GOTH Teachers and Lab Techs?!

Look, as a marketing student I have the opportunity to follow much more vague dress codes than my friends in other majors. My best friends are education and biotechnology majors, let's see how we can dress them in my style!

GOTH TEACHERS!

My roommate/coworker/sorority sister/bestie Mackenzie is going to be a high school calculus and geometry teacher when she graduates college. How the heck can I dress her in my style when she needs to look approachable to her students?!

First, let's assess the dress code.

I love dress codes. They give me a framework to work within while breaking all the rules in small ways. Teacher dress codes are completely understandable, but difficult to break safely. Here's the basics of a teacher dress code:

Appropriate:

• Trousers/pants

• Blouses, sweaters, non-graphic tees

• School spirit tees (on designated days)

• Skirts/dresses at or below knee length

• Sensible shoes (preferably closed toe)

• Jeans (on designated days)

Inappropriate:

• Skirts or dresses shorter than knee length, and shorts

• Strapless shirts and dresses

• Sweatshirts, shorts, sweatpants, workout attire (unless approved by the principal or admin)

• Beachwear/flip flops

• Hats, and/or head coverings (unless approved by principal or designee for medical or religious reasons)

• Leggings without a tunic-length top

Mackenzie also provided some criteria of her own: removable layers without sacrificing the outfit, fun teacher tees, and not scaring the children/parents.

So here's some pieces I would recommend for her!

• Platform loafers, with inserts for comfort

• Platform boots, specifically those without heels!

• Patterned trousers (houndstooth, grid, baroque patterns)

• Midi skirts with texture

• Cardigans or open oversized button down shirts

• Dark wash or black jeans

Here's what that might look like put together!

GOTH LAB TECHS

You're probably picturing Abby Sciuto from NCIS when you picture an alternative lab technician at work. Honestly, I don't blame you! She has an epic goth style, and typically follows lab safety. My bestie Beca asked for some inspo on how she can incorporate this style into her wardrobe.

Here are some important pieces of a lab-safe dress code:

• Closed toe shoes

• Skin covered

• No hanging fabric or jewelry

• Lab coat to cover arms and body

It can be hard to dress in your style with all these restrictions, but it is definitely doable (just look at Abby!). Even her hair is tied back away from her face. So, here are my specific recommendations that fit into such a strict dress code!

• Short(er) platform shoes

• Long sleeve tops

• Fitted pants

• Fitted jewelry (like choker necklaces or stud earrings!)

There are so many ways to expand within a given dress code to include your personal style! And who says you can't be comfy AND cute at work! Hopefully this gives you inspo for how YOU can dress goth in your workplace, regardless of your dress code. Everyone should love their 9-to-5 Uniform!