Dressing like a Professional Intern

Ah, the lovely moment when you look into your closet and have no idea what to wear.

This Halloween my university hosted its biannual Intern Pursuit. It’s like speed dating, but instead of finding that perfect date, you’re looking for that perfect internship. Now, for some students this may have been their first event and they have no clue what to wear, or maybe you’ve been but you never want to be caught dead in what you wore last time. (You know, those hideous pants grandma bought you that you pulled from the far end of your closet. You could have kicked yourself for not bringing to college that adorable pencil skirt and blouse your mother bought you. “I’ll never wear it,” was your excuse.)




Don’t worry we’ve all been there. Although, my mother chased me around the room with the outfit.



Oh and WRITER's don't think that this won't relate to you, especially if you plan on attending an agent pitch session!






What NOT to Wear

• Cleavage isn’t cute in an office setting. Do you really want to give a 50-year-old guy a sneak peek?




• Tank tops are for hanging with friends. Avoid in the office.
  
  



• Washed-out jeans are never okay. If you’re allowed to be semi-casual always pull for the dark jeans. They are great for dressing up an outfit.
  
  



• Men, lose the sneakers. Dress shoes only, folks.
  



• Men, for most places you don’t need the tie, but dress shirt is required.
  
  



• Men, if they say you need a tie here’s a tip: Once someone ties that sucker—keep it tied—that way you can just loop it right on in the morning.
  

Tip: To an interview always OVER dress, even if they say that the office setting is casual.

Wardrobe Essentials

• You’d be surprised by what jewelry can do. Not enough color to go with that dark blouse and grey pants? Toss on a funky necklace. Learn to Accessorize! Cute purse, necklace, belt, earrings, even a colorful scarf can make you happy you got dressed that morning.












• Collared shirt. This goes for both men and women. Although, women, try to find one that complements your hourglass shape. (But don’t confuse complement with skin-tight.)











• Women a knee-length pencil skirt is a must.





• Men and women buy a blazer. Shell out the cash on a quality one and you won’t have to buy again for a very long time.




• Women there are blazer-like jackets that give the impression of a blazer but are of thinner material. Check out Charlotte Russe and Dots.





• Pretty doesn’t always mean functional. Go for the smaller heels. Your feet will thank you.
  
  



• Every girl needs that signature black dress.
  
  



• Dress pants, not the kind that hug your butt, let them be loose but still hold your shape.
  

Here’s a tip: Avoid always choosing black or gray. Sometimes a splash of color can make an outfit. Also if you’re getting all black and gray it will be hard to match items. (You’d be surprised how a few washes can make a difference between to black articles of clothing.)

There are some key staples to every outfit. I got a few of them here, from the lovely Classy Career Girl. If you’re still not sure. Check out “The Go-Getter Girl’s Guide”. The self-help book has a great section on what to wear if you’re a female. Really, it embodies the dress-for-success motto.

Disclaimer: I own none of these images. I just pulled the off the web for examples.