back to school season bearable and of course that includes looking stylish! Here is a list of things that all teachers who want to look put together and stylish should have for this upcoming school year. Some are staples that many teachers have every school year and others are unique to what 2020 has brought us. Whether you are going back to the classroom full time, conducting your classes virtually, or some kind of hybrid model of the two, these back to school must-haves might make going back this year a little easier.
#1 Easy, Comfortable, Washable Clothes
Many school districts are encouraging their teachers to wear scrubs to work. As TLC so eloquently said, “I don’t want no scrubs”! As someone who enjoys dressing up for work, I am going to forgo the doctor look for easy, washable basics that can be thrown on to start the day and thrown right into the laundry when I get home. Swing dresses are always a favorite of mine and these and these from Amazon are affordable and cute and come in so many colors and patterns. Also, this long sleeve version is great for cooler months. Old navy is also my go-to for easy, affordable jersey knit dresses in a variety of colors and patterns. Another great Amazon find, are these cotton peplum tees that go great with jeans or leggings. Finally, comfort is really what we are all looking for, especially for my fellow teachers who have no AC in their classrooms, like me. This Evereve jumpsuit and this one are so stylish while also being super comfy and easy to wash. Joggers are another good choice when looking for style, comfort, and washability. These cargo joggers from Nordstrom look super comfy and this pair from Evereve can be dressed up or down and make you look effortlessly stylish.
#2 Face Masks & Mask Chain
We all have to wear them and I am not complaining because I, for one have seen what an impact mask-wearing has made on my state flattening the curve and keeping our virus numbers low. If I am going to have to wear a mask for the entirety of an 8 hour school day, at least I can look cute doing it! Many fashion retailers and brands have started making masks such as Bauble Bar and Lele Sadoughi. Social Threads also made a fun, tie-dyed gaiter style mask that I am picking up for the Fall. Another hot new mask accessory (that is so 2020!) is the mask chain. I have seen these around and they look like those old lady eyeglass chains but now they come in cute colors and patterns and I think they are actually so necessary. Think of all the times you are frantically looking for your mask or don’t want to put it down somewhere, the mask chain is genius! Of course, Etsy has some great options like this colorful beaded option or this gorgeous celestial-inspired one.
#3 Cute Hair Accessories
I know that when I return to my classroom in September I am always greeted by the 90+ degree temperatures (thanks to no AC). Add a mask and possibly a face shield onto that and I know my hair is going to be the last thing I care about. But why not still look stylish while keeping your hair out of your face and staying cool? I am going to stock up on some cute hair clips, headbands, and fun scrunchies to make the early Fall in my classroom run a little smoother while also making me feel put together.
#4 Bags to Keep Everything In
I was recently told that I will not be teaching from my classroom, a real bummer. The students will stay put and the teachers will travel from class to class. Not only does this make it harder for me to access all of my supplies but I will have to lug everything I need for each period- laptop, planner, pens, charger, papers, etc, from classroom to classroom. I wanted to get myself a big bag that is functional and large enough, but also cute. I swear by the MZ Wallace Metro tote and have had it for years. It’s huge and fits so much, has multiple pockets and best of all, it’s wipeable! This year, this Clare V leopard bag also caught my eye, it’s so chic and comes with a fun, striped strap. I am also going to stash all of my masks and school supplies in the Zipped reusable bags and will be putting these cute Stoney Clover Lane patches on them for an added touch. Finally, I am going to rock my favorite 90s come-back trend with a fanny bag, aka the belt bag. I love these colorful belt bags and figure it will come in handy for my masks and hand sanitizer on the go as I travel from room to room.
#5 Self Care Essentials
One thing I am going to have to remind myself of when I go back into the classroom is to take it one day at a time and to take care of myself. These are stressful times and I know it’s going to be a big adjustment. To keep myself feeling good, I will have these Billie face wipes on hand because no one wants maskne from wearing a mask all day! I will also have my favorite Trader Joes spray hand sanitizer, it smells like lemons and feels refreshing. The last thing I will always have on hand while back to school this year will be this Jo Malone hand cream. With wearing gloves and the constant hand washing, I know my hands will get cracked and dry. Jo Malone is one of my favorite scents and if I can help my hands while also smelling good at work, its a win-win!
Obviosuly all of these picks are not necessary for teachers to go back to school but if they make your September feel a little more normal and get you excited to get back in the classroom, than that’s what they are here for! We all have a lot on our plates right now and sometimes it’s nice to treat ourselves and focus on making ourselves feel good in order to be the best versions of ourselves for our students and children. Good luck to all the teachers and parents and students going back to school, we’ve got this!
