Is Cute Acceptable for Teachers?

Does the way I dress affect my students?

I don't mean this in a professional manner.

If  I am dressing too "trendy", am I gaining or losing the respect of my students? I am young, female, and interested in fashion. I do try to be careful that I am not wearing things considered trendy. I already look young so I know it's important to be considered professional and for people to actually recognize that I am the teacher and not a student. But, I like to match. I like jewelry. I like cute shoes. I get my nails done.

I tend to get a lot of compliments on my wardrobe. I've just been thinking about what kind of affect it has on the students. On the one hand, it makes me easier to relate to and shows my personality. On the other hand, I don't want them to think I'm obsessed with fashion and only spending money on myself.

I want to be a good example and I want to show the students you can be professional without being boring. But sometimes I get the impression that maybe the other teachers kind of look down on me for this. Now it could very possibly be my own paranoia, but I get the feeling that other teachers don't take me seriously because of my age and clothing preferences.

Do I have to wear dorky teacher sweaters to be taken seriously? Do teachers have to be known for dressing frumpy? Is my clothing inappropriate without embroidered apples? I don't have any sweaters with kittens on them. I don't wear crocs. My pants are the appropriate length.

I think it's perfectly acceptable to dress "cute" as long as it's appropriate and professional.

What are some other points of view on this topic? Even if you're not a teacher or you never comment on these type of things, please tell me how you feel. I like the truth so give it!

Go here for tips on how to dress for success!