By Madeline Marshall
With the summer fast approaching, many students scramble to find business professional clothing for their summer internships. However, it’s hard to build an office-appropriate wardrobe on a college budget. A blazer or pair of pants at J Crew or Ann Taylor will cost you a pretty penny and will barely get you through a week on the job. Here are some steals and splurges that can help you look professional while keeping the bank account in check.
STEAL: $35 Twill Blazer from Target
Target may not be the first store that comes to mind when I think “business professional,” however, they certainly have some fabulous finds. Blazers are an essential for any office wardrobe. They can often be the most expensive piece of professional clothing, but this one from target is a steal. Not to mention, it comes in 4 different colors- so you can get 2 or 3 for the price of what one would normally cost at a high-end store.
SPLURGE: $70 Trousers from Gap
Black pants are a necessity and something worth investing in. While $70 may seem like a hefty price, this is actually very affordable compared to the average price of work pants. Not to mention Gap is constantly having sales, so if you start browsing the website early, you should be able to knock the price down before summer rolls around.
STEAL: $37 Sheath Dress from Old Navy
Dresses are always the way to go for a summer internship. This bold maroon will make you stand out in the office without looking out of place. Plus, Old Navy is almost always having an extra sale, making your savings even greater.
SPLURGE: $60 Pencil Skirt from Express
Pencil Skirts make you look professional and put together. While a plain black one can be practical, pencil skirts are the perfect pieces to step outside of your comfort zone and go with a fun color or pattern. The style is so professional that you won’t have to worry about looking juvenil. Paired with a simple top, you will look both stylish and sophisticated.
STEAL: $25 Blouse from H&M
H&M is pretty much my go-to for all things business professional. There clothes are in-style and affordable. The flowy sleeves on this top are very fashion-forward, but still sophisticated enough for this office. Paired with some good trousers or a pencil skirt, and you have an effortless outfit.
SPLURGE: $89 Pumps from Nine West
Pumps are one thing you probably don’t want to go to cheap on. No one wants to be the intern whose heel snapped in the middle of a coffee run, so it’s important to get a quality pair of pumps. These pumps from Nine West are reasonably priced and the quality will last you all summer.
STEAL: $15 Loafers from H&M
Loafers are very in right now, and are so versatile, where you can pair them basically any outfit. These $15 shoes are definitely not the highest quality, but it will get you through the summer looking on-point.
STEAL: $30 Tote from Target
Every fashionista knows that a bag can make or break an outfit. Leave the crossbody purses at school and opt for tote that can carry your laptop and anything else you will need in the office. However, you don’t need a designer a bag for a summer internship. This affordable target tote gives an expensive look, but doesn’t break the bank.