Mastering Internship Attire: A Guide to Professional Style

As summer approaches, many students find themselves contemplating a crucial question: "What am I going to wear to my internship?" The answer, while seemingly simple, is multifaceted. Your clothing serves as your first impression, communicating your confidence and competence to your superiors and fellow interns. This initial impression can significantly impact your future prospects.

The First Impression: More Than Just Clothes

Your clothing is the first impression you display when walking into the workplace, your ensemble could scream “I got this” or “I don’t know what I’m doing.” Making that lasting first impression, whether it's on your boss or the other interns, may make or break your future. Now this may sound dramatic, but let's be real, life is dramatic. Dressing professionally demonstrates respect for the company, your colleagues, and the responsibilities you've been given.

Navigating the "Office Siren" Trend

It's no secret that the “office siren” aesthetic has taken over the business runway, adding a sex appeal to rather bland garments. The office siren look was first displayed on runways like Sandy Liang, Miu Miu, YSL and Tom Ford in the winter of 2024. This trend includes items impersonating workwear such as tight skirts, button down tops (that are way too unbuttoned, enlisting pushup bras to do their bidding) and bayonet glasses. After the trend towards hyper-feminization in 2023, the pendulum swung the other way towards a femme-fetale, corporate fetish. It became an ode to the early 90s fashion, inspiring the allure of powerful and sexy women. Unfortunately, the performative nature (found often in trends on social media) has not translated well with impressionable youth entering the workforce.

Gen Z is experiencing dissonance when it comes to sporting their own personal style versus conforming to modern professionalism and the expectations of a workplace. Despite this criticism of our generation's insectual response (find the difference between a moth to a flame, and a twenty something girl who just discovered those sequin leopard printed micro shorts), it was not too long ago that partywear mimicked corporate. The sexualization and clubization (yes I just made up a word, go with it) of workwear has always been around.

Summer Internship Wardrobe Essentials

Summer internships call for a professional wardrobe. Finding fabrics that have good wicking and breathability is the name of the game. Things like linens and polyester are very strong in their ability to move moisture, and increase comfort. Cotton and rayon also are good options due to their absorption without losing the comfortability.

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Trousers: A well-curated internship wardrobe starts with 2-3 pairs of nice trousers. Professional slacks in versatile colors like black, gray, and navy. For women seeking stylish and comfortable options, brands like Nic + Zoe, M.M.LaFleur, and Ministry of Supply offer excellent choices.
Business Casual Tops: Business casual tops form a crucial part of your summer internship wardrobe. Nice tops that complement suits are recommended, allowing you to create polished looks effortlessly.
Dressier Clothes: Dressier clothes play a crucial role in your summer internship wardrobe. This elegant workwear option can be paired with a blazer for a polished look. An amazing pencil skirt also provides a sophisticated foundation for various professional outfits. Include essential items like pencil skirts from brands such as Eileen Fisher, Theory, or J.Crew. Pair these with nice tops, fitted blazers, and cardigans for a polished look.
Statement Jewelry: Statement jewelry adds a professional yet stylish touch to your summer internship wardrobe. Experts recommend including 3 eye-catching necklaces in your packing list. Avoid accessories that may be deemed inappropriate in a professional setting. Steer clear of excessively blinged-out items or noticeably dangling earrings. Opt for attention-grabbing designs that aren’t overly flashy.
Blazers: Blazers serve as a cornerstone of professional attire for your summer internship. For a versatile work wardrobe, experts recommend owning at least two blazers, with a high-quality black option as a must-have. Professional blazers are essential for a polished summer internship look. Two well-chosen blazers can elevate your wardrobe, with a high-quality black option being a must-have. Investing in the right blazers ensures you’re prepared for various office situations.

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Go-To Bag: A go-to crossbody bag is a must-have accessory for your summer internship. Opt for a structured leather purse in black or brown for a professional look that complements various outfits. For maximum utility, select a crossbody bag that can accommodate your laptop and work materials. The Lo & Sons Pearl or Mansur Gavriel’s Mini Bucket Bag are excellent choices.
Work-Appropriate Shoes: Choosing the right shoes for your summer internship is crucial. Polished, comfortable flats offer a versatile option that pairs well with various outfits. To add a pop of color and variety, include one pair of colored flats in your work wardrobe. In most office environments, sandals are not considered professional. Stick with dress shoes or flats. Choose closed-toe dress shoes or loafers. Ensure they’re comfortable for long days.

