I need to go clothes shopping!

[Ally]

I need help!

At my new school it's a given that the teachers all look smart...casual, but smart.

That's fine with me - I have loads and loads of dresses that will fit the bill of not being too low at the neck (I do alot of leaning over checking the students work at their tables so cleavage showing is a no-no. )

Nothing too short either - again, that's great as most of my dresses are just a couple of inches above my knees.

But that is all I have...dresses!

I do not possess a single skirt or a single blouse.

I live in shorts, vest and t shirts.

I really don't think I'm a skirty blousey person.

I don't have trousers either - I just can't see me suiting them? Perhaps as I've never worn them?

Any advice?

Also...and this is the biggy.

No Converse/bumpers or flip flops.

I live in my Converse/bumpers and flip flops.

I asked Karen and Shirley (two of the other teachers) what they wear and they said sandals or court shoes.

Court shoes?

I've been through all my footwear and this is what I have:

15 pairs of different coloured Converse and pumps.

5 pairs of flip flops.

2 pairs of Gladiator sandals.

1 pair of shocking pink wedges.

A pair of 3 inch posh black shoes that I had to buy for Con's funeral.

2 pairs of biker boots.

2 pairs of Uggy type things.

2 pairs of Berkinstocks.

Various other beachy type espadrilley things not suitable for work.

And a pair of ladybird slippers.

So now I need to go and buy some clothes - I'm still going for dresses though as I feel so comfortable in them.
It's warm here most of the year and I can't bear the thought of having things tucked into me or anything that sits on my waist.

Any advice please - and I need some help on the shoe front.

[Diflower]

Ally if you have 'loads' of dresses that are suitable and that's what you're comfortable in, then stick with mostly dresses

You could look out for little cotton cardis or thin jackets for the winter that would match/contrast, which would make them look smarter, but you could still take off.
How about ballet flats? Some are much smarter than others, but of course they do need to be comfy.

Maybe go to a big shoe shop and just try on different styles, you should find something that feels good and looks right - I used to like open toes/sling backs.

I don't remember how many days a week you're going to be working, but you don't need that many 'working' clothes, just a good few things that look and feel right.
And you don't need it all in advance if you already have some things, apart from the shoes

[Ally]

Oooh ballet flats.

They would go with my dresses, of course!

Thank you.

I have a few little cardies (I like those ones that are short) in various colours.

I do like my frocks which will be suitable for work but instead of my tomboy footwear I shall be a laydee with my ballet flats.

Mon-Thurs I'm working Di.

I feel loads better now ta - I'm never going to be 'smart dresser' but as I always feel nice in my dresses..and confident..then it makes sense to stick with this rather than try something that is just not 'me'.

Thanks Di.

[Diflower]

Well, that was easy wasn't it

Also maybe the odd 'smart' cheapo necklace or two, casual dresses can be made to look much dressier.

Now about tomorrow - I don't have a thing to wear...

[Ally]

Well, that was easy wasn't it

Also maybe the odd 'smart' cheapo necklace or two, casual dresses can be made to look much dressier.

Now about tomorrow - I don't have a thing to wear...

I should just have FAO'd The wise One.

What are you going to wear tomorrow - have you got far to travel to the house of the lady (I've forgotten her name Julie? ) that you're meeting at?

[Rodo]

I know where to come now if I can't decide what to wear for something or other!

[Diflower]

I spent a lot of years working

Tomorrow, hmm - we're first going to Southampton airport to pick up the Oscs. They're getting a cab from the port, so they can leave their luggage at the airport (it wouldn't have fitted in our car).
In theory that's about half an hour, but it's summer holiday time so we'll allow an hour.
And from there to Julia's, probably half an hour.
No aircon

I was going to wear my nice white cropped jeggings - but they're a bit hot (5% elastane).
I have white linen trousers if I don't mind looking like a dishrag by the time we get there
I have other white crop things that are nowhere near as nice but not as hot.
Oh but I do have the bright turquoise blue baggy crops - actually they might be best
I even have pretty bright blue sandals and bag

There, eventually I can even solve my own problems

Ps - and bright blue bracelet thingy
I don't think I even own anything else blue, apart from jeans!

[Ally]

Blue is sounding lovely.

Before we meet up with our friends tonight I'm going for a mooch in some shoe shops - there are some lovely ones in town - Don has kindly offered to be my shoe guru.

[Diflower]

Good idea
That's the thing, I don't go just looking either, so when I do need something like shoes I've no idea where to start!

The blue sandals popped up on a sale ad last year online, I didn't have any proper sandals, thought 'oh they're nice' and bought them

[Gal]

Ballet flats with a dress sound perfect Ally

Or if you don't want a full 'shoe' then what about something like this, it's more substantial than a flip flop but you still get that open-ness

http://www.shoezone.com/Womens/Sandals/Festival