Peer Career Consultant Blogs

Starting a corporate internship can be stressful, and figuring out what to wear is often a top concern. Your outfit is key to a first impression, so how do you balance professionalism with comfort while fitting into your office’s culture?

When I prepared for my summer internship at Adobe, a tech company with a laid-back culture, I struggled to find the right balance between professional and casual. I reached out to my cousin, who works in commercial real estate, and together we built a wardrobe that conveyed professionalism without sacrificing comfort.

Understanding Your Office Culture: Firstly, you need to understand your office’s culture. Every office has its own unique environment, so it’s important to do a little research. Look at your company’s social media, website, or even LinkedIn photos of employees. If you’re still unsure, don’t hesitate to ask your manager or recruiter about the dress code. And remember, when in doubt, it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than too casual.

Assembling Your Closet: Once you understand the office environment, focus on building a wardrobe with staple pieces that can be mixed and matched. 

For women, tailored pants in neutral colors like black, white, or navy are versatile, with options for linen or pinstripe if you want to add variety. Skirts or dresses should be knee-length or longer in fabrics such as silk, cotton, or linen. Tops in neutral colors such as white, black, or brown are easiest to pair, and a high neck is usually the best option. Layering with sweaters or cardigans is a good way to add color and stay comfortable, especially in colder offices. Blouses and button-ups are also great for layering - and even dressing up denim if your office allows jeans - and can be worn buttoned up and tucked with a belt, or open/cardigan style. Leather shoes or mules help elevate any outfit, and sneakers can be office-appropriate if they’re clean; dirty shoes are a quick way to ruin a professional outfit.

For men, the formality of your outfit will depend on the office culture. Suits are common, but navy is typically preferred over black for a more approachable look. If you are including a tie, opt for shades of blue, cool tones, or dark grays to convey professionalism. Button-down shirts in colors such as blue or white are always safe, and polos in solid colors can work for a more casual office. Suit pants are the more formal option to pair with a button-down, but khakis or chinos work for a more relaxed style. Investing in a good belt elevates any outfit, so having one or two belts will help you daily. Brown belts are most commonly worn and can complement the rest of your outfit. For shoes, a pair or two of clean leather dress shoes will work perfectly for your day-to-day, or nice sneakers if your office is more casual. The same rule applies to both men and women; dirty shoes ruin a nice outfit.

Conclusion:  Entering the world of corporate internships can be intimidating, but dressing appropriately doesn’t have to be. By taking the time to understand your office culture, investing in wardrobe staples, and prioritizing professionalism, you’ll feel confident and ready. With the right mindset and wardrobe, you’re already taking the first step toward success in your internship.

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