Different people treat internship differently. To some ‘internship is just internship’ to others it’s their first real job experience but I’m here to tell you that it has built massive stepping stones for so many people and therefore it deserves as much respect as you would accord to another job. For this reason, here is how to dress well for internship;

Be decent.

Being decent does not mean you lose yourself in old fashioned and out of trend clothes but also we must agree that decent is relative and it varies from person to person. For the ladies, a pencil knee length skirt with a white button down shirt and a cute blazer is almost a must have. You can not be the intern that everyone is ignoring because they assume you will not deliver and also be the one that dresses ‘fwaa’. Dress the part and I will be ready to hear how everyone was giving you attention. For the gents, the very tight and almost uncomfortable pants will not do you justice in a corporate environment. You do not want to stand out as the guy everyone is questioning. It sucks! Decent and well fitted dark colored trousers will save your day.

Be stylish.

While you are doing your shopping, go for the not so common clothes. This will help you stand out as a stylish intern that everyone will want to come to when seeking fashion advise. We all love talking to well dressed people. It’s natural and pleasing to the eyes. Since Friday is a dress down day for most organizations and companies, use this chance to pull out your sleek casual outfits. But at the back of your mind, remember decency is key.

A nice pant or skirt suit.

Having at least one suit is a good thing for every working class lady. The more serious you look with how you dress, the more respect comes your way. We must represent the company’s image at all times.

Just like all other employees, interns also represent the company’s image in how they dress and present themselves in the business environment to other workers, clients, and customers. Showing up in sneakers and jeans sends a message to others that you are not serious about representing the company and are not there to contribute and learn in meaningful ways.

The little black dress and chinos.

It is shared knowledge that every lady should own a number of black dresses for various occasions and a pretty little black dress is ideal for work at any day or time. Black, dull as it might be, is a safe colour that allows you to pop. It provides a glow that is usually hidden by other colors. It also allows your accessories to pop. It’s perfect for a meetings filled day or a casual Friday. Guys, even when you own gazillion gentle pants, a pair of chinos is a must have. This will save your day. It can pass for a business and casual look. Have at least two pairs in your wardrobe.

Your hair, shoes, makeup and accessories count too.

Passing as a well dressed intern does not only accrue from the clothes you wear. The whole package you are counts. Ranging from hair styles to accessories and shoes. You wouldn’t want to make hair that is so colorful when going to work. Unless it is a requirement at your work place, I would not recommend this at all. Guys should also be careful with the haircuts the get. Some are too ratchet for a working environment. Here is a style hack for the style maniacs. While you don’t want to overdo it with accessories, adding a one statement piece like a stylish scarf, a necklace, a cute sweater, a nice pair of shoes makes for an outfit that is professional without seeming sketchy.

Internship is about building a path to your future career, it’s about making connections and meaningfully networking. Therefore, don’t dress for the job you have, dress for the one you want.