For many of us, the month of May will be used to stock up on outfits for summer internships. To prepare for the shopping sprees ahead, we’ve demystified the differences between business casual and business formal, so you know exactly what to buy.
Business Formal a.k.a. Business Professional
Women’s formal business attire is generally conservative, made up of neutral colors. Many of the rules for business formal menswear also apply when selecting women’s formal business clothing. Look for pieces that are classically tailored, such as coordinated suits with knee or calf-length skirts, ironed blouses with conservative necklines, and classic closed-toe, low-heeled leather dress shoes. Skip the hosiery due to the heat and go with no or very little perfume. Minimal jewelry is preferred, so that means no chunky necklaces or bracelets. Your hair should be neatly styled.
J. Crew Light Heather Grey Blazer with cropped pant
If your internship requires business formal, you’ll definitely want to invest in a suit. J Crew offers many modern options so you don’t end up looking frumpy.
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Ann Taylor’s All Season Stretch Seam Sheath Dress
You can’t go wrong with a classic black dress. Pair it with a blazer or thin cardigan to make it through the office air conditioning.
Business Casual
Business casual attire often causes confusion. Generally, any clothing that reveals cleavage, stomachs or thighs is unacceptable. A safer bet consists of restrained makeup, jewelry and hairstyles. Skirts and dresses are a go-to, due to the heat, but make sure the hem falls below the knees or just above. Leave the sundresses at home. Opt for pants like khakis, corduroy pants, linen pants or dress pants in neutral colors, but because it’s summer, you can be a little more adventurous. Depending on where you’re working, jeans may be allowed. Just make sure they have no holes. As for shirts, we, women, have more choices than men do. Opt for conservative and not too revealing tops. Blouses, plain shirts, cotton shirts, sweaters, turtlenecks, vests, and sleeveless shirts are all acceptable. Try footwear, such as leather shoes, flat trouser shoes, high heels and open toed shoes. Definitely avoid flip-flops, sandals and sneakers.
Top Shop Palm Print Cigarette Trousers and Crepe Curve Hem Tee
Patterned pants are a fun alternative to the boring plain colors you’ll be wearing this summer. Purchase patterns in neutral colors so that you have plenty of options for tops to pair them with.
Nordstrom’s Reid Textured Cotton Blend & Ponte Skirt and Vince ‘Little Boy’ Tee
This outfit is super simple and lightweight, so you won’t be dying after your morning commute. Many people don’t even realize that a nice tee shirt is a perfectly good option to pair with a tailored skirt, making it even more appropriate for business casual.