Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/81027
Data goes grown-up: I never would have thought… that taupe pants and a navy jacket would go together. But Orene said it would look good, so I went for it. It makes me want to change things up colorwise. I like this look because… it's easy and comfortable. It's professional and also fun; I love the polka dots and jewelry! I feel like I'm not too much out of my comfort zone, but it's different enough to be a change. It's challenging to dress for the classroom… because you can't help kids tie their shoes or sit on the carpet with them if you are wearing a short skirt. You are always bending over and have to watch that cleavage doesn't show. One thing I learned… is that I shouldn't wear big shirts. My body is a kind of an hourglass shape and I have wide shoulders, so things should be tighter in the center for a more flattering look. I'm going to wear this outfit… for parent-teacher conferences. I'm hoping, in these clothes, nobody will ask me how old I am. The clothes… Marshalls: jacket ($24.99); white shirt ($9.99); pants ($19.99) by Missy; shoes ($39.99) by Tahari. Target: bracelet ($14.99); necklace ($24.99). Angela Data POMEROY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, United Teachers of Santa Clara "How old are you?" is a question this first-grade teacher is constantly asked by people who think she looks much too young to be a teacher. Angela Data takes it in stride, even though she's been teaching six years. Through this CTA project, she discovered her clothing makes her look like a teenager; she usually wears slacks and a V-neck shirt. She describes her teaching style as "fun, inventive and always trying new things," and this attitude is reflected in her outfit selection, which is classic, professional, comfortable and whimsical — a white T-shirt with a classic navy blazer with wide polka-dot cuffs just for fun. She also got a navy shirt for mix 'n match. "This will make a more professional impression on parents — and I can also sit down on the carpet and move around with the kids," she says. 20 California Educator September 2012