Whether you are interning for a law firm with a dress code as strict as your Catholic prep school or working for a trendy PR firm, these eight items are the essentials to every coffee-grabbing, go-getting, summer intern’s wardrobe.
1- The blazer. A good blazer is the magic wand of an intern’s wardrobe. You can instantly turn a girly frock to a business casual masterpiece with the addition of a nice jacket. Not only do blazers look professional, they are definite confidence boosters. When you wear a blazer you instantly feel…like a boss (that is until someone yells at you for messing up 200 photocopies). The blazer has made a definite statement in the most recent seasons, so finding one won’t be difficult. The real challenge comes with choosing the right one. If you are working in an environment with a conservative dress code, try a more traditionally tailored jacket from Banana Republic or J.Crew, and always remember to ask for the student discount at checkout! For more casual settings, add a bit of color to your look with one of the many options from Zara.
2-The pencil skirt. Pencil skirts have always been a staple to every working girls wardrobe. They can give you just the right amount of curves while still staying work appropriate. Who can forget Andy Sach’s glorious black pencil skirt ensemble in The Devil Wear Prada that leaves even the size-six labeling Nigel speechless? When purchasing a pencil skirt, however tempting it may be to buy one tight enough to give Kim Kardashian a run for her money, opt for a more flattering shape that doesn’t draw unwanted attention. In an already high-stress environment, the last thing you want is to be called in to your supervisor’s office for inappropriate attire. When wearing a pencil skirt, the most annoying thing is to be tugging and pulling it down every five minutes. No one sees the tag but you so don’t be afraid to go up a size or two to keep your skirt comfortable. H&M offers affordable pencil skirts in an array of colors, perfect for this season’s color blocking trend.
3-Nude heels. Nude heels do wonders for a girls’ legs and wardrobe! Not only does the neutral color go with almost everything, they are versatile enough for almost every office setting. However, heels in the workplace should not be the same ones you wore out the night you celebrated finally landing this dream internship. The heel in most cases should be relatively low to mid-height. DSW.com has many pairs of designer nude heels at affordable prices.
4-Flats. Audrey Hepburn made them a staple in the modern woman’s wardrobe and Tory Burch gave us reason not to be without them. Flats are a necessity. I hate to do it, but another Devil Wears Prada reference must be made here. Remember that montage of scenes with Andy running around Manhattan, coffee in one hand, five things in the other? Well, running errands is something interns must do frequently. Nothing is worse than stumbling home at the end of a workday because you decided to be a Carrie Bradshaw and brave it in five-inch heels your first day on the job. Rollasole is makes roll-up flats that can be tucked away in a tote bag for an easy transition from heels to flats.
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5-The tote. As much as you may want to go out and find that $5,000 Hermes Birkin bag your boss carries into work every day, remember you are still an intern, and most likely an unpaid intern. Invest in a bag that will last you the summer and is big enough to carry all of your workday essentials. For those willing to spend a little more money go for the classic Longchamp Li Pliage bag. For the more economically-chic intern, LuLu’s carries a great faux-leather, briefcase inspired tote–perfect for carrying everything from paperwork to subway maps.
6-Dress Pants. Many offices prefer their employees and interns to wear dress pants or slacks. As much as you may want to show off that nice tan you acquired on your recent post-exam beach trip, stick to the rules. Retailers have finally caught on that one size does not fit all. Most stores offer pants in long, short, or regular sizes, as well as curvy to tall options. Gap has affordable pants in various styles to fit your unique shape.
7-A watch. Checking your phone for the time every five minutes may come across negatively to your co-workers, so investing in a watch is a good idea. Watches are an easy, stylish accessory and most importantly, incredibly practical. Michael Kors watches are on-trend and will last you long after your internship ends.
8-A statement piece. A great way to show off your individual style while interning is by adding a personalized statement piece. Whether it’s that treasured necklace you bought while studying abroad or a great vintage handbag, something different in your ensemble makes you memorable. Statement pieces often draw attention, and nothing feels better than receiving a compliment from a superior.