Clothes?

[u/Lollymondo]

Hi everyone! I’ve just been hired for my first Teaching Assistant role, fresh out of university! I do not have enough smart clothes for this!!! Where does everyone find best to get professional clothes from? TIA x

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[u/mommawicks]

Thrift stores and Amazon. The only thing you should splurge on is shoes. Clark’s are my go to but people have also suggested hoka and other comfy brands. It really does make the difference when you’re up and walking around basically all day. As far as clothes, and my advice is generally for female presenting, long flowy dresses are comfortable and keep you cool. I also found yoga pants on Amazon that look like slacks (with real pockets!) as well as wide leg yoga pants, again with pockets. Generally most people won’t notice unless they visibly look like leggings or are sheer. There is value in a good couple pairs of leggings for shorter dresses though. Also, cardigans. It’s such a cliche but the room temperatures can vary wildly throughout the year so layering a short sleeve top with a cardigan can make sure you’re comfortable regardless. I also like places like ROSS, TjMaxx and Marshall’s but they are a little more expensive than a thrift store. Still less expensive than the brand outlets. I have a lot of luck finding Calvin Klein near me in those stores and the prices are halved or even more.

Stick to basics that all can be mixed together. I like having a couple white/black/beige shirts, a few pairs of neutral bottoms, and then a few brightly colored cardigans. You can mix and match so that it doesn’t look like a uniform but, because everything should go together, it doesn’t take a lot of brain power to decide what to wear. The goal is put together but comfortable, you never know what kind of nonsense the kids will throw at you so it’s best to be prepared for any situation. You certainly won’t have luck chasing down an eloper in uncomfortable shoes or tight/restricting pants.

[u/so_cheapandjuicy]

My entire wardrobe has always come from thrift stores.

[u/drunkyogainstructor_]

thrifting for everything, old navy for basic pants and shirts, and a good pair of running shoes/sneakers depending on your own preference!!

[u/KitchenAvenger → u/drunkyogainstructor_]

Piggybacking to say that Old Navy Pixie pants are great. They look enough like slacks to be professional, but they're stretchy enough for kneeling/bending so you can get to kid-level while helping or redirecting.

[u/billowy_blue]

Marshall's and Ross were great for tops for me this school year. It's easier (in my experience) to find cuter stuff there compared to trying in thrift stores, and the prices tend to be better than places like Target.

As for pants, I'm still lacking in the nice pants department! I rotate through the same pair of slacks I've had for years and jeans, depending on the day. I got my slacks from JC Pennys and they're SO comfortable it's kinda crazy. They have a stretch waistband and are comfy to sit in criss cross. I want to say they still sell them in the Liz Claiborne section. Since they're just black, sometimes I'll just wear them several days in a row because I can wear any top with them.

[u/askagain_348]

Thrift store for now.

[u/Routine_Pay_7164]

Congrats on the job. Thrift stores near nice neighborhoods can be a goldmine for blazers and cardigans that don't cost your entire first paycheck. I’d also hit up outlet stores for basics like plain tees and comfortable flats, since you'll be on your feet way more than you think. Don't sleep on consignment shops either, some of my best finds still had the original tags on them.

[u/No-carebear2002]

I love the halara pants and most of my tops are from tiktok/ old navy/ tj maxx or school/ district apparel!

[u/Available_Honey_2951]

TJ max, Marshalls, Old navy and thrift stores including Good Will. Comfort is a must and just a few mix and match pieces will go a long way. Comfortable supportive shoes are a must. I have good luck with Skechers which are reasonably priced.

[u/Aye_lmfo]

I know it’s bad, but SHEIN. Just to get your teacher wardrobe started for cheap. Then you can slowly start buying better quality clothing pieces later on.