HOW TO DRESS FOR YOUR

HOW TO DRESS FOR YOUR INTERNSHIP / JOB

SHAYNA NICOLAY

You’ve done all the prep work to get to your dream job or internship but now there’s only one problem — what do you wear? How to dress for a new job can be quite complicated, especially if you’ve never worked in a similar industry or stream before. Here’s one tip — being overdressed is always better than being underdressed. While it may be a little embarrassing to show up putting your best ‘fit’ forward, you never want to be caught wearing something that’s way too casual or not quite appropriate for your new work setting.

The first thing you’ll want to do is figure out your office dress code. When you signed your contract there may have been a section featuring what not to wear. Crop tops, plunging necklines, and anything you would wear on a night out are usually some of the things filed under this section. You are now considered a representative of the company that hired you, so be mindful of that when you are picking out your outfit in the morning.

Think back to your interview and try and remember what the person that interviewed you, or what other people in the office were wearing. You want to try and replicate the same level of formality with your outfits. When in doubt — dress for business casual!

The exact specifications of business casual can vary depending on the company that hired you. The oxford dictionary defines business casual as “relating to or denoting a style of clothing that is less formal than traditional business wear, but is still intended to give a professional and businesslike impression.”

Having to dress business casual doesn’t mean you have to take away from your personal style. Fashion is very subjective. You’ll just have to tweak your style a little bit if you’re always wearing pieces that will break the dress code. Your cute crop tops will still be waiting in your closet for you on the weekends.

DRESS FOR YOUR ROLE

If you are doing an internship, remember that you will probably be running around doing errands and behind the scenes work so you’ll want an outfit that you can easily move around in. If your job involves being on your feet for most of the day, give them a bit of a break and save your high heels for another occasion. Think about the colours or textures of your clothing if you’ll be on camera — pastels and jewel tones always show up well but you’ll want to stay away from black and white. If you’re working in a creative field, you'll be more likely to have a little more freedom with the way you dress. Take advantage of this and show off your personal style with pieces you’ve been waiting to wear.

Know that you can always slip a backup blazer, jewelry or shoes in your bag in case you realize you need a quick change to match the employees around you. Below are some outfit staples to help you get through your first week of work no matter what your office dress code is.

THE CLASSIC BLAZER

Blazers have been getting more and more popular over the last few years. They’re easy to throw on over any top (whether it’s casual or formal) and you can probably find them in almost any colour or pattern to add a little bit of “spice” to your business casual wardrobe.

PATTERNED PANTS

Patterned pants are always fun for the workplace. If your office is more serious, some cute plaid pants are the way to go. If you are in a more creative field, you’ll be able to go a little wild with your patterns.

MIDI SKIRT

A midi length skirt or dress is cute and will always be safe length wise. With the current 90s and 2000s fashion trend, there are so many options out there! From sleek satin, to a trendy pattern, to a skirt full of color, you’ll be able to show off your personal style.

JUMPSUITS

Jumpsuits are an easy option to throw on when you feel like you have nothing to wear in your closet. Just add some jewelry to the ‘suit and you are good to go! They range from formal, to structured, to casual with endless patterns and colors.

WHITE BUTTON DOWN

Everyone should have a variation of a white button down shirt in their closet — it’s a business casual staple! Depending on your work environment, you could spruce the classic shirt up, or style it with some bomb accessories. It’s a clean slate so the opportunities are honestly endless!

LOAFERS

The classic loafer is the perfect pair of flats. They are the perfect alternative to a pair of heels if you have a longer commute or will be on your feet during the day. No matter the color, a good pair of loafers will add a polished element to your overall look.

WRAP DRESS

A wrap dress is a quick, one-step outfit that will make you look put together with minimal effort. If your work environment is more of a formal setting, pair your dress with a boyfriend blazer.

BLACK BOOTIES

Just like a little black dress, a pair of black booties should be in every closet. There are so many versions of black booties you are sure to find a pair or two that you love. If you have a casual work space, try booties with buckles or silver accents. If it’s more formal, a simple black bootie or light pattern like a all black snake print is the way to go

FITTED BLOUSE

A nice blouse is a must-have for any working professional. Blouses come in a range of patterns, colours, fits, and fabrics. Depending on the fit you choose, they can be layered nicely with a blazer, or can be worn on their own with a pair of trousers or a skirt.

A SHIRTDRESS

A shirtdress is perfect for an office environment. If your office is on the formal side, pair it with some heels and light jewelry. If your office is more casual, you can style it using the current trends and pick a brighter colour or pattern. Most shirt dresses can also be worn as a jacket. If you decide to go this way, try it over a tank top and non-ripped jeans and leather booties.

P S H O J O B T H E