Since starting college I have mastered the art of the comfy-casual-just-rolled-out-of-bed look. This look has served me well for those pesky 8 a.m. classes on the other side of campus. Unfortunately, most employers do not take to this very well. No matter how early it is, how little sleep you got the night before, or even if it is laundry day you are still expected to look put together at your workplace. Like so many other college students I am venturing into the internship world. If you shriek at the sight of business suits and high heels, trust me, you are not alone. Whether your internship is at a corporate office, art gallery, or anywhere else my Comfortable and Chic Internship Style Guide will surely wow your employer while maintaining a level of comfort for you.
Heels: Iā€™m sorry to disappoint but heels will most likely make an appearance during your internship. Fortunately for you, they do not need to be 10 inches high or super uncomfortable. The key is to go shopping for heels in the morning, which is when your feet are their most swollen. Itā€™s better to have a slightly looser fitting, lower heel than a circulation-cutting heel you can barely walk in.
Dresses: Every company has a different dress code policy. Some are more laidback and allow you to wear trendy, colorful dresses where others prefer classic and modest pieces. No matter the policy, keep it length appropriate and relatively modest. No Jersey Shore dresses!
Button Down Shirt: Buy a couple of these in a variety of colors. White, blue, and a pastel pink or purple are excellent options. You can pair it with a skirt or dressier pants. Look to Claire Underwood from House of Cards for inspiration.
Hair and Makeup: Stick to simple up-dos and natural colored makeup. Your new beauty motto is: simple and fresh.
Backup: Keep an extra shirt, skirt, flats, and cosmetics bag (BandAids, Tide To Go are also must-haves) at your desk at all times. Coffee spills, broken heels, and loose buttons are inevitableā€”be prepared!
As an intern you will be representing your company. If you want to make a good impression or even land a full-time job after graduation with them you want to represent them in the best possible way. You do not need to wear a suit every day, toe-pinching heels, or have professionally styled hair to look amazing. Shop around a couple weeks before your internship, practice wearing, sitting, and walking around in everything. Still unsure what to wear? Dress up and risk looking over-prepared than looking like you just walked out of an 8 a.m. class.