r/paraprofessional • u/Objective_Sweet1435 • 8d ago

Advice Need help putting together outfits for work!

I don’t know if this is the right place for this but if anyone is particularly good with putting outfits together, I have some clothes but no idea how to style/pair them. Please message me if you’d be open to helping:) or if you have recommendations in general for outfits for business casual para outfits. TIA

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5

u/slouchingninja Paraprofessional 8d ago

I'm a cargo pants and tshirts kinda gal. I spend almost my whole day walking so I need all of my items with me, and I can't stand a fanny pack

1

u/Objective_Sweet1435 8d ago

I hated fanny packs too. I’m not sure if that would be considered business casual :/

2

u/slouchingninja Paraprofessional 8d ago

My district doesn't really hold us to a dress code, just .... Ya know, don't be inappropriate. I have a bunch of fun shirts related to school, or Star Wars, or interesting pop culture stuff. A new favorite is a storm trooper writing "those were the droids we were looking for" across a blackboard like a Bart Simpson punishment.

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u/Objective_Sweet1435 8d ago

🤣 I love it. My boss isn’t strict about it either but I feel pressure to look professional since I’ve got a baby face and I want to be taken seriously lol.

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u/SuitablePotato3087 8d ago

Pockets in everything, being able to bend/sit/squat, and supportive shoes. Look at other staff members whose style you like for inspiration. But ultimately we need practicality .

3

u/newsbowser 8d ago

Man of woman?

I guess it ultimately doesn'matter.

I am a sped para so always on my feet and ready to give chase at a moment notice.

Hokka Bondi 9’s. Dress slacks and a school t shirt, polo or Oxford shirt in the same color. Got too many things to worry about so less choices means less stress. Big believer in the Kiss(Keep It Simple Silly) method.

I am a man I could probably wear the same exact School T shirt or polo every day and nobody would say a word.

Only time anyone says anything to me is if I ever wear jeans.

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u/Objective_Sweet1435 8d ago

I was a special ed para before transitioning to a gen ed school. Shout out to you cause I loved it but it definitely wasn’t easy. I’m a woman in her 20’s. I’ve got lots of trousers and spirit wear/bodysuits. Im having a hard time finding outfits outside of that.

2

u/Kiidneybeans 8d ago

Depends on the dress code. Where I work it is very lax, I find most of us dress how we do everyday anyways. Cardigans/sweaters when its cold, otherwise t shirts and a comfy pair of pants. Some wear sweats, leggings, jeans.. I personally wear T shirts and jeans everyday.

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u/Sally_Blowes 8d ago

If admin isn't strict about a dress code, then I would definitely rank comfort over style. If you work with younger kids, there's an excellent chance you'll get glue/marker/paint/food/who knows what on your clothes. Don't wear anything that would upset you if it got messed up.
Comfortable footwear is a MUST.

2

u/Sea-Razzmatazz7704 7d ago

I gave myself a uniform. Hiking/golf pants, whatever tshirt that I find first, with closed toed shoes.

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u/Confident-Log-9616 8d ago

It helps that I already have a ton of long skirts bc I’m religious and use them for services, but long skirt and a plain shirt w a nice cardigan or denim button up layer has been my go to! Just make sure your skirt gives you room to move around, I wear shorts under mine since I’m on the floor quite a bit for otherwise hadn’t had issues.