Do you remember back-to-school shopping when you were young, looking for the perfect pair of brand-new tennis shoes that would make you run the fastest in your class? Maybe you’d even try them on and run down the shoe aisle as fast as you could to test them out? The adult equivalent of that feeling now is doing a little online shopping for some new teacher clothes and getting them delivered right to your doorstep. If you’re in the market for some new looks, here’s a list of the best teacher stores for you to check out.
(Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)
1. Loft
For starters, teachers get a 15% discount at Loft. They have a large variety of sizes, including tall and petite. Loft is a store filled with classic items that will last you more than just one school year. One of my favorite pairs of black work pants is from Loft, and I’ve had them for 10 years. Loft does have a higher price point (tops range from $39 to $65, pants and dresses range from around $89 to $99). The “styling” section of the website provides complete outfit ideas, which I love. There is even a curated section that is called “Loft @ Work.”
The wide-legged pants featured above are so fun! The color is called “purple clover” but they also carry two other colors that are more neutral choices.
Buy it: Palmer Wide-Legged Pants
2. Madewell
Madewell gives teachers 15% off. They carry both men’s and women’s clothing. Madewell is a great place to find eye-catching, quality items for teachers’ wardrobes. My go-to casual Friday jeans are from Madewell. They take denim seriously. In store, you can find a stylist who is willing to help you put together outfits or help you find the right size in jeans. This store has a higher price point, similar to J.Crew.
The loafers featured ooze academia vibes. They would be perfect for the fall.
Buy it: The Corinne Lugsole Loafer
3. Old Navy
Old Navy offers something for the whole family, and if you’re looking for teacher clothes, you’ll find them at Old Navy. You truly can dress yourself from head to toe because they have it all. This store is a more affordable option (shirts range anywhere from $10 to $30 and pants can range from $30 to $50). Old Navy leans more casual but still work-appropriate. They have a wide range of sizes from 00 to 30. If you’re looking for work pants that are truly comfortable and professional, you’ll want to buy yourself a pair (or three) of the Pixie Pant. They have a cult following, and rightly so.
The chambray shirt featured can be thrown over another shirt as pictured (because aren’t we always looking for layers in chilly school buildings?) or worn on its own.
Buy it: Regular-Fit Chambray Everyday Non-Stretch Shirt for Men
4. Banana Republic
Teachers can get 15% off with their Teacher ID. Banana Republic has a higher price point so teachers will want to look for sales and take advantage of their discount. Both men and women can find staple items when looking for teacher clothes. Banana Republic runs on the dressier side so if your school wardrobe leans more sophisticated, this is your spot.
This pair of work pants can be dressed up with heels or kept more casual with flats.
Buy it: Skinny Sloan Pants
5. J.Crew
Teachers can get 15% off with their Teacher ID. J.Crew is always classically cool. Both men and women can shop there and get timeless pieces to fill their closets. Their website also has curated styles so you can make it easy on yourself and go to the “Work Remix” section of their website to find pieces to add to your wardrobe. J. Crew is like the more sophisticated older sister of Madewell. They also run on the pricier side (dresses and pants average about $90 to $130) so take advantage of the clearance section and teacher discount.
The featured warm and fuzzy sweater would be a great transition piece into fall.
Buy it: Cuff-sleeve cropped crewneck sweater in textured bouclé
6. L.L.Bean
Teachers get 10% off with their Teacher ID. Does anyone else work in a perpetually cold building? L.L.Bean is a store for adventurers but can also be a great place to stop in for those jackets and pullovers that you can add to your collection of teacher clothes. Also, I am always looking for teacher clothes that can extend beyond the classroom. L.L.Bean definitely has pieces that will work for your fall and winter festivities outside the classroom.
I know that I am adding this Sherpa Fleece Pullover to my cart and will happily be wearing it on Casual (Cool) Fridays.
Buy it: Women’s Bean’s Sherpa Fleece Pullover
7. Anthropologie
Bury me in Anthropologie. I want to live inside of Anthropologie. The price point is high, especially for a teacher’s salary. However, if you’re looking to splurge, Anthropologie is a place filled with unique, eclectic pieces that can spice up your teacher wardrobe.
This bubblegum-pink sweater is a fun yet refined top to add to your back-to-school teacher clothes.
