It’s summer internship season, where college-aged people are excitedly beginning the jobs that they worked hard all semester to earn. As with any new job, starting a summer internship can be nerve-wracking. You’re entering a new environment with new coworkers, responsibilities, and routines, which can be stressful all on its own. Add in having to make a good impression, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
Deciding what to wear to a summer internship can be a daunting task. Depending on your internship, you may have to follow a dress code and say goodbye to your shorts and tank tops for a while. If you’re stuck in a fashion rut trying to prepare for an internship, here are a few suggestions to keep you comfortable and stylish in order to put your best foot forward.
- A Blazer With A Tee & Jeans
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This look is the perfect casual-but-classy outfit to wear to work. Find a T-shirt with a fun design or work-appropriate quote, like this Maya Angelou T-Shirt ($16, Old Navy), and layer a blazer over the top. Pair the look with jeans and flats or heels. The addition of the blazer in this outfit is perfect, because you are able to shed a layer if you start feeling the summer heat. If your job doesn’t allow jeans, you can easily replace those with dress pants or a skirt.
- Maxi Skirt & Blouse
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Maxi skirts are a great way to stay cool in the summer without sacrificing professionalism and comfort. Skirts like the Gracie Paisley Side Slit Maxi Skirt ($36, Francesca’s) have fun patterns that you can easily pair with a white or black top and some jewelry. These skirts could go well with heels, flats, or even tennis shoes.
- Midi Dress
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Summertime is the perfect time to wear dresses, and luckily, there are some great business casual dresses out there that are perfect for a summer internship. Midi dresses like the Times With You Puff Sleeve Midi Dress ($58, Lulus) are cute and versatile, so you can wear them to work and out to dinner afterwards.
Another tip for dressing your best this summer is to do some research into your field! “Appropriate” clothing will look different for every company and field — what an engineering intern wears may look completely different from what an editorial intern wears. And have some fun with your outfits, too: If you’re working with kids, wear fun patterns and bright colors. If you work in an office, play around with cardigans and blazers to find what feels the most comfortable for you.
No matter what you decide to wear to your internship, be proud of yourself for making it this far and taking the next step in your academic and professional career.