Weather-Appropriate Choices

Despite the trials Gen Z faces in incorporating their personal aesthetic into workwear, the summertime offers an additional assailant: the sun. The heat poses a threat, and limits numerous options.

Finding a bottom that caters to the weather is near impossible. I have found that long skirts are optimal for the hottest days where pants feel impossible. These knee length skirts can vary in styles and looks, while providing a modest appearance. Lucky enough, these are easily found at thrifts and with a Google search, EBay and Depop will do the trick. They also can stand as the “fashion piece” of the outfit, making your shirt selection easy. These pieces can offer a refined professional look and maintain your personal aesthetic. If you desire a more traditionally masculine look, finding a versatile pant can be a game changer.

Building a Versatile Wardrobe

Finding affordable pieces that don't break the bank feels nearly impossible. It is so tempting to open up Shein and buy a haul's worth of clothes. Instead, I implore you to take a look at your style, and determine what are your most reached for items. Once you do that, see how they can translate into corporate wear and invest into a few staple pieces that you know you can mix and match. Brands like Abrocrombie and Fitch, White House Black Market (yes, your mom might have been on to something) and Express are in essentially every mall and make quality items at a fair price. Banana Republic also stands tried and true, even having a 9-5 edit for their corporate consumer. Their prices are higher, but they offer great basic options and are in it for the (workforce) long haul. I believe that if you pair an expensive item with cheaper ones, it makes those affordable pieces look high end.

Versatile outfit combinations form the cornerstone of a successful internship wardrobe. This approach allows for mix-and-match options, maximizing the potential of each piece. Flexible clothing pairings enable interns to create diverse looks with minimal items.

Additional Tips for Internship Success

Check the Dress Code: If you're unsure about what's acceptable, your company’s employee handbook should be your first stop. Every office is different. Some industries like tech or design may be more casual, while law and finance tend to be more formal. Observe what others are wearing and match the tone. Some offices allow neat, dark jeans.
Observe and Adapt: Use your supervisors and office managers as a style reference. If they lean more formal, follow their lead.
Maintain Professionalism: Even in a laid-back office, dressing one step above the norm demonstrates ambition and professionalism. If your company observes Casual Fridays, maintain a level of professionalism.
Pay Attention to Detail: A crisp shirt or blouse can still look sloppy if it’s wrinkled or stained.
Accessorize Appropriately: Holiday spirit is great, but keep it subtle. Avoid anything that pulls attention away from your work.
Plan Your Outfits: Plan for five work outfits. Bring mix-and-match pieces to create variety.
Cultural Considerations: If you are interning in the UK, there are different names for clothing. Sneakers are called "trainers," and pants are "trousers." One big tip, don't make the mistake of calling trousers, pants. There will be laughter.
First Day Impression: If you are opting for the tailored look, on your first day it is a good idea to wear a tie, as it makes a good impression. This is slightly more casual than your formal business attire above, but be careful not to go too casual on your first day.

Capsule Wardrobe for College Interns

For college students diving into the world of internships, having a capsule wardrobe will cut down the morning outfit decision stress. It’s like having your own curated collection of essential pieces that you can mix and match to create endless outfit possibilities. Capsules typically consist of more timeless classics over trendy pieces because it’s those basics that do the heavy lifting. Investing in key closet staples, allows you to effortlessly put together professional and polished looks.

The ideal balanced wardrobe should be filled with 50% wardrobe basics, 25% of elevated essentials, 15% statement pieces, and 10% trend pieces. This capsule wardrobe I have drawn up for you is a microcosm of this balanced wardrobe equation.

Packing Essentials

Packing for your summer internship goes beyond just clothes.

Hangers: Hangers are a crucial yet often overlooked item for your summer internship packing list. Bring a few sturdy hangers to keep your blazers, button-down shirts, and trousers wrinkle-free and ready for each workday.
Mini Steamer: A mini steamer can be a game-changer for your summer internship wardrobe. Portable and easy to use, a mini steamer takes up minimal space in your luggage while providing maximum benefits. After ensuring your clothes are wrinkle-free with a mini steamer, focus on packing mix-and-matchable clothes for your summer internship.

The Power of Confidence

Internships are nerve wracking, and the last thing you want to do is feel even more uncomfortable in a new environment. Having clothing that reflects your personality can give that extra boost of confidence needed to succeed. It may seem trivial, but you have to look the part that you want and attack it as such. And might as well attack it while wearing a killer suit set.

Dressing right for your internship can boost your confidence, help you fit in, and show professionalism. Your appearance at work sends a message about how seriously you take your role.

tags: #internship #attire