I get asked a lot about EPIK teacher dress code, and the first thing I can tell you is that it’s pretty casual. Business casual, I should say. If you’re planning on teaching in South Korea I have chosen 5 key pieces for both men and women to help inspire your next #OOTD for the classroom.

Let’s get started!

WOMEN

1. Back to basic

A basic tee is a must since bare shoulders and cleavage are a no-no. Tuck the tee into dress pants, skirts, or if you have a teacher dinner after school, simply throw on a statement necklace for added dazzle. Crewneck Tee, $25, Gap.

2. Bundle for warmth

Most Korean schools have heating for chilly winter days but some, do not. Sometimes it’s colder in the classroom than it is outside (!!). Keep a blanket scarf over your chair at all times because you’ll never know when you’ll need it. Textured Scarf, ₩49,000, Mango.

3. Culottes are the coolest

During warm summer months, skirts and shorts must be an appropriate length (around your knee). If you’re moving around the classroom all day, I find culottes are the comfortable option. They’re breezy, you don’t have to worry about showing too much, and TBH it feels like you’re wearing sweatpants. Pinstripe Trousers, ₩59,000, Zara.

4. No bare shoulders, no problem

If you have a cute tank top or sleeveless dress you want to wear in the spring, a neutral shaded cardigan layered overtop is your stylish solution. Cardigan, ₩22,000, H&M.

5. Sleek slip-ons

You must wear indoor shoes at all Korean schools, preferably a pair with no backing (exposed heel). Go for a basic shade of black or grey since it will go with any outfit and triple check that they’re comfortable since you’ll be wearing them every single day. Vellashoes, ₩22,000, Gmarket.

MEN 

1. Fancy and functional 

From my understanding, men are not allowed to wear shorts to school. For the summer months, you’ll want add breathable trousers to your wardrobe. Dry Stretch Pants, ₩49,900, Uniqlo.

2. The staple shirt

Button-down collared shirts are a teacher must-have. Wear on its own or underneath sweaters for a preppy fake-it-till-you-make-it type look. Linen Blend Shirt, $35, H&M.

3. Athletic slip-ons

The shoes you wear inside the school don’t have to be fancy. Athletic slip-ons are perfectly acceptable. You can find cheap slip-ons anywhere in SoKo but if you have bigger feet, I’d purchase a pair before you come here since larger shoe sizes are hard to find. Duramo Slide, ₩25,000, adidas.

4. You’re not Justin Bieber, belt your pants

Enough said. Italian Leather Belt, ₩39,900, Uniqlo.

5. It’s like wearing a warm hug

Your classroom is likely to be chilly during the winer months so you’ll need a little somethin’ to keep you toasty while teaching. Cardigan, $49, H&M.

This post was created for EPIK e-Press.