When she was in kindergarten, Jewell says her parents would have to fight with her to wear pants in the winter because all she wanted to wear were pretty dresses.

“I was definitely also the kid who had to put on a full fashion show when I got home from back-to-school shopping,” she tells PEOPLE exclusively. “Fashion and putting outfits together have always been something I genuinely enjoy!”

So when Jewell, now 31, became a teacher 10 years ago, there was no question that her passion for fashion would follow her into the classroom.

Today, the Delaware kindergarten teacher has spent a decade building a colorful, playful wardrobe that lets her bring her personality to school — and, more importantly, gives her young students another reason to get excited about coming to class.

“For me, especially as a kindergarten teacher, my students really do enjoy my outfits,” she says. “I also think there’s something valuable about showing them that it’s okay to express yourself and embrace the things that make you unique. Personally, I feel my best when I’m dressed my best, and starting my day in an outfit that makes me happy genuinely puts me in a good mood.”

Over the years, Jewell’s collection has grown large enough that she has separate spaces for different parts of her wardrobe, including her everyday clothes, teacher looks, holiday pieces and themed outfits.

With so many options to choose from, Jewell has also developed a system for planning her looks. She typically puts together her outfits for the week on Sundays, but inspiration often strikes well before she needs to wear a particular look — especially when a holiday or special school event is approaching.

“For the first week of school, I really try to wear things that I think will make my students feel excited about coming to school,” she says. “I love lots of bright colors and incorporating things they can recognize or relate to, like book characters or fun themes.”

This year’s first week included a particularly kid-approved choice.

“One of my outfits for the first week this year was dinosaur-themed, and trust me, 5-year-olds LOVE when their teacher wears dinosaurs,” she says.

But Jewell’s approach to her wardrobe isn’t just about filling her closet with fun pieces. She’s also passionate about supporting small businesses, particularly those owned by fellow teachers.

Some of her favorite boutiques to shop at include Confetti Closet, Queen of Sparkles and Burnt Toast. She also shops from teacher-owned businesses including Really Rex Boutique, Crunches and Crayons, and Littles to Middles.

“I especially love being able to support small businesses that are owned by other teachers!” she says.

And while Jewell is always adding to her collection, she says she’s mindful about making purchases she’ll be able to enjoy for years to come.

“I definitely rewear a lot of my pieces and just try to find different ways to style them,” she adds. “I also purchase new pieces from some of my favorite shops as they come out. I don’t really have a specific clothing budget, but I try to be mindful about buying things I know I can wear multiple ways and take advantage of sales and discounts whenever I can!”

Still, there are occasional splurges. The most Jewell has spent on a single piece is around $180, but she says she’s more comfortable spending that kind of money when she knows the item will become a longtime favorite.

One piece, in particular, holds a special place in her closet: a custom If You Give a Mouse a Cookie sweater from Uncommon Corner Shop. The shop uses recycled clothing to create one-of-a-kind handmade pieces, making Jewell’s sweater unlike any other.

“It’s absolutely amazing and definitely one of those pieces I’ll keep forever!” she says.

Jewell’s love of putting outfits together eventually made its way beyond her classroom and onto social media.

She started posting on TikTok and Instagram about three years ago, and one of her first videos featured a transition showing her outfits from the week. Soon, what began as another creative outlet quickly connected her with people who shared her enthusiasm for fashion — including plenty of viewers who weren’t teachers.

“TikTok and Instagram have always been fun for me because I genuinely love putting outfits together, styling different pieces and sharing them,” she says. “One of the best parts has been meeting friends through social media and finding such a supportive community.”

“Teachers aren’t always appreciated the way they should be, so I also love that my platform gives me an opportunity to show a positive side of teaching and highlight teachers who genuinely care about their students and are passionate about what they do,” she adds.

She recommends adding pieces gradually, taking advantage of sales and finding new ways to style what you already have.

“It has taken me years to build the wardrobe I have now, and you definitely don’t need to go out and buy an entirely new closet at once,” she says. “Start with a few different colored bottoms that you love, find some fun teacher tees and create different combinations with what you already own.”

“A fun wardrobe can absolutely be built over time without spending a fortune,” she adds.

Ultimately, Jewell hopes her approach reminds both teachers and students that there’s no single way to look the part.

“The biggest thing I’d want people to take away is that there isn’t one way a teacher is ‘supposed’ to look. I love bringing my personality into my classroom through what I wear, and I hope that also shows my students that it’s okay to express themselves and embrace the things that make them unique.”

“At the end of the day, though, the clothes are just the fun part,” she continues. “Teaching is what I truly love. If wearing a silly pair of earrings, dressing like a character from a book we’re reading or putting on a dinosaur outfit makes one of my students smile and makes school feel a little more exciting to them, that makes it even more special.”