Short answer
Breathable fabrics (cotton, linen blends, rayon), midi dresses with pockets, lightweight chinos or ankle pants, and closed toe flats or sneakers. Mid to dark prints hide sweat and marker. Keep a thin cardigan at school for air conditioned rooms. Most codes still exclude shorts and flip-flops for staff, even in heat: Mesquite ISD’s summer guidelines rule out shorts, tennis shoes and flip-flops.
Six hot weather outfits
- Light midi dress with pockets, cushioned sneakers or flats.
- Linen blend shirt, lightweight chinos, loafers.
- Sleeveless shell, cardigan for the air conditioning, ankle pants, flats.
- Moisture wicking polo, stretch chinos, leather sneakers.
- Rayon midi skirt, tucked tee, flats.
- Wrap dress, bike shorts underneath, clogs.
First day of school
- Broken-in shoes. You will stand at the door, walk lines to lunch and stay late. Shoe guide.
- Pockets for a class list, a pen and your key card.
- A layer for the air conditioning, and a tumbler of water.
- Something you can kneel in. Little ones need help with lockers and shoelaces.
Shop hot weather pieces
Summer pieces
When it cools off: fall teacher outfits.
Questions people ask
Can teachers wear shorts in summer?
Usually not during the school year. Many staff codes, such as Durand-Arkansaw School District in Wisconsin, list shorts as unprofessional. Summer guidelines like Mesquite ISD’s still rule out shorts and flip-flops. Summer school or work days may differ; check the notice.
What should teachers wear on the first day of school?
Your most comfortable professional outfit, not your newest shoes. You will stand most of the day, greet families and walk students to every room, so wear shoes you have already broken in.
Can teachers wear sandals?
Depends on the code. Flip-flops and beach sandals are commonly banned. Some codes allow dressier sandals with a back strap; closed toe flats are the safe choice.
Last reviewed October 29, 2026. Listings and district policies change; your own dress code and staff handbook come first.