Buy it: Maeve Harmon Jacquard Sweater Tee
8. Target
Target, a store that needs no introduction to teachers, is the best place to find trendy, affordable teacher clothes. The store offers a much more accessible price point for teachers than some others (tops range from about $15 to $30, and dresses and pants are generally $30 and under). They are always throwing out good sales, so keep your eyes out for those 30%-off deals. Target also has the best accessories and shoe selection to complete your teacher look.
The pants featured are a great ankle pant for work that are less than $30!
Buy it: Women’s High-Rise Skinny Ankle Pants – A New Day
9. Kohl’s
Kohl’s is another great store for teacher clothes. They have everything you need for your entire wardrobe: clothes, shoes, and accessories. Kohl’s carries clothing for the entire family. The price point at Kohl’s is affordable, and if you are a frequent Kohl’s shopper, you know that you can rack up that Kohl’s cash to use on your next cardigan.
Comfortable yet professional, the shirt dress featured strikes the perfect balance.
Buy it: Women’s Nine West Shirt Dress
10. DSW
DSW is the place to go when you are looking for teacher shoes. Teachers are on their feet all day long so finding a comfortable shoe at an affordable price is crucial. DSW has shoes from many different popular shoe brands and at varying price points (shoes can range from $40 to $100). If you sign up for their email, you get 15% off on your first order. They carry both men’s and women’s shoes, as well as a smaller collection of children’s shoes, so while you shop for yourself, you can stock up for the whole family.
The boots featured come in six different colors, perfect neutral options for work.
Buy it: Journee Collection Kenova Chelsea Boot
11. Gap
Shopping at Gap is perfect for teachers. They offer great sales, so keep your eye out for those. The price point is on the higher side but can be manageable if you’re snagging a sale. Gap sizing ranges from 23 to 35 in regular, 27 to 33 in tall, and 24 to 30 in petite. It’s a great place to find those staple items you need as a teacher: sweaters, jeans, work pants, dresses, and button-down tops. Gap is the place to go for quality items that are accessible and classic.
The pants featured in the photo are a perfect example of the kind of essential items you can add to your collection of teacher clothes from Gap.
Buy it: Ponte Crop Kick Pants
12. Express
Express is a fun place for those special items for work. The price point can be higher if you are not catching a sale, but they often have sale items that work for the season. Express is on the dressier side for clothes and has more cocktail or special occasion items than some other teacher clothing stores, but they also have great tops, sweaters, and dress pants.
The adorable bow sweater featured is a perfect example of the kind of statement items Express carries.
Buy it: V-Neck Bow Button Front Cardigan
13. Rothy’s
Rothy’s is definitely at a higher price point, but teachers love their shoes. Not only are they cute and fun, they are extremely comfortable and last a long time. From the Rothy’s website: “From classic shoes to carry-everywhere bags, we create essentials for wherever you need to go.” If you click on the link, you will see that they carry wonderful flat options and sneakers for teachers. Comfortable shoes are worth the investment, and I tend to trust other teachers when they recommend a shoe based on how they feel on their feet all day.
The bright-pink shoes featured are so fun if you like a bold statement! If you want something more neutral, Rothy’s has that too.
Buy it: The Driver
14. Dick’s Sporting Goods
Dick’s Sporting Goods is not just for gym teachers, although it is an excellent place to find teacher clothes if you are a physical education teacher. This store has a great selection of sneakers that you can wear on casual Friday. They also have great pieces you can layer—quarter zips, jackets, and sweatshirts for spirit days. If you’re looking to buy some new sneakers (that make you the fastest teacher in your hallway), check out Dick’s Sporting Goods.
The New Balance sneakers featured are such a comfortable, classic pair of sneakers and neutral enough to wear to work.
Buy it: 574 New Balance Sneakers
15. Zappos
Zappos is your online go-to spot for ordering shoes. The options are seemingly endless on Zappos. This is your one-stop shop for all types of shoes. Zappos has all of the footwear you could need before you begin your school year, for both your dressy days and your more casual ones.
The shoes featured are Crocs! These are not your students’ Crocs though. They have excellent reviews and comfort is one of the most-mentioned highlights of this pair of shoes.
Buy it: Crocs Brooklyn Strappy Low Wedge
16. H&M
H&M is a great place to go for affordable, trendy teacher items. The price point averages $25 to $45. The sizing runs from XS to XXL in dresses and tops, with pant sizes ranging from 0 to 18. H&M also allows you to sign up with your email to become a member, and there are always sales for members. H&M also carries great shoes and accessories for both men and women (and children too).
