Emma Schaible/Fourth Estate
Five outfits perfect for the office and happy hour
BY NYLAH MITCHELL, COPY EDITOR
School ends, and summer internships begin. There’s a collective release of stress and relief after finally accepting an internship offer following rounds of interviews and rejections. Though it can feel like a lot of work, summertime is arguably the best time to intern, with the warm weather, outdoor mixers and ever-adventurous side tasks.
However, if it’s your first internship and you’re unsure how to dress appropriately in the office, this guide is for you.
Hot tip: Tight, dark suits and sweltering weather do not go together. Don’t attempt it — it won’t be worth it in the long run.
Light Cardigans
Sleeveless blouses are perfectly suitable for the summertime, especially when outside. Depending on the dress code requirements, it’s best to keep a light cardigan handy — both for modesty and for chilly office temperatures.
Linen
The best clothing for summer is breathable, airy fabric such as linen. For offices with Summer Fridays, linen is great for shorter work days followed by post-work dinners. Try structured tops, such as button-downs, peplums, or tunics, paired with relaxed-fit linen pants for a polished yet comfortable look. The downside to linen is that it wrinkles easily, due to its low elasticity and high moisture absorption.
Cotton
Though dark suits and hot weather don’t pair well, if caught in a limbo that calls for a more professional look, opt for 100%, full cotton suits. Cotton is thicker than linen but thinner than wool, offering a lightweight, breathable and cool to the touch wear. Shades like grey, beige, and cool blue are also hot weather-approved for its reflecting nature.
Dresses
Finding the perfect balance between modesty, formal and chic can be tricky, but midi-length dresses are the best of all worlds. Flowy, A-line styles are office-appropriate for a swinging silhouette and are dressy enough for fancy dinners after work. If worried about the neckline on a sleeveless dress, consider a boat-neck that stretches across the tops of the shoulders.
Shoes
If the workplace involves miles of walking, such as Capitol Hill, then the best advice is to have a pair of solid white sneakers on deck. Sure, heels and flats may be timeless feminine staples, but if you’re running errands back-to-back, it’s best to wear a shoe that makes you feel comfortable on the go. White sneakers with minimal logos like Vejas and all-white Adidas Sambas are great for a fresh, clean look.
Casual Days
On more relaxed days, medium or dark wash jeans strike the perfect balance between casual and put together. Jeans in the office are chic when styled with a waist-length blouse and sleek, comfortable shoes. For a more relaxed yet preppy outfit, try a white t-shirt with a light sweater tossed over the shoulders.
Summer outfits, whether for an internship or not, are all about trial and error. The key is to move slowly and prepare for the unexpected: cold offices, humid temperatures and random downpours are all part of the season.
