By Sherry Posnick-Goodwin
Julie Chavez, Dan Liner, Angela Data, Chantaine Fauntleroy
Can you look and feel great for $200 or less? We challenged fashionista Orene Kearn, who successfully found outfits — and accessories — to fit the individual personalities, teaching styles and body types of four CTA members.
“To start with, I asked them their likes, dislikes, interests and teaching approach,” says Kearn, a certified image consultant (www.orene.net). “I wanted them to take away more than just an outfit from this experience. I wanted them to take away knowledge about the kinds of styles that work well for each one of them. I wanted them to feel good about themselves, and I wanted their outside to match how wonderful they are on the inside. I think that was accomplished.”
So do we, and here’s a look at the Fab Four in their outfits, most of which were purchased on sale.
Angela Data
Pomeroy Elementary School, United Teachers of Santa Clara
“How old are you?” is a question this first-grade teacher is constantly asked by people who think she looks much too young to be a teacher. Angela Data takes it in stride, even though she’s been teaching six years. Through this CTA project, she discovered her clothing makes her look like a teenager; she usually wears slacks and a V-neck shirt. She describes her teaching style as “fun, inventive and always trying new things,” and this attitude is reflected in her outfit selection, which is classic, professional, comfortable and whimsical — a white T-shirt with a classic navy blazer with wide polka-dot cuffs just for fun. She also got a navy shirt for mix ’n match. “This will make a more professional impression on parents — and I can also sit down on the carpet and move around with the kids,” she says.
Data goes grown-up:
I never would have thought…
that taupe pants and a navy jacket would go together. But Orene said it would look good, so I went for it. It makes me want to change things up colorwise.
I like this look because…
it’s easy and comfortable. It’s professional and also fun; I love the polka dots and jewelry! I feel like I’m not too much out of my comfort zone, but it’s different enough to be a change.
It’s challenging to dress for the classroom…
because you can’t help kids tie their shoes or sit on the carpet with them if you are wearing a short skirt. You are always bending over and have to watch that cleavage doesn’t show.
One thing I learned…
is that I shouldn’t wear big shirts. My body is a kind of an hourglass shape and I have wide shoulders, so things should be tighter in the center for a more flattering look.
I’m going to wear this outfit…
for parent-teacher conferences. I’m hoping, in these clothes, nobody will ask me how old I am.
The clothes…
Marshalls: jacket ($24.99); white shirt ($9.99); pants ($19.99) by Missy; shoes ($39.99) by Tahari. Target: bracelet ($14.99); necklace ($24.99).
Julie Chavez
Cesar Chavez Elementary, United Educators of San Francisco
A special education teacher for K-5 students with mild to moderate disabilities, Julie Chavez is a nurturer by nature, who gives students encouragement and praise to boost their confidence. Putting others first means this teacher doesn’t always take time for herself. She typically shows up for work in jeans, a T-shirt and tennis shoes. She was a little nervous about finding plus-size fashions that would be comfortable, flattering and stylish, and was pleasantly surprised that the diagonal, tiered, form-fitting top was more flattering than the tunic-style blouses she usually wears. The cutaway jacket offers a dressier look. The black pants, she says, are stretchy and as comfortable as jeans.
Chavez discovers her professional side:
One of the things I realized…
is that I can be myself and not compromise who I am — and I can still dress professionally.
I also learned…
that sometimes it pays to invest in a few quality pieces, like this jacket, which goes with everything.
I never would have…
selected this outfit for myself. I usually wear longer, looser tops. But the diagonal pattern is very flattering and offers coverage without adding volume.
I’m going to wear my new outfit on…
the first day of school. I can hardly wait.
When I wear this outfit, my students will…
see me as the professional that I am. They’ll see a change in me. I have a new perspective now.
The clothes…
Macy’s: shirt ($42) and pants ($44.98) by Alfani; jacket ($79.60) by INC.
Dan Liner
Brittan Acres Elementary School, San Carlos Teachers Association
“I like learning to be fun — but structured — with lots of movement and physical activity,” says Dan Liner, a second-grade teacher and the outgoing president of the San Carlos Teachers Association. “My usual work wardrobe is kind of casual; I wear short-sleeved collared shirts and dress jeans — not faded — and athletic shoes. I do a lot of yard duty, and it’s not a glamorous setting.” Liner was looking for something more professional that he could wear for Back-to-School Night or to Open House, and chose a navy shirt with fine black pinstripes and gray slacks with black loafers. “It’s kind of classic, a clean and crisp look, which suits me,” he says. “I can wear this for school events attended by parents, as well as to school board meetings where the union is represented.”
Liner talks teacher clothes:
It can be a challenge shopping…
since teachers are very conscious of cost. We are not well-paid professionals, even though we are very highly trained professionals.
In the classroom…
you shouldn’t wear white. It’s just not sensible. Sometimes you have to decide if your clothes can take paint, ink, markers or glue.
I learned from this experience that…
some of the nicer stores like Macy’s have good value — especially when they have a sale.
I also learned…
being a model is work, too! But it was great to shop with someone who does it for a living.
I think this outfit…
makes me look professional. When I wear this, people are going to know I mean business.
The clothes…
Macy’s: shirt ($31.99) and pants ($44) by Calvin Klein; shoes ($44) by Dress Shoes for Men; belt ($25.50) by Perry Ellis.
Chantaine Fauntleroy
Bret Harte Middle School, Hayward Education Association
Sure, she’s a bit of a “drill sergeant,” but her PE classes have 50 students, so she runs a tight ship. “I’m always blowing the whistle,” Chantaine Fauntleroy admits. “But I’m also fun-loving and caring, and I am definitely approachable.” Typical work attire is a sweatshirt or a T-shirt with jeans or sweat pants. Her biggest challenge in clothes shopping: She is petite on top and larger on the bottom, so none of her jeans fit right. They are fine in the waist and saggy on the bottom or vice versa. The solution: Not Your Daughter’s Jeans, a bit pricey, but perfect for her physique. Having found the right jeans, says Fauntleroy, was a “miracle” and “life-changing.” A colorful green top with ruffles on the shoulder provides balance. The green jacket, cropped at the waist, upgrades casual to business casual.
Fauntleroy dishes on fashion and fit:
The most important thing I learned…
is that skinny jeans don’t make everyone look skinny. I’ve been wearing the wrong jeans all my life.
My new jeans…
are boot-cut — straight-legged, dark denim and tapered for a slimming look. I’m throwing out my old ones.
I’m going to wear this outfit…
on the first day of school, when I tell students my expectations of them and explain my grading system and classroom management style.
Teacher fashion is a balancing act…
between looking hip and looking appropriate. I think this outfit is both.
The clothes…
Macy’s: pants ($104) by Not Your Daughter’s Jeans; top ($13) by Style Company; jacket ($79) by Bar III.
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