To make a positive impression from day one, dressing professionally is crucial for women in internship roles. Despite the competitive job market being dominated by men, we’re here to provide guidance on crafting stylish outfits that exude confidence. By mastering your wardrobe choices, you’ll be better equipped to focus on other important aspects of your internship experience.
Today, we’ll explore a range of topics, including what to wear, tips for selecting the right outfits, and common mistakes to avoid.
When it comes to dressing for an internship, it’s essential to strike the perfect balance between style and professionalism. We’ll share practical advice on creating business casual and formal looks using your existing wardrobe or affordable alternatives.
By the end of this discussion, you’ll be empowered with a variety of outfit ideas that ensure you feel both comfortable and stylish in your office space.
What to Wear at Your Internship?
In today’s dynamic corporate landscape, the traditional notion of formal office attire has evolved. Young women and men can now choose between casual and formal outfits for their internships, allowing for a degree of personal expression. To make a lasting impression, internship ensembles should exude confidence, authority, and power. As you navigate your workspace, colleagues will be keenly aware of your work ethic and dedication to delivering exceptional results.
For women, the possibilities are endless, with options ranging from dresses and suits to pencil skirts, blazers, and even jeans. To truly stand out as an intern, it’s essential to mix and match styles to create a unique look that reflects your personality and approach.
Tips on Choosing Your Internship Outfits
When it comes to dressing for an internship, there are certain guidelines that can help ensure a professional yet stylish appearance. Colors should be conservative, sticking to a palette of brown, black, white, cream, beige, and maroon. While occasional exceptions may arise, these muted tones provide a solid foundation for most outfits. Shoes are also crucial, with closed-toe options like pumps, moccasins, and ankle boots being the best bet.
Open shoes should be avoided in most cases to maintain a polished look. Additionally, prioritize comfort and opt for shoes that won’t cause discomfort or distractions throughout the day. Accessories can add a touch of personality to an outfit while still maintaining professionalism. Wristwatches, minimalist jewelry, and simple chains are all excellent choices. Gold accents should be avoided, with silver being a more suitable option.
Leather handbags with ample storage space are also recommended. Finally, don’t forget the importance of dressing for temperature control in office spaces. Whether it’s summer or winter, a shrug can be a useful addition to your wardrobe, ensuring you stay comfortable throughout the internship.
What Not to Wear to an Internship
When crafting your wardrobe, there are certain pieces that are best left on the cutting room floor. Specifically, avoid items that showcase too much skin or lack of coverage. This includes ripped jeans that leave little to the imagination, dresses with thigh-high slits that can be distracting, and excessively low-cut dresses that may not be suitable for all settings. Additionally, sheer clothing can be revealing and may not be appropriate for every occasion.
When it comes to footwear, flip-flops are often better left at home, as they can appear unpolished or even sloppy. By avoiding these items, you can create a wardrobe that is tasteful, professional, and suitable for a variety of situations.
Business Casual & Casual Looks
22 – Sporty Chic but Minimalist
21 – Printed Blouse with White Pants
20 – Black Tweed Jacket With Black Pants
Black pants are undoubtedly a wardrobe staple that exudes sophistication and elegance. Their timeless appeal makes them an excellent choice for internships, as they can be dressed up or down to suit any occasion. Regardless of body shape or skin tone, black pants have the power to create a flattering silhouette. To add some extra flair, pair your trusty black pants with a fitted ribbed turtle neck sweater underneath a tweed jacket, and finish the look with beige and black ballet flats.
If you’re looking to invest in quality pieces, consider the USD23.64 Women’s Vioa L/S Cable Knit Cardigan-Noos Sweater or the USD12.11 Womens Bootleg Trousers Ladies Stretch Ribbed Bootcut Elasticated Waist Pants.
19 – Mustard Sweater Plus Mustard Pants
Brighten up the internship experience with a vibrant outfit! While it’s tempting to tone down one’s style for a professional setting, we’re here to encourage you to think outside the box and add some color to your wardrobe. Our eyes are on the mustard sweater, a winter favorite that’s sure to make a statement when paired with mustard pleated ankle pants and brown slingback pump stilettos. For a touch of practicality, pair this look with a black tote bag that can easily carry your belongings.
18 – White Crewneck Sweater With Mahogany Pants
When it comes to dressing for an internship as a woman, sometimes adding a pop of color can elevate a basic outfit from ordinary to extraordinary. One such look that’s perfect for the autumn season is a combination of white and black pieces with a bold splash of mahogany. The high-waisted mahogany pants provide a stylish foundation, which can be paired with a sweater that’s best worn French-tucked into the pants.
