Welcome back to my petite-friendly teacher outfit series! Every August, I share classroom outfit ideas inspired by the requests and feedback I receive from my teacher readers. While I’m not a teacher myself, I love putting together outfits that are comfortable for long days on your feet, practical for the classroom, and, of course, petite-friendly.
After kicking off the series with business casual looks, today’s post is all about casual teacher outfits. Whether your school has a relaxed dress code every day or you’re looking for ideas for casual Fridays, these outfits strike a balance between comfortable and put together. I’ve included easy pieces you can move in all day, along with layers that work well for chilly classrooms and changing temperatures.
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My Sizing: I’m 4’10”, and my bust, waist, and hip measurements are 32″, 24″, and 36″. My inseam is 25″ (the measurement from the inside of my leg to my ankle bone). The clothes shown are unaltered and show how they fit me right from the store. I list my sizing beside each item to help you compare when shopping online. When referencing my true size, that is often the smallest option available at a brand or petite xxs/00/24. I wear a size 5 shoe.
Outfit 1: Red Maxi Skirt + Short Sleeve Cardigan
This red maxi skirt was a surprising Amazon find. I’m pretty particular about both quality and fit, so I don’t share many Amazon clothing finds unless they really impress me. I ordered several skirts while putting together this teacher series, and this one was easily my favorite.
The skirt is fully lined, has pockets, and is a true maxi length on my 4’10” frame without overwhelming my proportions. It’s soft, comfortable to wear, and comes in several fun colors if bright red isn’t your style.
I paired it with a short sleeve cardigan for an easy classroom-ready outfit, but this skirt is incredibly versatile. It would also pair perfectly with one of those classic cotton school or spirit T-shirts that so many teachers wear throughout the year, making it a piece you’ll reach for well beyond the first week of school.
Skirt XS | Similar Necklace | Cardigan XXS | Similar Cardigan | Flats tts
Outfit 2: Printed Pants + Denim Shirt
If you’re looking to add a little personality to your work wardrobe, these printed satin pants from LOFT are a fun option.
They have a 10″ rise and a 27.5″ inseam, making them a great fit for petites, and they’re just as comfortable as they are polished. The fabric doesn’t wrinkle easily, isn’t clingy, and isn’t see-through.
I paired the pants with a simple boatneck T-shirt from Old Navy, which looks great on its own, then added a lightweight denim shirt as an extra layer. My exact denim shirt is a Walmart find that has unfortunately sold out, but I’ll link a very similar option that creates the same casual, layered look.
Pants Petite XXS (10″ rise 27.5″ inseam) | T-Shirt XS | Similar Top | Flats tts
Outfit 3: Dark Wash Jeans + Cropped Button-Down
For my teacher friends who can wear jeans to school, I wanted to include an outfit built around a polished pair of dark wash denim.
These cropped wide leg jeans are from J.Crew Factory. I actually prefer wearing them in the standard sizing because they become a full-length style on my frame. In the standard size, they have a high rise measuring just over 10¾” and a 26.5″ inseam.
If you prefer a shorter inseam or slightly lower rise, they also come in petite, making them another great option for petites.
To dress up the jeans a bit, I paired them with a cropped button-down from Old Navy. I’m wearing a Petite XS, and it fits beautifully through the shoulders and sleeves. It also comes in several colors and prints—I own it in classic white as well—which makes it an easy staple to mix and match with jeans, trousers, or skirts throughout the school year.
Jeans 24 (standard fit 10 3/4″ rise 26.5″ inseam) | Top Petite XS | Tote | Flats tts
Outfit 4: Target Dress + Yellow Cardigan
This outfit wasn’t originally supposed to be part of my teacher series because the dress has spaghetti straps, but once I paired it with this yellow cardigan, I changed my mind.
The dress is a Target find that’s fully lined with a soft, relaxed fit and adjustable straps. While I wouldn’t recommend it for the classroom on its own, adding a lightweight cardigan completely changes the look and makes it feel appropriate for school.
The cardigan is from J.Crew Factory, and I’m wearing it in XXS. It has a slim fit that’s nicely proportioned for petites, especially through the shoulders and sleeves. Since it’s lightweight, it’s perfect for those warm first weeks of school when you still want a little extra coverage without adding too much warmth.
Dress XS | Cardigan XXS | Necklace | Flats tts
I hope these ideas give my teacher friends a little inspiration for the new school year. Next up in the series, I’ll be sharing teacher outfits with sneakers, featuring comfortable dresses, skirts, and pants that pair perfectly with supportive shoes for long days on your feet.
