One NYC Public School Teacher On What She Wore On The First Week Back To School!

One of the many sounds heard around the country may include the sound of NYC public schools opening their doors for the first time since March 13th. If you listen closely, alongside the rumble of nerves, there’s screeching doors, chatting parents and giggles still heard beneath pattern-clad masks. Although nothing is promised, I admire everyone for doing so much work to welcome kids and families with open and safe arms.

While all of the many details are important, and this milestone is one to watch and celebrate with caution, I wanted to know something simpler… what were some teachers wearing on this very important week?

My friend Claude was happy to share her looks!

On the first day of school I wore the Osei Duro Thunderstruck jumpsuit. I chose it because the name was so good. When I go to the nail salon if two paint colors are similar and I can’t choose one I go with the one with a clever name.

From first through twelth grade I wore a uniform. Ironically, my elementary school uniform was the same color scheme as the jumpsuit. For me, the first few days of school hit differently. In a lot of ways I feel like the students do because I never had a chance to wear what I wanted. I’ve come a long way from the yellow collared shirt and brown plaid jumper dress I wore for school. I teach Pre-K so I wanted to wear something that reflects creativity and spontaneity. 

After wearing heels all day during the first day of school, I opted for sneakers on Day 2. I knew I had a lot of work to do in the classroom so I thought denim would be a great choice. I like for my outfits to represent who I am. Someone who’s warm and approachable. I think this puts parents at ease.

We had a cooler day, so I wore all black, but threw a vintage dress over it for some Autumn vibes. 

The green jumpsuit (similar here) is a fun print that is so comfy and lightweight. I was hesitant about wearing another jumpsuit in the same week, but hey it’s been super busy an the instant outfit makes life so much easier. 

When it comes to my hair, I have this braid obsession that I can’t kick. And the start of the school year is so busy and braids are convenient, I can just take off my head scarf and go. It’s also a bit cooler, so longer hair is fun to have!

 I got this vintage halter dress for my birthday and while it’s more of a s spring or summer print, I like it for Fall because the fabric is on the heavy side. This dress was a fun way to end the week. I find that stepping it up a notch on Fridays more fun than going casual. 

THANK YOU SO MUCH, Claude! And good luck this year to you and every public school teacher, family and administration, on this journey.

Claude Viard is a Brooklyn based mother of two. She is a public pre-k teacher who splits her time between NYC and the Catskills. She is a lover of vintage, sustainably sourced and second-hand clothing. Photographs by her husband, Josh Moise. (This post has affiliate links. If you choose to purchase something, I may earn a small commission.)