How to Dress for the First Day of an Internship

Section: Building Your Wardrobe - Blog

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It’s been said you never get a second chance to make a good first impression. With due respect to Robert DeNiro’s character in the “The Intern”, we think he missed the mark a bit on his first day. Here's our expert advice on how to nail it - wardrobe wise – on day one as an intern.

In his latest flick, ‘The Intern,’ Robert De Niro plays a widower bored with retirement who takes on an internship at an online fashion site. It’s a good show with quite a few laughs throughout, but being the sartorial nuts that we are, seeing old Bob turn up at that hip office dressed entirely inappropriately in a suit and tie got us thinking.

So, after much discussion and a few episodes of Mad Men thrown in for good measure, we’ve come up with a few tips for looking the part as an intern.

When in doubt, suit up

Yes, this might seem a little odd given what we just said about Bob’s first day as an intern, but it’s actually quite sound advice. If you’re not sure what the dress code is at your new home for the next few months, then play it safe and overdress.

Nobody will mind if an intern shows up in a suit when the rest of the office is in jeans and shirts. In fact, it shows that you’re taking this role quite seriously.

Carry a bag or case

Now hold on there, we’re by no means suggesting that you borrow dad’s old briefcase and fill it with sandwiches and pencils. You’ll need a backpack or bag or some sort of holdall for your essential items such as a pen and pad for taking notes, and a backup copy of your resume just in case it’s asked for.

And if you choose the right one, it will look awesome with your suit.

Choose subtle shades

Grey or black is the ideal colour for a first-day suit but navy is also acceptable once worn with black shoes for a more professional look.

What you are aiming for here is a business look that is understated. You don’t want to seem overconfident and flashy so tone down the colours.

Don’t overaccessorize

A tie and a pocket square is as far as we’d go with accessories or perhaps a set of cufflinks at a push. The idea is not to draw too much attention to yourself for the way you look.

Better to receive compliments on how you handle your workload on that first day than to be noticed for your novelty tie.

Shine those shoes

Okay, this is a tips post, so while we really don’t think we need to mention it, we’d hate to see you forget to shine those kickers and arrive at the office in a scuffed pair of schoolboy-looking shoes.

Either hire a professionial to do the job for you, or do it the night before and do it like a pro,or don’t bother going to that internship at all.

Have your suit and shirt cleaned and pressed

If you’re an intern, the chances are that you don’t wear your suit much during the year so unpack it at least a week or two before your first day. Try it on, make sure it still fits, then take it to the cleaners and have it cleaned and pressed properly.

Your first day will be stressful enough so having your suit and shirt pressed is one less thing to worry about the night before.

As an intern, you’ll no doubt be on a tight budget so why not simply download one of our lookbooks for some true business wear inspiration. Or if you’re looking to invest in your future, pop into the showroom for a chat.

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