As an intern you’ll want to dress to impress. Dressing for your internship may be a bit different than dressing for class, but there are a few key pieces that will take your wardrobe to the next level. Before your internship starts, take a look through your closet for these 5 pieces.
1. A basic black blazer.
This is definitely a must-have for any internship. I know blazers can be a bit expensive, but you’ll definitely get your money’s worth out of it. It’s great to pair with dress pants once it gets chilly or throw it on to dress up your favorite pair of jeans and give you a polished look. This one from Express is great, it’s the perfect mix of stylish, but classic.
2. Dress pants.
This is kind of a no-brainer, but still important. Grey, black, tan, it really doesn’t matter what color dress pant you choose, but it is key to have at least one pair. They’re great for interviews or days when you know you’ll be meeting with someone important, like an editor. I recommend checking out White House Black Market or New York and Company; both stores have great quality and selection. Plus, they carry petites and short lengths so you won’t have to get them hemmed!
3. A go-to bag.
Let’s be honest, you’ll have a ton of stuff to carry back and forth to your internship. Finding a cute tote bag or oversized purse will save you the hassle of carrying multiple bags, and make you look a bit more stylish and put together. Plus, with everything in one spot, you wont have to worry about leaving something behind.
4. Business style dress.
You never know who you’ll meet, or be invited to lunch with. It’s crucial to have one nice, professional dress in your closet for your internship. This will be especially useful if you need to attend a lunch meeting or after hours event—think editorial panel or conference. At an event like this you’ll want to be a little more dressed up than usual, but you still want to look young and stylish. Don’t be afraid to pick a basic silhouette with a bold color or funky print to stand out a bit more, while still looking put together.
5. Last but certainly not least, a pair of super comfy and super chic shoes.
You’ll be on your feet a lot, trust me, and you won’t want to be getting tons of blisters. The key is to find a comfy shoe, either a heel or flat, which can go with almost everything. I’d stay away from funky patterns and bright colors, since you’ll be limited as to what you can wear with them. Opt for a nude colored wedge, or a black flat. Those will definitely be styles and colors you can wear with almost anything. This Steve Madden pair is a great basic, but the pointy toe makes it a bit dressier.