Congratulations! You finally landed that internship you have been working so hard to get and you are so excited to start.
You’ve done your due diligence in researching about the company and have chatted with the internship coordinator about what your experience will look like, but what about the aspects of your new “job life” that are not directly laid out for you in the welcome email? You have everything figured out except for what you should wear… *gulp*
It is hard to decipher what exactly you should be wearing, especially on your first day. It is better to be overdressed. You may feel a little out of place if you are, but that’s okay because the last thing you want to be is underdressed.
Here are a few tips and ideas on what to wear to your internship:
1. Start out strong.
After your first day, you may find that your workplace is actually casual and does not require business attire. As for the first day though, start out strong. Ladies – go with a nice business length skirt or dress, or some business pants and a blouse. Men – button-up shirt and tie for sure. You’ll be meeting a lot of people and first impressions certainly will count.
2. Feel out the atmosphere.
As for the rest of your outfits, base them off of what other people were wearing at your job that you saw. Feel it out. Were you overdressed? Maybe go slightly more casual next time if you were. If you have this job as an internship, chances are this is something you want to do later in life as your actual job, so check out the people that actually work there and have the job you are aspiring to have. You may be “just an intern,” but dress for the job you want, not always for the one you have.
3. COMFY SHOES!
I can’t stress this enough. As for the first couple days, you’ll likely be walking around touring the workplace and meeting many people, you WANT to be comfortable. Whatever shoe you go with, make sure your first day at the internship is not also the first day you wear those shoes. Break them in and make sure they’re comfortable. Ladies – try to steer clear of large heels. If you feel the need to wear heels, go with a comfortable kitten heel, but a pair of nice flats are always a safe bet.
4. Don't go overboard.
Nothing too gaudy or extreme. Keep the makeup under control. You’re going to your internship in a professional setting, Britney, not the club. Leave the big hoops and the sparkly bracelet you wore to prom home and try maybe a simple stud earring and/or some pearls. Do yourself a favor and leave that smoky-eye pallet untouched until the weekend. Go with more of a natural, professional look.
5. Wrinkles.
No, not the ones on your face, but the ones in your clothes. Nothing says unprofessional and lazy like a wrinkly shirt. Your outfit could be awesome, but if it is not ironed, it could easily turn to be the worst outfit.
6. A Watch.
Think of wearing a watch! You do not want to be “that intern” that is always looking at their phone, because although you may think you’re just checking the time others could think you are texting or something. Stick to a watch to be safe.
7. Smile!
As orphan Annie once told us, "you’re never fully dressed without a smile." It says you’re willing and eager to do your job, which you should be! Like mentioned, you will be meeting a lot of people, so a smile will go a long way, don’t forget it!
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