Back-to-School Picks for Teachers

How is it back-to-school time already?!

Okay, so technically, I've still got four full weeks of my summer left, but many of you are getting ready to head back in the next week or so. That plus all the sales that are happening right now have me reluctantly doing some school shopping.

My state's back-to-school tax-free weekend just ended, Amazon Prime Day is this week, and the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is still underway. Although, I feel like it's only fair to point out that I don't have anything in this collection from Amazon and only a handful of items from the NSale. The majority of picks in this round-up are from Old Navy and JCPenney, which are my go-to stores for teacher-appropriate workwear.

Because it stays so warm here for most of the year, I tend to fill my wardrobe with clothes I can wear year-long. That means you won't see any heavy sweaters or corduroy. It simply doesn't get cold enough often enough for me to justify those types of purchases.

What you will find are a bunch of items that unintentionally mix-and-match pretty well. Is this a capsule wardrobe?!

Personally, I am on the hunt for some updated pants. It seems as though looser styles are here to stay, so I want to add a couple of current styles to my closet.

Top Row

• Yellow Striped Button-Down Shirt - I love elevated t-shirts, and that's exactly what this is. I love the subtle texture in the ribbed knit and the tortoise-shell buttons. It comes in solid black and orange, as well.
• Button-Up Sweater Vest - Vests are having a moment right now, and I love this button-up sweater vest. It can be worn over another shirt or on its own. It also comes in a cream color.
• Loose Floral Button-Down Shirt - I absolutely love this style of shirt from Old Navy. I already own several. This comes in quite a few color/print options.
• Split-Neck Textured Top - I actually prefer the white and tan version of this top, but it's sold completely out.
• Brown Floral Print Crepe Top - This blouse is a bit on the pricey side compared to what I usually buy, but I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it.

Middle Row

• Worthington Pleated Skirt - Worthington is such a great brand for work-wear. They're relatively inexpensive but good quality. They've got a lot of really cute skirts right now, but I especially love this midi pleated style.
• Olive Green High Waisted Cropped Chinos - I've been looking at these pants for the past year, and I think it's time I bit the bullet and bought them. I already have a couple other pairs of olive pants, but they're dated in terms of style. I won't be tossing them out, but it would be nice to have a more current style.
• Caslon High Waisted Patch Pocket Wide Leg Pants - I'm not sure how I feel about the patch pocket on the front of pants trend that's currently in, but I like this style of pant and this color. I have a pair of linen pants in this color and always get lots of compliments on them.
• High Rise Loose Fit White Jeans - I need a new pair of white jeans that aren't skinny jeans.
• High-Waisted Crop Wide Leg Pants - I really like these in the cream, but unfortunately they sold out fast. This pale pink is also pretty and a nice alternative to khaki, I think.
• Olive Green Midi Skirt - Utility skirts are very in right now, especially in a mini length, but that's not exactly school appropriate for a teacher. This midi skirt feels like it fits the trend but is much more teacher friendly.

Bottom Row

• Blue Floral Split Neck Top - This is another style of blouse from Old Navy that I really enjoy and own several of. This pattern is just so pretty.
• High-Waisted OG Chino Pants - I have at least three pair of these chinos in my closet already, but this light blue is such an intriguing color!
• Marble Heather Blue Colorblock Cardigan - You have no idea how many things I have in my closet already that I could wear this cardigan with. Plus, it's perfect for my school's colors.
• Black High-Waisted Playa Wide-Leg Pants - I've been wanting a pair of wide-leg black pants that aren't jeans (since they're technically only allowed on Fridays), and I've seen these recommended in several places. They also have great reviews on the Old Navy website, so I think I'm going to try them.
• Black Striped Short-Sleeved Sweater - I love short-sleeved sweaters. They're a nice way to add texture and feel like you're dressing for cooler seasons even though the weather isn't cooperating. Plus, this pattern is so gorgeous!

Not Pictured

• Nike Sneakers - I forgot to put these on the graphic, but I wanted to include them. I'm always looking out for comfortable shoes, and sneakers have kind of become a weakness in recent years. I've been looking at these Nikes for awhile, and they might be the one thing I buy from the NSale.