ASST. PRINCIPAL DELAUNEY’S A+ STYLE
A proud member of the CHS Caribs family, AP Delauney prefers structured pieces as well as bold prints in the school’s colors when dressing for work. Photo courtesy of Minerva Delauney.
St. Croix Central High School Assistant Principal Minerva Delauney gets an A+ for her great style while at work and for her easy-breezy, chic weekend looks! Learn more about her professional style, how it is influenced by her work, and her favorite things to wear on the weekend.
Dress Better on the Weekend (DBOW): Does working with young people influence your style in any way?
Minerva Delauney: Absolutely. It’s impossible not to be influenced when you’re surrounded by a hallway full of fashion-forward teenagers. My students notice everything. If I wear something new or out of the norm, they notice and if they love it or don’t quite like it, they will often let me know! So yes, they keep me sharp and push me to strike that balance between professional authority and a style that still feels fresh. But more than that, I consciously want to be an example for them—showing that you can dress for success while still staying true to who you are. I want my students to see that professionalism doesn’t mean erasing your personality, and confidence comes from honoring your own style.
Photo courtesy of Minerva Delauney.
DBOW: How would you describe your personal style?
MD: I’d call my style polished but approachable. As an assistant principal, I want my students and colleagues to see me as professional and confident, but never unrelatable. I love structure in my clothing—tailored blazers, wide-leg slacks, or a well-cut jumpsuit—but I balance that with pops of color and interesting textures that keep my look fun and modern.
DBOW: What are some of your go-to items for comfortable, yet stylish dressing while at work?
MD: For work, I love incorporating bold prints in our school’s colors—red and white—balanced with the professional’s signature shade, black. There’s something powerful about that contrast, and it allows me to represent my school and students with pride while still looking and feeling my best. My staples are versatile blazers, wide-leg trousers, and breathable, long-sleeved blouses in fun floral prints. While you may catch me on campus in a block heel every now and then, more often than not, you’ll see me in flats. They’re stylish, versatile, and practical for a day spent moving between classrooms and meetings. Comfort is non-negotiable when you’re constantly on the go!
DBOW: When you’re off the clock, what are some of your favorite things to wear?
For her weekend looks, AP Delauney lets her hair down and enjoys wearing breathable fabrics and tropical prints, like this stylish linen-blend jumpsuit. Photo courtesy of Minerva Delauney.
MD: On weekends, I definitely let my hair down and my wardrobe reflects that. My signature off-duty look while I’m running errands or catching up with friends and family is a great pair of jeans, a fitted tank top, and local/cultural accessories—like an African-print headwrap, handmade jewelry, or a hand-crafted pin or a simple island-print jumpsuit. Those touches connect me to our beautiful island, the place I call home, and give even the most casual outfit personality. And honestly, after a week in long sleeves and dark slacks, there’s nothing better than unwinding in down-to-earth denim and airy cotton fabrics—it’s my reminder that I live where people vacation. Of course, when the occasion calls for it, I love the opportunity to really dress up—I’ll pull out a statement summer dress or an elegant jumpsuit and go all out.
DBOW: What advice would you give to other professional women about style and dressing well?
MD: The best advice I can give is to embrace balance: comfort doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style, and professionalism doesn’t mean losing your individuality. Invest in a few timeless pieces—like a tiered skirt, a perfect pair of jeans, or a versatile dress—and then use accessories, cultural elements, or bold colors to make the look yours. Most importantly, wear what makes you feel confident. Confidence is the ultimate accessory, and when you feel good, it shows.
