What To Wear To Your Fall Internship

By Alexia Gonzalez on August 9, 2015

After much hard work and determination, you have finally received the news that you’ve landed the fall internship of your dreams! Congratulations girl, you did it!

Since first impressions are vital, you’ve made it a point to plan way in advance for your big first day. You definitely don’t want to be late so you’ve already mapped directions to the office, set multiple alarms to wake you up, and even packed some healthy snacks to avoid nervously using the office vending machine.

Although you’re way over-prepared (as you should be), you still have absolutely no idea what to wear for this very important occasion.

When picking out a professional grade ensemble, keep in mind that work attire varies greatly from industry to industry. For instance, for those individuals that will be involved in a creative industry, you’ll have a bit more freedom compared to those more serious corporate internships.

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On top of being put-together and professional, you also want to opt for an outfit that’s functional since you could be running errands, organizing, or making deliveries. Want to wear a dress? Make sure it’s not too tight or short.

A well-known saying among the corporate world says it best: “Don’t dress for the job you have, dress for the one you want.” In other words, don’t show up for your intern position in college attire — dress for the corporate world.

Internships in banking, finance, consulting, HR, law, or government:

If you’re working at a law firm, investment bank, or any serious, corporate work environment, you’ll definitely be surrounded by a lot of people in suits. But since you’re technically not a full-time employee, you don’t need to walk around looking like Hilary Clinton every day.

You can still look sharp and professional without sacrificing your personal style! Instead of buying a three-piece suit, mix and match polished separates and keep your accessories simple and professional.

Don’t be afraid to try a dress. As long as it’s simple, chic, and appropriately cut, a dress looks just as polished as a suit in the boardroom. Never wear a miniskirt or mini-dress. If you put your arms at your sides and the tips of your fingers hang lower than your hemline, it’s too short.

If your dress is a neutral color, you can play with color and texture with your accessories, as long as everything is simple and structured. Always be sure to incorporate simple jewelry, like a structured gold cuff, which will amp up your sophistication factor.

Internships in marketing, PR, management, nonprofit, advertising, or education:

If you’re not interning in a super corporate environment, chances are your dress code is business casual. This typically applies to internships in marketing, advertising, PR, etc. Unlike in a corporate environment, a business casual dress code allows for lots more wiggle room for what you can wear — but that doesn’t mean you can waltz into the office in your denim cutoffs.

For any intern, a well-cut blazer in a neutral color is an amazing investment for any season — you’ll wear it at least twice a week, and it goes with a dress, skirt, or pants! Shorter skirts are okay, but stay away from minis –and definitely stay away from tight skirts. Try wearing some cute monochromatic tights under your skirt to keep things warm for the fall and add a little flair to a plain skirt.

Leave your bandage skirt for the club! A colorful scarf is a great way to add some flair to a plain white button-down — and it’s a lot cheaper than a necklace! Buy a few classic separates and spice them up with accessories to add your own personal flair.

Internships in media, magazines, design, fashion, and fashion PR:

A creative internship in TV, newspapers, magazines, web, design or fashion calls for a creative dress code. No need for shapeless jackets and tailored trousers here; at a creative internship, the goal is to look as cool as possible while remaining put-together.

Don’t be afraid to break out that romper in your closet, or that crazy pair of bright orange wedges — whereas at a corporate internship your bold fashion choices would earn you some shifty looks, in a creative environment you’ll win your colleagues’ admiration!

A simple pair of tailored pants is a perfect backdrop for a fashionable printed blouse and cool, modern accessories. Trade in structured cotton button-downs for more relaxed, sheer chiffon or silk versions — they’ll make your outfit seem more relaxed while keeping your look professional.

Don’t be afraid to play with texture — for example, a pair of skinny jeans with an open-knit cropped sweater — which will create a laid-back but professional vibe.

The best way to make a plain outfit like jeans and a white tee pop is adding a statement necklace or scarf — and an awesome pair of shoes.

Remember, just because you can be fashionable doesn’t mean you can dress like you’re going out: low-cut tops, miniskirts, and totally see-through stuff with no tank under are still not okay.

Doing research, working with kids, or internships with casual Fridays:

If you’re lucky, you’ll score the chance to work in a casual environment this fall. Maybe you’re working with kids, maybe you’re at a relaxed web start-up, maybe you’re doing research with a professor. Or maybe your office does “casual Fridays,” and you’ll get a chance to dress down once a week.

A casual office is the only place where it’s okay to wear jeans, but even in the most relaxed work environment it’s important to stay polished.

Don’t wear faded, ripped, or baggy boyfriend jeans, and stay away from embellished, studded, and acid-wash styles. Instead, go with a dark-wash, boot cut, or wide-legged pair.

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