To complete the look, add a statement bag in a matching mahogany or rust hue and minimalistic gold necklaces for a touch of elegance. For footwear, pointed-pump high heels are an excellent choice to add a level of sophistication to the overall ensemble.
17 – Oversized Sweater With Leather Pants
For a unique internship look, consider pairing brown leather pants with an oversized alpaca sweater. Tuck the sweater into the pants to create a streamlined silhouette and add a touch of glamour with two-strap high heel sandals. While close-toe shoes are often recommended, this ensemble’s boldness makes it a notable exception.
16 – Plaid Skirt With A High-neck Sweater
While we explored the idea of incorporating plaid into internship outfits through a blazer, this look takes a different approach by featuring a plaid skirt. Unlike traditional skirts that may not provide adequate warmth, this particular design ensures you’ll stay cozy. To complete the ensemble, pair the skirt with knee-high leather boots for a stylish and practical combination.
15 – Oversized Blazer With Blue Jeans
As fashion continues to evolve, the boundaries between workwear and casual attire have blurred. Gone are the days when women were limited to skirts and pants; today, they can easily wear jeans to the office. And if that’s not possible in your current internship, you may still be able to enjoy a casual Friday at your company. When it comes to wearing jeans in an office setting, it’s essential to keep the ripped or torn ones at home.
Instead, opt for well-fitted, dark wash jeans like blue straight-leg jeans. Pair these with a light brown oversized blazer and a black crew-neck top underneath. Add some chunky loafers to complete the look. For reference, you can consider products like USD45.83 Lee Women’s Petite Relaxed Fit Straight Leg Jean, USD46.05 Women’s Blazer Jackets, or USD104.23 CAPRICE Women’s 9-9-24706-29 Moccasin.
14 – Grey Plaid Blazer Over A White Turtleneck
Looking to add some excitement to your wardrobe? Ditch the plain outfits and opt for a stylish combination instead! Try pairing a double-breasted plaid blazer with a fitted white turtleneck sweater – it’s a match made in heaven. For a chic and polished look, throw on a pair of black straight-ankle jeans beneath the sweater. Finish the outfit with a pair of black moccasins to add some understated sophistication.
With this versatile combination, you’ll be ready to take on any occasion that comes your way.
13 – Ribbed Sweater Vest Over A White Button Down Shirt
When making a debut at a board meeting, the right attire is crucial for making a lasting impression. We’re here to guide you in creating a professional yet stylish outfit. A button-down shirt is a classic choice, and for good reason – it’s perfect for the office. Pair this timeless piece with a white ribbed sweater vest for added sophistication. To complete the look, opt for navy blue skinny dress pants and black pointed-toe high heels.
This ensemble will not only keep you warm but also turn heads in the boardroom. If you’re looking to recreate this look, consider investing in pieces like the USD127.27 Silk Blouse with a point collar and long sleeve, the USD25.44 Women Knitted Vest Twist Sweater, or the USD39.99 Women’s Round Toe Stiletto Heel Ankle Strap Pumps.
12 – Black Sweater Dress With Knee-High Boots
When dressing for an internship, incorporating versatile pieces into your wardrobe can be key to making a great impression. The sweater dress, with its cozy appeal and stylish flair, is a fantastic addition to any professional ensemble. Paired with leather boots, this outfit combination strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and edginess. With its timeless charm, investing in a quality sweater dress like this one is an investment worth considering.
Formal Outfits
11 – Brown Wrap Coat With Black Wide Leg Pants
As winter’s chill sets in, staying warm and cozy is top priority for many of us. If you’re someone who feels the effects of frosty temperatures, this outfit is designed to keep you snug from head to toe. The Lapel Coat is a stylish and practical choice, providing coverage and warmth while its earthy brown hue harmonizes beautifully with black accents.
Beneath the coat, a turtle neck sweater and high-waisted wide-leg pants create a comfortable, layered look that also helps to subtly cinch in the waistline, should you be concerned about that aspect. To complete the ensemble, opt for light brown slingback pumps that add a touch of sophistication. For added flair, a simple black belt with a cold-weather buckle provides a stylish finishing touch.
10 – White Cardigan Over A White Mock Neck Sweater
When it comes to styling a winning outfit, don’t forget about the versatility of white as a color. Pairing a long white duster cardigan with a sleeveless mock neck sweater creates a chic foundation. Add a touch of sophistication by layering this ensemble over high-waisted ankle pants and completing the look with ballet flats and a sleek black tote bag.
