Everyone has their style, but specific dress codes need to be followed when it comes to professions. Big companies often have strict dress codes or at least a definite and clear one that employees can follow. However, it might be more complicated and challenging for people who work in a free work environment.
A good example is a tutor. Tutors are still teachers; they are just not teaching in regular schools. The work environments of tutors are offices, tutorial centers, and houses. So, with the workplace being different from that of a traditional school teacher, one might get confused about which tutor clothing is appropriate and which is not.
Why Is a Teacher Dress Code Important?
Before we tackle the tutor clothing articles, let’s first expound on dressing accordingly.
Dressing appropriately allows tutors to gain their student’s respect. It also helps to set a positive example for students.
Your appearance also represents the tutoring company or school you are working for. So, yes, it is only imperative that you dress well.
Now that we’ve settled that, let’s move on to what tutors should and should not wear when teaching.
DO’S
Go for Smart Casual
As a tutor, you want your student to be relaxed in your company as you are not in a strict environment, but you still want to give them the impression that you are the authority, hence, the smart casual attire. Smart casual means that you dress with formal clothing articles with a mix of casual ones. An ideal smart-casual look for tutors could be denim with a polo shirt for men. Tutor clothing for women could be denim with cardigans, shackets, or light blazers.
Wear Bright Colors
This is not to say that you shouldn’t wear dark-colored clothes. However, being a tutor means that you handle younger students that need help with their studies. If that’s the case, bright or pastel colors would be ideal. These shades give off a friendly vibe that students like.
Be Comfortable
Yes, it would help if you still looked respectable, but you still need to be comfortable with what you’re wearing. Tutoring is usually a one-on-one job that takes hours. You don’t want to be massaging your feet after three hours because of the high heels or comfortable shoes you opted to wear. Sneakers can be acceptable in most cases, while flats are allowed for female tutors.
DO NOT’S
Do Not Wear Anything Revealing
This is pretty much common sense. You are giving knowledge and assisting with children’s education. Please do not wear anything that you wouldn’t want your child to see their teachers wearing. Short shorts, open backs, a custom t-shirt with inappropriate language printed on it, and such are not ideal – at all.
Do Not Wear Too Formal Clothes
As we already established, we are going for smart casual. Tutoring isn’t like any other business transaction. Suits and long cocktail dresses may seem to be extreme choices.
Do Not Wear Flip-Flops
Yes, you have to be comfortable, but flip-flops are just not right. You are not visiting a friend, even if you are tutoring in houses. It’s still a professional job, only in an unconventional workplace sometimes.
Conclusion
The most important thing to remember is to make sure that you are presentable. Being presentable doesn’t mean wearing fancy or expensive tutor clothing and bags– it means wearing appropriate ones, so give the tips above a go-to look your best.
Tutors who are tutoring close to their students in one-on-one sessions should consider wearing a face mask. The online market is filled with stylish masks that suit any teacher outfit.
