Passing Grades in Fashion

For Kim McFarland, principal of Roberts Elementary School, the car line is her runway. While she wouldn’t claim the title of fashionista, she’s no stranger to parents rolling down their windows to compliment her outfits.

And her students get a kick out of her collection of colorful high-top Converse that she often pairs with pleated trousers and equally vibrant cardigans or blazers.

Photo by Alicia Osborne

Comfort and function are of the utmost importance as her days transition from meetings with teachers and parents to the student plane, whether it’s leaning in for a hug, bending to talk through an issue or kneeling to help tie a shoe. But McFarland does enjoy the creativity putting an outfit together allows.

“I don’t like to wear the same outfit twice, so I try to figure out how to use pieces in new, creative ways,” said McFarland. “I invest a lot of thought into what I wear because I’m in a position where my entire job revolves around interacting with people. I’m the face of the school, so I must represent it well, inwardly and outwardly.”

McFarland has been said face of Roberts Elementary for 15 years, a time in which no two days have been the same. As principal, McFarland is a marketer, counselor, head of public relations, editor, financial advisor, crisis mitigator and business manager in a company comprised of adults and children, making the dynamic one that even CEOs of the largest companies couldn’t fathom.

Kim McFarland sports white wide leg jeans from Target; a Roberts Elementary spirit shirt; earrings from August & Ari Boutique; and classic nylon SP sneakers from Reebok. Photo by Alicia Osborne

“It’s the ideal job for me because it’s multifaceted, and I’m not someone who can sit at a desk for long,” said McFarland. “I’m always on the move, doing five things at once for everyone. And the people I’m doing it for — my office staff, the teachers, the children — they make it all the more rewarding.”

Being in an elementary school, McFarland is involved in particularly formative years. Each year, with fondness, she reflects on the once timid kindergarteners who are graduating confidently to the next school.

Kim McFarland is ready for classroom action in a black tank from Target; pants from EVERLANE; Converse high tops; earrings from Narcissus; and bracelets from Bedfellows of Tallahassee. Hair and makeup are by Jamie Whiddon with James Aesthetics. Photo by Alicia Osborne

“Our future workforce and community members begin here,” said McFarland. “In our classrooms, we aim to build character and prepare them academically for this ever-changing world.”

Where an elementary school exists because of the students, McFarland is particularly invested in the lives of the teachers. In recent years, as a result of the pandemic and other educational policies set in place, McFarland has prioritized teachers by supplying the materials, time, encouragement and community they need for not only success but also enjoyment of their jobs.

McFarland has a heart for teachers because she’s been in their place. Before working in administrative roles, she taught for 12 years.

But prior to her passion for academics, McFarland struggled to settle on a career interest, particularly in her first two years of college — rather enjoying her time twirling and learning routines for Florida State University’s Marching Chiefs. It wasn’t until she took a course in education that her major and career path were realized, and she went on to achieve a master’s degree. Once a year, she still gets the opportunity to relive the enjoyment of the twirl, participating in the FSU alumni band.

McFarland’s favorite coffee is brewed by Lucky Goat. Photo by Alicia Osborne

Keeping physically active has remained important to McFarland. She makes it a priority to work out six days a week with Burn Boot Camp Tallahassee. When not at school or the gym, she can be found frequenting the many trails in Tallahassee, chasing around her three grandkids or being a homebody. Fortunately, this lifestyle lends itself well to her favorite brand, Lululemon. Admittedly, she’s addicted to the brand’s leggings and tops that function well for workouts, errands and leisure while maintaining style.

Always on the go, McFarland has begun to consider a slower-paced life — more time spent with her husband, four children, grandchildren, faith and community.

“It will be hard to leave when I retire, I know that much,” said McFarland. “People move jobs often these days, but it’s not a thought that crossed my mind. I’m truly blessed with my family and a long, amazing career. Not everyone can say that.”

Principal Looks

Photo by Alicia Osborne

The face of Roberts Elementary School, Kim McFarland, takes style as seriously as academics. Here are her go-to looks and recommendations:

School Uniform
» Pleated trousers, a cute tank and a blazer paired with high-top Converse. A long print or denim skirt paired with a cardigan. Wide-leg jeans with a cute, colorful top and mules.

Fitness Fashion
» lululemon wunder train tights, lululemon sculpt tanks in every color and Nike Metcon 4 training shoes.

Frequented Shops
» Banana Republic, lululemon, H&M, Target, T.J. Maxx, DSW, Madewell and Everlane.

Skin Care
» Kim’s an advocate for keeping healthy skin in style and regularly visits Skin Science Aesthetics and Modern Aesthetics Spa.

Favorite Accessory
» Coffee. A stop at the Lucky Goat cafe is a twice-weekly minimum, and the brand is her go-to home brew. She also frequents Ology Coffee Co.