Internships are necessary in college in order to land your dream job after you graduate. Walking into an interview or even for an average day at the office in jeans isn’t acceptable and makes you look sloppy and unprofessional. Below are some guidelines for dressing in the workplace:
1. Closed toe shoes. ALWAYS. Even peep toe pumps are off limits.
2. Always have your shoulders covered. Bare shoulders are too provocative for the workplace.
3. Skirts should hit at the knees or below.
4. Cleavage shouldn’t be showing. Again, it’s too inappropriate for the office.
5. Jewelry should be kept to a minimum. Your cute dangly earrings are good for going out not being at the office.
6. Makeup shouldn’t be caked on. Smoky eyes and heavy eyeliner look better at nighttime anyway.
7. Hair should look clean and polished. Now isn’t the time to try out the cute braided hairstyle you pinned on Pinterest. The simpler the hairstyle, the better.
Most college women take these guidelines too seriously and think that pantsuits are their only option and a necessary evil to land an internship. While there are many guidelines to follow, it doesn’t mean you have to look stuffy. It’s possible to dress professional and polished while still maintaining your personal style. Here are some staples every aspiring professional should have in their closet:
1. Blazer: Blazers are the perfect way to cover your arms and still look stylish. There are also so many options of blazers too. I would stick to a plain black blazer unless your internship is more on the creative side. A plain black blazer is perfect with nude or black pumps and colorful blouses.
2. Shift dress: Shift dresses are modest while still looking cute. They come in a variety of patterns and colors so they’re an easy way to reflect your own personal style. They look perfect paired with a blazer or even on their own (if they have sleeves, of course). You can go bold with a bright color or understated with a neutral color. When the weather gets colder, you can put tights underneath them and a closed toe ankle boot.
3. Flowy blouses: Gone are the days of the plain boring white button up. Flowy blouses can go with trousers or a pencil skirt. Much like the shift dress, you can show off your personal style with the flowy blouse because there are so many color and print options. My personal favorites are tie neck blouses combined with a sleek pencil skirt and blazer.
