Summer is around the corner. It’s coming faster than we can blink our eyes, and that means one thing: Internships! If you’re anything like me, you’ve been researching, planning, emailing, researching, applying, waiting, interviewing (did I say researching?) and researching some more for the perfect summer internship. This long period of time can be extremely stressful and anxiety-provoking for some of us. However, eventually there comes a point where the hardest part is over, and you have finally secured the internship of your dreams. Then comes the second hardest part: waiting for the internship to actually begin. This is the perfect time to start thinking about how you’re going to present yourself to your new bosses and coworkers in the most appropriate yet trendy way possible. Now, depending on what type of internship you’ve landed, your outfit options are going to vary. But fear not because if you follow my suggestions below, you are sure to have the most amazing wardrobe for your particular internship position!
Some internships require a certain dress code like business casual. If your internship falls into this category, or you happen to be interning somewhere that seems to be a little more professional in nature, I would suggest following the office’s guidelines. Observe how people in your office dress and go by that. Business casual does not have to mean wearing a pant or skirt suit every day. The summer months can get extremely uncomfortable with the heat, so here are some options for cute, unique outfits that will keep you looking professional while staying cool at the same time.
Mid-length skirts or maxi skirts are great for a business casual office environment. They are long enough that you won’t have to worry about picking something up off the floor, and flowy enough to keep you comfortable in the scorching summer temperatures. Personally, I think this is a perfect alternative for the boring skirt or pantsuit. You’ll look effortlessly trendy in this option instead.
Shirts for a business casual dress code can be tricky, especially in the summer. As girls, all we want to wear is tank tops (or bikini tops), but we know that those are not appropriate options for the workplace. So, we are going to have to resort to something else. Lose, button-up shirts are a nice choice because they aren’t skin-tight, so you don’t have to stress about sweat stains. You can also find tank top button-up shirts that are definitely work-appropriate!
Knee-length flowy dresses, slacks, and culottes are also options for a business casual dress code.
If your internship environment is a little more laid-back than the typical business casual workplace, you definitely have more freedom when it comes to putting together outfits. You are especially in luck if you’ve landed a beauty or fashion internship. Now you really have room to play around with your clothes and spice up your style! I had a fashion internship last summer so I was able to learn a lot from my coworkers and bosses about keeping up with the latest trends.
Jeans are acceptable in this type of setting. I wore jeans almost every day because they were comfortable in the summer. If I wasn’t wearing my looser boyfriend jeans one day, I would roll up the bottoms and turn them into capris. Jeans are so versatile because they go with anything and there are so many different styles.
A lot of people have asked me about wearing shorts to work and I think it is ok as long as you know they are of appropriate length. If you find yourself questioning your shorts, then it’s best to save them for the weekend. Here are some shorts options that are perfect for a fashion internship.
Rompers, dresses, blazers, and overalls are some more options for a more laid-back, casual work environment.
Whatever your internship or summer job may be, spend a few days in the beginning scoping out what the other employees are wearing, and dress like them. There’s nothing worse than spending your life savings on a whole new wardrobe when you’re not entirely sure what the office dress code is quite yet. But you can definitely plan ahead and add some things to your mental shopping cart. My one piece of advice would be to keep it simple. Don’t overdo your outfits, hairstyles or makeup looks because you will feel uncomfortable and make other people uncomfortable. Just be yourself while being aware of how you present yourself at the same time!
Photo Credit: