We’re creeping up on a new school year, which means teaching interviews are coming in hot. Whether it’s your first job, your next move, or just a chance to get out of a toxic building, you’ve got an interview on the calendar and zero clue what to wear.
Let me help.
You don’t need a $400 blazer or heels you’ll never wear again. You need clothes that say, “I’m professional, I’m confident, and yes, I can kneel on a classroom carpet without flashing anyone.”
Here’s your breakdown — six staple clothing pieces, plus some helpful tips to keep the rest of your look in check.
1. A Solid Blouse or Structured Top
Go for something that’s clean, not clingy, and won’t wrinkle like tissue paper. Solid colours or soft patterns work best. V-neck, scoop neck, button-down — whatever fits your vibe, just make sure you don’t fidget with it every five seconds. And please…nothing sheer. If you need an undershirt, wear the undershirt.
2. Tailored Pants or Trousers
Not leggings, jeans, or even your favourite joggers that “look like pants if the light hits right.” Actual pants. Go for ankle-length or full-length in a neutral colour — black, navy, grey, or khaki. Make sure you can sit without feeling like you’re about to pop a button.
3. Midi or Knee-Length Skirt
If you like skirts, try a pencil, pleated, A-line — pick your style. Just make sure it’s long enough that you can sit and stand without tugging at it. Bonus points if it has pockets. Mega bonus points if it doesn’t ride up when you walk.
4. A Simple Dress
Think: interview-ready, not brunch-ready. A structured knit dress or shirt dress in a solid color or subtle print suits any interview perfectly. If you don’t know if it looks professional enough, add a cardigan or blazer over it to polish it up a bit.
5. A Light Layer
Cardigan, blazer, jean jacket (if the school’s a little more casual) — layering makes you look more put-together, even if you just wear a plain tee underneath. And if you feel nervous, layers give you something to do with your hands besides wringing them.
6. Closed-Toe Shoes You Can Actually Walk In
Loafers, flats, boots, low heels — pick what makes sense for your feet and your nerves. Stay away from loud shoes (nobody wants to hear your interview coming from 50 feet away), and definitely don’t wear something that’ll leave your toes screaming by lunchtime.
Helpful Tips to Pull It All Together
Nails
They don’t have to be fancy — just done. Trimmed, clean, no chips. If you have polish, make sure it’s not half-missing. If one breaks the morning of the interview? Slap a Band-Aid on it and keep it moving. Better to look patched than sloppy.
Jewelry
Keep it minimal and intentional. A nice pair of earrings, a necklace that doesn’t swing like a pendulum — perfect. Avoid anything noisy or oversized. The goal is subtle confidence, not “I raided a Claire’s clearance rack.”