Tomorrow, I begin a whole new chapter of my life.
A chapter without bells, duty rotas, last-minute cover, or the eternal mystery of why teenagers insist they’ve “definitely handed in the homework” that does not, in fact, exist.
Today is my last day as a teacher.
Tomorrow, I start my new role as a senior member of staff in the business world — a role I’m genuinely excited for.
But something else has been quietly sparking joy in the background…
The dress code.
Yes, really.
After years of dressing with practicality, SEN considerations, and student perceptions in mind, the idea of “dress down” feels less like a wardrobe suggestion and more like creative liberation.
Why Style Matters So Much in This Transition
Teaching shaped my wardrobe far more than I realised. When you’re in a classroom, you’re not just dressing for yourself — you’re also dressing to meet the sensory, emotional, and behavioural needs of the students in front of you.
That means:
- No loud, bright colours that could overstimulate some SEN students.
- No jangly or “clangy” jewellery that becomes audio chaos.
- No long necklaces for obvious reasons.
- Sensible shoes designed for miles of walking and the occasional sprint.
- Practical bags that won’t cause mutiny among students who believe teachers should not possess nicer accessories than they do.
Individually, these limits seem small.
Collectively, they slowly trim away parts of your personal style.
You wake up one morning and realise:
Your wardrobe has become functional. Safe. Predictable.
Not you.
This new chapter isn’t just a job change — it’s a chance to feel like myself again.
Rediscovering Colour — Properly This Time
Here’s the thing: neutrals and I have never been on speaking terms.
Put me in beige or soft taupe and I immediately transform into a Victorian ghost haunting the corridors, asking, “Is that your best handwriting?”
I’ve always been someone who comes alive in rich, bold colour — but in teaching, colour often had to take a back seat to meet sensory needs in the classroom.
So imagine my joy when I realised the business world isn’t asking for neutrals…
It’s asking for authenticity.
Not high-vis brights.
Not cartoonish shades.
But rich, deep tones that feel confident without shouting.
Think:
- Emerald greens
- Sapphire blues
- Teal cardigans
- Burnt orange (the autumn dream!)
- Berry and plum shades
- A raspberry or wine-coloured coat on a grey winter morning
- Jewel-toned shoes paired with a simple outfit
Colour — but curated.
Colour that whispers “I know what I’m doing” instead of “Miss, your jumper is distracting me from my work.”
I cannot wait to weave colour back into my everyday dressing — intentionally, beautifully, and in shades that truly suit me.
Soft Foundations… with a Splash of Bold Colour
Even though I’m saying goodbye to being fully neutral, I still love the balance of pairing grounding shades with one gorgeous, noticeable pop of richness.
Think:
- Charcoal trousers + emerald knit + gold earrings
- Dark jeans + berry blouse + neutral boots
- Black knit + teal cardigan + a statement lip
- Camel coat + sapphire scarf
- Navy outfit + burnt orange tote
- All-black base lifted with jewel-tone shoes
This is the sweet spot I’ve been missing for years — colour that’s present but not overpowering; expressive but not overwhelming.
It feels like coming home to my own style again.
Jewellery — The Return of the Things That Had to Retire
One of the quietly saddest parts of SEN-considerate dressing was jewellery.
Anything that jingled, chimed, or made even the faintest metallic “tink” was off the table.
But now?
I can gently reintroduce:
- Delicate layered necklaces
- Soft, non-clangy hoop earrings
- Minimalist pendants
- Stacking rings
- Silk scarves that don’t swish loudly
- The kind of small, elegant jewellery that finishes a look without creating classroom percussion
Nothing gaudy.
Nothing noisy.
Just the kind of accessories that allow your outfit to breathe.
Bags and Shoes — Freed at Last
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a teacher in possession of a nice handbag must be in want of a way to hide it from her students.
Truly, some students take it personally when your bag is nicer than theirs.
Even the wealthy ones.
Especially the wealthy ones.
Because of this, many of my favourite bags and shoes — Tods, Burberry, Lulu Guinness, Radley — have lived in dustbags, waiting patiently for a life they were promised.
Well… their moment has come.
Not to show off.
Not to be flashy.
But simply because I can now use and enjoy the beautiful pieces I’ve invested in.
Business Casual With Personality: My New Outfit Plans
Here’s what I imagine my new work wardrobe looking like — comfortable, relaxed, but polished with personality and colour:
• Black trousers + emerald jumper + gold earrings + structured tote
Effortless but impactful.
• Dark jeans + berry blouse + wool coat + smart boots
Dress down, but intentionally.
• Simple knit dress + teal cardigan + ankle boots
Comfort with shape and colour.
• Straight-leg jeans + striped top + camel coat + cobalt scarf
Classic with a twist.
• Black polo knit + wide-leg trousers + jewel-tone flats
Minimalist base, statement pop.
These feel like the outfits I’ve been waiting to wear.
A Little Sadness — A Lot of Hope
Leaving teaching is emotional.
There’s no version of this where I pretend otherwise.
Teaching has shaped me deeply.
It’s stretched me, challenged me, exhausted me, taught me patience I never believed I possessed, and connected me with students who will forever hold a place in my heart.
But sometimes, the next chapter calls — quietly at first, then louder.
It’s time for new opportunities.
Time to work in an environment where I can focus differently.
Time to dress in a way that reflects who I am now, not who the job required me to be.
And honestly?
Time to stop doing a daily mental risk assessment on my outfits.
Here’s to What Comes Next
To colour.
To creativity.
To soft fabrics and bold accents.
To jewellery that doesn’t double as a percussion instrument.
To bags that finally get their moment in daylight.
To shoes chosen for joy and style, not just corridor traction.
To the next chapter — professionally, personally, and sartorially.
I’m ready. ✨
My life and style over 40 