9 – Black Blazer Over Black Pants
This stunning black boyfriend blazer pairs perfectly with a high-neck sweater, creating a chic ensemble. For a polished finish, pair it with black pants and ballet flats for a sophisticated look. To add some extra flair, consider adorning yourself with small silver earrings or a silver chain and wristwatch. The versatility of this blazer is showcased in its ability to be styled in numerous ways, making it a must-have addition to any wardrobe. For those interested, the USD35.
13 Pieces Women’s Blazer is available for purchase.
8 – White Button-down With A Brown Skirt
As we shift our focus from pants to skirts, let’s combine a stylish pleated brown skirt with a crisp white button-down shirt. To add a touch of sophistication, roll up the sleeves and cinch the waist with a brown belt. The perfect finishing touch is a pair of beige leather pumps, exuding a sense of professionalism that’s ideal for office attire. For those who want to convey confidence in their expertise while looking polished and put-together, this ensemble is sure to deliver.
7 – Black Crewneck Sweater With High Waisted Pants
For a retro-inspired ensemble, draw inspiration from the 80s era. What was once a staple for men’s disco attire has been reimagined for women’s professional wear, perfect for internships or any formal setting. To replicate this look, combine high-waisted drape pants with a classic black cashmere crew neck sweater and brown loafer pumps. Adding a touch of sophistication, consider accessorizing with a black horse bit belt to complete the outfit.
6 – White Over White
The symbolic significance of white is multifaceted, conveying both purity and an otherworldly allure that’s hard to resist. This effortless combination of white wide-leg pants and a crisp white mock neck sweater, paired with hazel-colored pointed-toe pumps, exudes a cozy aura that’s impossible to ignore.
5 – Brown Belted Blazer With Brown Pants
Elevate your internship style by pairing the Ted Baker belted blazer with their matching pleated pants. For a sleek finish, add a brown slim belt to cinch at the waist. Take it up a notch with slingback high-heel pumps, which will not only elongate your legs but also bring a touch of sophistication to the overall look.
4 – Chequered Blazer With Chequered Pants
One internship-ready outfit that may not be possible to create using items from your existing wardrobe is this co-ord set, which we highly recommend purchasing. To replicate this stylish ensemble, pair a brown double-breasted chequered blazer with high-waisted wide-leg chequered pants and crisp white shirt. For a finishing touch, add a black bag to complete the look.
3 – Grey Stretch Crepe Dress With Leather Boots
The second ensemble presented here is a stylish dress option that’s sure to garner attention. For those who share our affinity for the color grey, this outfit is an absolute must-see. Its versatility makes it perfect for impressing colleagues and co-workers alike.
2 – Brown Sweater Vest With A White Button-down
We’re big fans of sweater vests, and we think they’re even more practical in an office setting where flexibility is key. When it comes to styling, we recommend pairing a classic cable-knit sweater vest with high-waisted black pants and a crisp white button-down shirt underneath. To add some height and elevate the overall look, opt for heeled ankle boots. This outfit combo is not only comfortable but also stylish and perfect for a workplace that values both form and function.
1 – Light Blue Shirt With Sand-colored Pants
A timeless office ensemble that’s sure to make a lasting impression, this outfit is a must-have for any internship. The combination of a light blue button-down shirt and cream-colored or sand-colored pants is a classic combination that’s easy to put together.
To complete the look, pair your shirt and pants with tan-heeled clog mules and carry a tan cross-body bag. This understated yet polished outfit is perfect for any professional setting.
FAQs
Q. Can printed dresses be worn as internship outfits?
While printed dresses may seem like a comfortable and practical choice for everyday wear, their relaxed aesthetic can clash with the more formal atmosphere of an office setting. As a result, it’s best to reserve them for social events or personal occasions, rather than wearing them to work as an intern.
Q. How shoud hair be styled with internship outfits?
When it comes to styling your hair with these outfits, a neat and tidy approach is key. A low bun or braids are great options that won’t obstruct your face. For a particularly important day like the first day of an internship, consider treating yourself to a salon blowout. To maintain a polished look throughout your internship, investing in a curling iron or flat iron can be a worthwhile investment.
If you’re looking for inspiration, there are many quick and easy hairstyles suitable for work that you can explore.
Q. What accesories should be avoided with internship outfits?
While it’s tempting to add some flair with bold and attention-grabbing jewelry, it’s essential to strike a balance between making a statement and causing distractions. In professional settings, such as the office, it’s generally best to opt for more subtle accessories that don’t draw attention away from work. Avoiding loud or noise-making pieces like bangles that make sound can help create a more focused and productive environment.
