As I binge watched The Mindy Project this week instead of writing my term projects, I was inspired by Mindy’s fabulous fashion choices and style. So I put together a few outfits I thought would be perfect for my summer internship. Though I won’t be experiencing as many daily shenanigans as Mindy, there’s still room to look as cute as her!
And as the countdown to finals continues, and procrastination becomes more of a personality trait than a habit, one must begin contemplating outfit combinations for that stellar internship scored this summer.
Whether you’ve landed that New York fashion internship, or a prestigious spot with PwC, or whatever weird business stuff grown-ups do, there is always room to play with your internship style.
Every job is different. Some bosses may require you to wear Hilary Clinton power suits every day, some may be chill with jeans and sandals. A fair compromise is business casual. Having the privilege to intern in Los Angeles this summer, I’m anticipating a pretty casual work environment, and thus I present: A Week in the Life of Katrina Linden: Super Star Intern (Did I really just plan out a week of outfits? You bet!).
Monday: Staff Meeting
Oversized blazers are all the rage. I probably own three or four right now. They’re perfect for classing up a casual dress to make it work appropriate, especially when the big bosses from corporate are in town. They add just the right amount of professionalism, while still letting you show your personality with awesome detailed cuffs. Pair it with a fitted skirt or wear it with a casual sundress for an added twist. My favorite blazer has white little hearts on the cuffs, I can’t look at it without smiling!
Blazer: Cotton On; Dress and necklace: Forever 21; Heels: Marc Fisher
Tuesday: I Woke up Like Dis
Who says navy and black can’t work together? A lot of people actually. I don’t even know if this works, but I really just go with it and hope for the best. But, if you’re feeling lazy, or had a late night with the boys at Happy Hour…or you stayed up blogging all night…this outfit is the perfect go-to: an A-line skirt and lace top contrast just enough to make it look like you tried in the morning. Opt for a pair of nude oxfords or black flats for a more casual and comfy look!
Skirt: American Rag; Top: Forever 21
Wednesday: Weather Forecast: Gloomy and Rainy
Another one of those days: it’s raining out and you planned on walking to work to enjoy the weather, but the sudden downpour (or drizzle if you live in California), ruined your plans! Throw on a comfy cardigan or sweater and jump in your car or on the bus and speed to work along with all the other L.A. drivers, who suddenly cannot drive correctly with a quarter centimeter of rainfall. Opt for boots or flats if it’s too chilly or wet out for heels.
Cardigan and top: Charlotte Russe; Leggings: Forever 21; Glasses: Ray Ban
Thursday: Coffee Run!
I don’t even know if interns really go on coffee runs all the time. I saw it in The Devil Wears Prada, so I’m assuming there is a possibility I’ll be running down the block to the juicery to pick up some juices for my co-workers. Wear comfy leggings or slacks so you can dash across busy city streets without your skirt being blown up Marilyn Monroe style.
Shoes: Tori Burch
Friday: Casual Friday!
If your office has a Casual Friday, get the deets and plan on partaking in office traditions, even if you’ll only be in town for a few months. I combined this nifty thrift store find with a fitted skirt and high heels to give the allusion I’m kind of classy. However, this was the only skirt I have in South Bend at the moment, so I plan on wearing a longer pencil skirt when I actually work, don’t worry! If you’re job is really lenient, you can even get away with nice sandals as well (this isn’t a completely serious outfit, but it’s fun to imagine!).
Top: Second-Hand Store; Skirt: H&M
Saturday: Staff Holiday Party
Show off your quirky side with this paisley dress and flower cardi. Temperate California weather is perfect for a light cardigan and dress, leave out the cardigan and try on a flowery headband in warmar climates, and the outfit will be just as fun.
Cardigan: Forever 21
80s Secretary
I might already be a grandma, considering the decade most of my clothes were made. Run to the GoodWill for some vintage button-ups with built in shoulder pads for a cool 80s look. Complete the look with some worn oxford pumps or flats.
Cool Paisleys
Okay, not my classiest outfit, but I really love this paisley top and skirt. Take an oversized vintage print top and pair it with a fitted skirt for a put together look that’s still pretty and comfy. I originally had this tucked in with a cinched belt, which is a lot neater and put together!
Top: Thrift store (what, what)
Fashion is all about taking risks. Sometimes my outfits are less than conventional, and some of you may not find these outfits to be completely work appropriate. But, take risks! The only way to know if something is cute is to try it. If you find yourself struggling to put together the perfect outfit in the morning, just remember: always wear a smile!
For more campus style and entertainment, like HCND on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
Photo 1, all others provided by author