There’s something magnetic about the “art teacher aesthetic.” You know the one…eclectic prints, bold jewelry, color combos that shouldn’t work but somehow do. There’s something quirky yet, deeply personal and intentional about curating a wardrobe that reflects your creativity. As both an artist and an educator, I’ve learned that the way we show up, especially in our clothes, can be an extension of our art. So today, I want to share a few reflections and practical tips on how to build an artsy wardrobe that feels centered, creative, and authentic to you.
1. Start by Downsizing Your Closet
I’m a big believer that less really is more, especially when it comes to creativity. A smaller wardrobe forces you to get creative with what you already have. This is one of the best place to starts to create a more artsy wardrobe. When you eliminate the noise, you’re left with only the pieces you truly love. These are the ones that speak to your style, your movement, and your message. They are the pieces you find yourself wearing over and over again.
Beyond the creative benefits, I also hold strong views on overconsumption. I’m intentionally anti-consumerism when it comes to clothing, and I’ve been on a slow fashion journey for a while now. Thrifting and conscious buying have changed the way I view my closet. It’s not just a place to keep up with trends, but also a space that reflects who I am.
2. Make Thrifting a Creative Practice
Thrifting is not only budget-friendly, it’s an act of discovery. You’re not hunting for a specific item, you’re exploring textures, shapes, and silhouettes that align with your style. It’s a slow, intentional way to build an artsy wardrobe filled with one-of-a-kind pieces that speak to you.
This is especially important in our current cultural and economic climate. Thrifting invites us to resist fast fashion and instead adopt a more sustainable, personal approach to style. Look for pieces that stick out to you and align with your favorite textures, colors, and styles. Now, thrifting doesn’t have to be the complete free for all it sounds like. When I need something specific, instead of jumping to Amazon, Shein, FashionNova, or any of the sorts…I try ThredUp first. I have found some of the nicest and some of my most loved pieces via ThredUp and feel so much better about purchasing second hand…and it’s more cost efficient!
3. Invest in Fewer, Higher-Quality Pieces
While I thrift the majority of my clothes, there are times when I choose to spend a little more. If you find a brand whose mission aligns with your values and offers high-quality, long-lasting pieces, it’s worth the investment.
Start thinking about what pieces in your wardrobe you actually wear and love. What silhouettes feel best on your body? What colors make you feel alive? What textures feel like home? Once you figure that out, you can begin investing in staple pieces that you’ll reach for again and again. Now when I do purchase new clothes, I always try to do so from Black brands and designers and of course, this is just personal preference, but because I connect with that so much more, I connect with the clothing much more as well.
4. Build Around Your Signature Staples
For me, this means black clothing and dresses. I love black because it goes with everything, and it acts as a neutral base I can build from. I also gravitate toward breezy, easy dresses. Long or short, these feel good on my skin and make getting dressed simple and joyful. Those are my staples, and I build everything else around them. Pops of color with a monochromatic black look or intentional layering with a dress.
Your version might be graphic tees, vintage denim, or vibrant headwraps. It’s not about copying a formula…it’s about recognizing what you love and being consistent with it.
5. Ditch the Trends and Lean Into Intention
Style becomes powerful when it’s not performative. You don’t need to chase trends to look creative. Of course, things are trendy and become popular for a reason and if it speaks to you, who cares if everyone else is into it too? Just remember, the most impactful style choices are often the most personal ones.
Developing a wardrobe that reflects your artistic spirit requires patience and intention. You have to take time figuring out what you like, what moves you, and what feels good on your body. That kind of wardrobe doesn’t just look good, it supports your creativity, your work, and your sense of self. I believe these are the roots of the “art teacher aesthetic.” Whether you’re in the studio, in the classroom, or just running errands, your artsy wardrobe should be an extension of you. Let it speak for you before you say a word. Let it be the art.