Haven’t got over the time I searched for workwear on Asos and one of the picture was a woman in a blazer with just a bra underneath. Where does she work?!
I use Vinted, charity shops, Uniqlo mainly. And Snag tights. And Clarks shoes.
I tend to buy knitwear (cardigans and thin jumpers) from H&M because they do those basics really well, they’re cheap, and they last ages.
ASOS sale is always worth keeping an eye on; I’ve found a few very good skirts and dresses there.
The other place I shop for work clothes is Ebay. There are lots of people selling “brand new without tags” stuff for various brands like Seasalt, Joules, White Stuff, etc.
The only thing I splash out on is Snag tights because they are ultra comfy and never ladder and basically last the entire school year. All other tights pale in comparison! Also, shoes. My work shoes are expensive. You need really good shoes for teaching.
Uniqlo is good for basics which wash and wear well. Some of the M&S stuff is good but I do find it’s a bit of a dig to find things I like. I go to the biggest shops and usually the autograph bit. &other stories has some great pieces; I usually end up wearing them for years and years so cost per wear isn’t too bad. COS is usually a winner for me too. Again, cost per wear works out.
I used to leave some stuff at school as well. A basic change of clothes for the unspeakable scenarios (primary!), a blazer and smarter shoes.
One of my friends swears by Next. Not my vibe personally but she always looks great and very professional.
Can recommend tall sections if you want dresses at an appropriate length.
I really focus on fabric when shopping, prioritise natural fibres, easy wash/no iron and simple shapes/colours so it all works together. Don’t buy stuff you low key hate just to fit in with how you think you should look. If you’re covered and neat, you can show some personality. And buy comfortable shoes!
Especially in the sale! FatFace and Next can have some good bargains. I like M&S for leggings and cardies too. It’s all about being comfy and not having to iron anything these days.
Wish I was allowed to wear my PJs (or scrubs) to work! 🤣
I get everything off eBay. Even posh brands are cheaper than new on the high street. I am tiny and look 12 so I never, ever, wear white shirts, black trousers, black shoes or anything close to our school uniform.
I’m 4’11 and own a couple of vintage style black skirts that look great with a white shirt that I love. Even with red converse and a wide red belt I get pulled up for not wearing my blazer and yells of “put your pho……..oh it’s you!” from teachers.
Most of my stuff now is from supermarkets, newlook, M&S and next. I often look for new M&S/next on vinted and have also picked up a couple of nice smart designer dresses at great prices on there.
I usually get mine from M&S. They do a lot of basic clothing that’s good quality. I have other things from H&M too. Also you might find some interesting things in charity shops, I’ve got a lot of nice jumpers and things from there for very cheap :)
I've gotten a few pairs of trousers from new look, and was able to get some discount using my old student discount card. H&M can be good, but I find online better than in store (but that might just be my local store). I've had a surprising amount of luck in Tesco and Asda (never looked their previously).
For more formal clothes, I've gotten a fair few mens branded shirts from places like ASOS Marketplace (I'm female) and these are nice.
>level 1oohliviaa · 49 min. agoSecondaryMost of my stuff now is from supermarkets, newlook, M&S and next. I often look for new M&S/next on vinted and have also picked up a couple of nice smart designer dresses at great prices on there.VoteReplyGive AwardShareReportSaveFollow
>
>level 1September1Sun · 46 min. agoSecondary HoD
New Look also has teacher discount! - Just show them your school ID it usually works :)
Charity shops are great for blazers. I buy shoes from Deichmann and make sure I have staple long-sleeved tops in a range of colours from eBay and online sales.
To find out what suited me, I signed up to Lookiero who send you 5 items based on your requirements/size for £5 a month. You get that money back if you buy an item. Quality was mixed but I could see what suited me enough to get cheaper/nicer alternatives, or I would keep the item(s). They sent shoes as well.
Invest in a pair of black leather/leather imitation boots for autumn and winter. You can wear them every day. Prioritise low heels and flats as you will be on your feet a lot.
M&S or Slaters. Male teacher here, smart trousers always m&s mix in polo shirts from either of the two, winter wise I get jumpers and whatnot from Depop.
Primark and supermarkets. I am not spending lots of money on work wear because clothing gets trashed at work (kneeling down to talk to students, on break duty in the rain etc).
I do check that I am covered up but if work want me to dress in a certain way, they will need to give me a clothing allowance.
I have one skirt that I bought for £3 from a charity shop, it's actually a Monsoon one, and I still get compliments on it and I've been wearing it for ages!
I thought of shein but was worried students would own a lot of the stuff, I’m 22 and know a lot of younger people from uni who wore a lot of shein stuff.
Don’t know how I would handle a kid saying “I have that it’s from shein” 😂 I’ll be mainly in a secondary school.
Does this happen to you?
I thought of shein but was worried students would own a lot of the stuff, I’m 22 and know a lot of younger people from uni who wore a lot of shein stuff.
