
Have you guys heard of capsule wardrobes? I hadn’t until I saw Erin from Cottonstem creating hers with each season. She’d take us into dressing rooms at Old Navy, Target and other shops and show us how to capitalize on a few great staple pieces rather than spend and spend on tons of random ones. I really like the idea of purchasing clothes more intentionally (I already tend to only buy things that I can wear both at work and in my free time as it is), so I’m sharing my back to school summer/fall teaching capsule ideas with you today!
Item 1: Paper-bag pants
These are everywhere these days and in shorts form, too! I love these for their high-waist and looser fit while still looking professional and tailored. They pair well with any kind of top from a button up to a flowy tee and fit so many style personalities from classic and clean to funky and patterned. You literally can’t go wrong.

$17.99 from H&M in 8 styles.

ON SALE $41.00 from Anthropologie
Also available in petite and plus sizes

Tons of colors available in most sizes!
$32.00 at Nordstrom Rack
Item 2: A white top
Whatever style makes you happy here, guys. Call me basic, but there’s something so timeless and easy about a white shirt that fits just right. Below are a few ideas!

Under 50 dollars

$19.50

$39.00 from Nordstrom

Currently on sale for 50% off!
$30.00 after sale.
Item 3: No-fuss dress and/or skirt
Have you ever tried on a dress or skirt and loved it but felt like it was a little high-maintenance? Maybe your bra straps just don’t stay hidden on their own or it’s a tiiiiny bit too low or sheer? We want clothes that are flattering and easy to wear without worrying about our undies showing. Is that so much to ask!?

On sale for $75.00

$30.00 on sale
Also available in petite

On sale $26.99
Item 4: Under-stuff tank tops
I wandered into a Uniqlo randomly one day in Brooklyn and bought the best tank top of my life. Once upon a time it was beige and now it’s a disgusting tinge of grey but let that tell you how often I wear it! This tank is stretchy, not too sheer and long enough to be tucked into pants, skirts, etc. It also doesn’t ride up, which makes it a winner if you need a tank under a dress.

Available in 7 colors
$9.90
Item 4: A printed top to match lots of bottoms

$30.00 on sale

Plus sizes available
$35.00 from Modcloth

Also available in white, yellow, light blue, and black print
On clearance for $21.00 from JCrew Factory
There you have back to school teacher capsule 1.0! This post took me like three extra days to finish because I kept going down the online shopping rabbit hole; hopefully there’s something here that feels like you! I’d love to hear–what are your teacher wardrobe staples? I’d like to do another post for the fall on wardrobe transitions so let me know what you swear by! Thanks for popping by and I’ll talk to you guys soon!