The light summer dress featured would be a great outfit for the first day of school.
Buy it: Linen-Blend Wrap Dress
17. Amazon
We can’t forget to include Amazon. Amazon does have a huge selection of work-appropriate clothes for teachers, but I think they are an even better place for jewelry and accessories. If you’re looking for an affordable (and quick) place to snag some earrings or bracelets for work, Amazon is the place to go.
The little gold hoops featured are less than $12.
Buy it: Pavoi 14K Gold-Plated Lightweight Chunky Open Hoops
18. Versona
Versona is another great place to find teacher accessories. Walking into their store is like walking into a giant closet from the Home Edit. Everything is organized by color and aesthetic. You just let the store tell you what you need and you can create an entire look. They have great teacher clothes that are professional and dressy, and they carry casual options too. They also have a perfectly curated selection of shoes that go with the clothing in the store.
The adorable flower-printed dress featured would be perfect for transitioning from the warmer weather months to autumn.
Buy it: Baby Blooms Dress
19. Macy’s
Macy’s is a store that has it all. I’d say that Macy’s runs on the dressier side, but their website has much more than what is featured in store. Macy’s sells designer clothing, shoes, and accessories. The price point is on the higher end, but look for sales and shop their clearance section—they always have great items on sale. Macy’s also carries something for everyone. I don’t like to think of a day when brick-and-mortar shopping malls disappear, so I almost feel nostalgic shopping in a department store like Macy’s. You can definitely put together some great looks for teaching this year.
The cute flutter-sleeved dress featured is perfect for those hot school days at the start and end of the school year.
Buy it: Women’s Cotton Gauze Tiered Flutter-Sleeve Dress
20. Nordstrom Rack
Nordstrom Rack is the discount sister of Nordstrom. They sell designer brands that you love from Nordstrom but at a discounted price. They have clothes, shoes, and accessories for men and women that are perfect for teachers. I love a good Nordstrom Rack find. The store sells a smaller selection of items compared to Nordstrom, but there are always treasures to be found.
Check out the featured Rebecca Minkoff bag. If you’re in the market for a new teacher tote, this one is chic with plenty of storage for your laptop and papers to grade.
Buy it: Rebecca Minkoff Leather Tote
21. TJ Maxx
I’m so glad that TJ Maxx now has an online inventory! TJ Maxx is an affordable store for trendy teaching clothes. They also have a good selection of shoes for women and bags and accessories. TJ Maxx also carries men’s clothing and offers many styles. They have clothing that ranges from super-casual sweatpants sets to formal cocktail attire and everything in between.
The sweater featured is only $10! I love TJ Maxx most of all for their pricing.
Buy it: Sincerely Jules Cable Knit Turtleneck Twofer Pullover Sweater
22. Dry Goods
Dry Goods is such a cute store! This store is both brick-and-mortar and has an online inventory. They have a constantly changing selection of fashion trends, and the looks they put together are effortlessly cool. The price point is on the higher side, but they have a great sale section where I can always find great pieces for work. They carry dresses, pants, tops, and sweaters. They also have fun accessories.
The dress featured has a flattering cinched top and puffy sleeves, and that length is perfect for teaching!
Buy it: Smocked Floral Maxi Dress Blu Pepper
23. Pink Lily Boutique
Pink Lily Boutique is an adorable store that is perfect for teacher clothes. They have a section on their website that is dedicated to teacher looks called “Teacher Shop.” I love it when they make it that easy for me to find what will work for teaching! The prices are reasonable and they offer sales as soon as you visit their website if you sign up with your email.
I’ve got to order the “Cool Teachers Club” shirt because I want to be a part of it!
Buy it: Cool Teachers Club Graphic Tee
24. Etsy
You can support product makers and small business owners when you shop at Etsy. I love the unique, personalized items that Etsy offers. If you are creative and you have a design in mind for a T-shirt, earrings, or lanyards, you can find someone who will make it for you at Etsy. My favorite teacher gifts to give and receive are always from Etsy because of the thought and intention behind each item.
The shirt featured is a perfect example of the kind of fun teacher item you can add to your closet.
Buy it: In My Teacher Era Shirt
If you love this list of teacher clothes, be sure to check out our favorite dresses with pockets!
What’s your favorite place to shop for your teacher clothes? Come and share in our WeAreTeachers Helpline group on Facebook.