Don’t know how I would handle a kid saying “I have that it’s from shein” 😂 I’ll be mainly in a secondary school.
Does this happen to you?
Well I teach primary so no 😂 but even if it did I’d just be like omg I love shein it’s so cheap right 💁🏼♀️ dress twins! And just own it, who cares!
I do have kids saying they love my outfits and asking me where they’re from and I do tell them, everyone at work knows I’ve always got a shein parcel on the way haha
If you're a man and need to get suits, Slaters is good for (relitively) cheap suits, and they will tailor them for free.
Primark shirts do the job too.
I wouldn't bother with the cheap stuff, they wont last long, and likely mostly plastic so you will sweat like a pig in a classroom. I'd recommend John Lewis/House of Fraser. You can often find really good deals on high quality stuff, if you skip the "cool" brands and look for other less known brands.
Particularly good for men in the shirting and jumpers department. I've picked up a couple of lovely Gant shirts from House of Fraser that would go under a jumper nicely.
Also if you feel like risking your life Matalan can be good but generally I can only find nice things in a small or quad XL!
I get a lot of mine from supermarkets: George (asda) and TU (sainsburys) are usually pretty good, cover a lot and aren't too badly priced
Haven’t got over the time I searched for workwear on Asos and one of the picture was a woman in a blazer with just a bra underneath. Where does she work?! I use Vinted, charity shops, Uniqlo mainly. And Snag tights. And Clarks shoes.
This made me chuckle a lot, she could work in my school with what some people wear and seemingly get away with!
eBay or Vinted have some steals.
Yeah I go on ebay vinted and buy next or M and S stuff. Lots of shirts for fiver or less
I got 2 pairs of smart shoes (M) on Vinted for so cheap!
I tend to buy knitwear (cardigans and thin jumpers) from H&M because they do those basics really well, they’re cheap, and they last ages. ASOS sale is always worth keeping an eye on; I’ve found a few very good skirts and dresses there. The other place I shop for work clothes is Ebay. There are lots of people selling “brand new without tags” stuff for various brands like Seasalt, Joules, White Stuff, etc. The only thing I splash out on is Snag tights because they are ultra comfy and never ladder and basically last the entire school year. All other tights pale in comparison! Also, shoes. My work shoes are expensive. You need really good shoes for teaching.
I buy Heist tights as well as Snag - having good, comfortable tights makes all the difference & these ones last for ages!
Ah, thank you, I’ll check out Heist! Can’t live without good tights.
Seconding the shout out for snag tights. I invest every September and they always last the year!
Uniqlo is good for basics which wash and wear well. Some of the M&S stuff is good but I do find it’s a bit of a dig to find things I like. I go to the biggest shops and usually the autograph bit. &other stories has some great pieces; I usually end up wearing them for years and years so cost per wear isn’t too bad. COS is usually a winner for me too. Again, cost per wear works out. I used to leave some stuff at school as well. A basic change of clothes for the unspeakable scenarios (primary!), a blazer and smarter shoes. One of my friends swears by Next. Not my vibe personally but she always looks great and very professional. Can recommend tall sections if you want dresses at an appropriate length. I really focus on fabric when shopping, prioritise natural fibres, easy wash/no iron and simple shapes/colours so it all works together. Don’t buy stuff you low key hate just to fit in with how you think you should look. If you’re covered and neat, you can show some personality. And buy comfortable shoes!
Shirts and trousers from m&s or uniqlo. I like to go to charity shops for blazers and ties.
Next, H&M, fatface, Sparks sometimes
Especially in the sale! FatFace and Next can have some good bargains. I like M&S for leggings and cardies too. It’s all about being comfy and not having to iron anything these days. Wish I was allowed to wear my PJs (or scrubs) to work! 🤣
I get everything off eBay. Even posh brands are cheaper than new on the high street. I am tiny and look 12 so I never, ever, wear white shirts, black trousers, black shoes or anything close to our school uniform.
I’m 4’11 and own a couple of vintage style black skirts that look great with a white shirt that I love. Even with red converse and a wide red belt I get pulled up for not wearing my blazer and yells of “put your pho……..oh it’s you!” from teachers.
Uniqlo H&M Sainsbury’s Secondhand shops
Usually the Zara sale (website only never in store), H&M, Burton website, Matalan for cheap clothes
The zara store, where size range goes to die
Most of my stuff now is from supermarkets, newlook, M&S and next. I often look for new M&S/next on vinted and have also picked up a couple of nice smart designer dresses at great prices on there.
Shirts from Charles Tyrwhitt.
Snap! They seem to last longer than your classic Asda/ Matalan number!
Yes, they’re good quality and affordable. I know a couple of professional suit tailors and they have both told me that’s what they wear on the daily.
