“Dress to impress” might sound cliche, but it’s an age-old saying worth remembering, especially for those getting their first taste of office life this summer with an internship.
Although hard work is important, studies show that 33 percent of how someone is professionally perceived is based on their image, reports Internships.com. But for those better acquainted with the classroom than the corporate world, knowing what to wear to work (and where to find it) can be tricky for cash-strapped college students or recent graduates.
Take the guess work out of a company’s dress code with these tips from style and etiquette experts — you’ll be the talk of the office for all the right reasons.
• Lizzie Post, co-president of the Emily Post Institute and co-host of the “Awesome Etiquette” podcast:
Do your homework: Nowadays, there is no “this suit will work for everything” or “this dress will work for everything.” Research the company culture and dress code. That is something you can easily do by going to the company’s website and seeing how they represent themselves online or on Facebook. Or call the company and ask.
Building a wardrobe on a budget: Try eBay or second-hand shops. Just be really scrupulous about finding things that have no signs of wear, and look for things that are going to work in multiple ways. A full button-down shirt will work for a jeans culture, or it can go with a suit.
Learn the art of dressing up (or down): If a man is wearing a suit and gets to the office and sees everyone else is in jeans and T-shirts, remove the jacket and tie and carry them. For women, dress pants and a nice top can be just as formal as a nice suit.
• Zephyr Basine, CollegeFashion.net editor-in-chief:
Personal style meets work wear: Even if you’re in a conservative office, women can add personality with their extras — say a modern pair of geometric stud earrings or a work-appropriate handbag in your favorite color.
Stores for the fashion-savvy professional: We love LOFT, Club Monaco, Banana Republic, Nordstrom and J.Crew, especially their sale selections. You can also find fantastic work wear for less at Saks Off Fifth and Nordstrom Rack.
• Antonio Centeno, men’s style expert and Real Men Real Style creator (www.realmenrealstyle.com):
Look the part: “You’re an intern, you shouldn’t dress as nicely as everyone there” is a misconception. The point of an internship is for the company to see how you fit in and how you mold with them. If all goes well the goal is to get hired. You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you love the company, but they didn’t feel you were professional enough.
For the sharply dressed man: The best way to show some personality will be with accent pieces. It’s a subtle way of saying, “I care about my presentation.” It’s all in the details.