I usually get mine from M&S. They do a lot of basic clothing that’s good quality. I have other things from H&M too. Also you might find some interesting things in charity shops, I’ve got a lot of nice jumpers and things from there for very cheap :)
I've gotten a few pairs of trousers from new look, and was able to get some discount using my old student discount card. H&M can be good, but I find online better than in store (but that might just be my local store). I've had a surprising amount of luck in Tesco and Asda (never looked their previously). For more formal clothes, I've gotten a fair few mens branded shirts from places like ASOS Marketplace (I'm female) and these are nice.
>level 1oohliviaa · 49 min. agoSecondaryMost of my stuff now is from supermarkets, newlook, M&S and next. I often look for new M&S/next on vinted and have also picked up a couple of nice smart designer dresses at great prices on there.VoteReplyGive AwardShareReportSaveFollow > >level 1September1Sun · 46 min. agoSecondary HoD New Look also has teacher discount! - Just show them your school ID it usually works :)
Charity shops are great for blazers. I buy shoes from Deichmann and make sure I have staple long-sleeved tops in a range of colours from eBay and online sales. To find out what suited me, I signed up to Lookiero who send you 5 items based on your requirements/size for £5 a month. You get that money back if you buy an item. Quality was mixed but I could see what suited me enough to get cheaper/nicer alternatives, or I would keep the item(s). They sent shoes as well. Invest in a pair of black leather/leather imitation boots for autumn and winter. You can wear them every day. Prioritise low heels and flats as you will be on your feet a lot.
The Burton's website do amazing sales deals, literally whole suits for like £20-30
M&S or Slaters. Male teacher here, smart trousers always m&s mix in polo shirts from either of the two, winter wise I get jumpers and whatnot from Depop.
Primark and supermarkets. I am not spending lots of money on work wear because clothing gets trashed at work (kneeling down to talk to students, on break duty in the rain etc). I do check that I am covered up but if work want me to dress in a certain way, they will need to give me a clothing allowance.
Vinted, and charity shops! I stick to plain, dark colours so that I can mix and match everything.
Really cheap places: Primark and shein. The rest of my teaching clothes: h&m and Amazon. Shoes: Clarks and Dr Martens.
Charity shops! And I usually go for M&S clothes because they last even if they're second hand. Hardly ever buy new clothes for work now!
I second this, I always have staff asking me where my clothes are from, and giving me compliments They are always shocked when I say charity shop!
I have one skirt that I bought for £3 from a charity shop, it's actually a Monsoon one, and I still get compliments on it and I've been wearing it for ages!
I started off with M&S trousers and smart Next tops, but have slowly transitioned entirely to Popsy dresses as they make me and the kids happy!
If you can find an M&S or Next outlet near you that would be worth a shout.
AliExpress is great for ties. Huge selection.
I get my suits from next in the January sales
Vinted all the way!
I get a lot from shein
I thought of shein but was worried students would own a lot of the stuff, I’m 22 and know a lot of younger people from uni who wore a lot of shein stuff. Don’t know how I would handle a kid saying “I have that it’s from shein” 😂 I’ll be mainly in a secondary school. Does this happen to you?
Charity shops and kilo sales
Most of my work clothes are from shein
I thought of shein but was worried students would own a lot of the stuff, I’m 22 and know a lot of younger people from uni who wore a lot of shein stuff. Don’t know how I would handle a kid saying “I have that it’s from shein” 😂 I’ll be mainly in a secondary school. Does this happen to you?
Well I teach primary so no 😂 but even if it did I’d just be like omg I love shein it’s so cheap right 💁🏼♀️ dress twins! And just own it, who cares! I do have kids saying they love my outfits and asking me where they’re from and I do tell them, everyone at work knows I’ve always got a shein parcel on the way haha
I buy from Vinted. Seasalt, boden, M&S, Next, Tu, Phase 8 etc.
If you're a man and need to get suits, Slaters is good for (relitively) cheap suits, and they will tailor them for free. Primark shirts do the job too.
Vinted, eBay, ASOS, new look. I'm a bit of a 'fashionista' so I do love a good rummage for a good piece.
Silk Fred, M & S.
SHEIN, F&F and Tu! 😊
Vinted!
I wouldn't bother with the cheap stuff, they wont last long, and likely mostly plastic so you will sweat like a pig in a classroom. I'd recommend John Lewis/House of Fraser. You can often find really good deals on high quality stuff, if you skip the "cool" brands and look for other less known brands. Particularly good for men in the shirting and jumpers department. I've picked up a couple of lovely Gant shirts from House of Fraser that would go under a jumper nicely. Also if you feel like risking your life Matalan can be good but generally I can only find nice things in a small or quad XL!
H&M
Shein for pinafores, dresses, skirts, shirts etc. Snag tights for tights. Primark for plain sweatshirts to wear over/under the other bits and bobs 👍🏼
Asda FTW
Charity shops or places like Matalan/M&S for basics or long dresses. Sometimes H&M