What to Wear: At the Internship

For dearest Jaime of La Sweet Petite:

I need your help! I am going to London in 2 weeks for an internship and I just found out the dress code is “smart casual.” What are your suggestions?!You always have the best ideas!

While I am one of the lucky few who have the luxury of interning in the comfort of my own home (thank you, Letitia!), one who slaves away in front of my darling laptop clad in sweatpants and frumpy tees with hair awry and toe socks.

I kid. The above statement, if true, would completely degrade my entire persons, not because I value my appearance so much to the point of shallowness, but well, because the world around you judges you based upon first impression. And by first impression, it is not you who is judged first – but it is what you wear and how you look that leaves the first imprint. Society today judges the book by its cover; regardless of what your mother always told you, appearance  a l w a y s matters.

Although I do work at home, I have envisioned ensembles, say, if I were to intern/work at fabulous magazines such as Teen Vogue, Vogue, ELLE, etc. (And if there are any of the aforementioned magazine’s human resources or staff who are in need of an assistant/intern, I shall be more than happy to oblige!). All future outfits are derivatives of the ever-inspirational muses: Katherine Heigl, Emmy Rossum, Natalie Portman, and anything Katherine wears from the movie, 27 Dresses.

So, what to wear to your internship?

Avoid denim!

I absolutely loathe giving “what not to wear” tidbits – it is hardly my job to be fashion police. However chic denim might be, and regardless of the dress code being “smart casual”, denim is simply too casual for work. The only ones that may work (depending on where your internship is) would be dark wash skinnies (deep blues or black) and/or wide leg denim trousers.

Embrace Classics

The word “smart” is simply synonymous to classy sophistication in the world of dress codes. Translation: Black will always be the new black. Regardless of what era it is, the time of day, your age. Black is  t i m e l e s s . Every internship wardrobe should consist of a little black dress similar to the one Katherine Heigl is wearing in 27 Dresses (2nd from the right): short sleeves, a conservative neckline, fitted, knee length. Propriety is a necessity – and it is nearly impossible to go wrong with the classics. Little jackets, cropped jackets, blazers, trouser shorts, the classic pencil skirt, the black pump (stiletto optional) – all of which make up the basics of a chic yet appropriate wardrobe for internships. I love, love, love each and every one of these looks.

Accessorize

As you’ve heard time and time again, accessories are the way in which you show a bit of personality when the dress code restricts your personal style. But be minimal – a cocktail ring, a few bangles, and a necklace at most (or substitute a cocktail ring for smaller rings). Nothing too clunky to avoid it becoming a constant nuisance whilst your work. Remember – you want to look chic and still maintain that air of sophistication where you work – anything too much would be, well, too much. Rachel Zoe’s impeccable talent at accessorizing herself should be the most jewelry worn at once; anything more is over the top.

Hair & Makeup

In an which way you wish; as long as you’re comfortable with it and isn’t too much of a hassle, the sky’s the limit! I personally wear my hair down – always – but occasionally pulling it into a polished high or low, side pony are perfect for getting hair out of your face. Be unfussy with your hair & makeup – natural, as they say, is always best. Neutral shadows, barely-there liner (look to Balmain Spring 09 erased brown liner for inspiration), a bit of mascara, neutral lip gloss or lip stick.  MAC Viva Glam V is a gorgeous mauve-nude.

Ensembles, for your perusal.

The very definition of smart casual. Smart in that the outfit consists of pleated trousers, a lovely blouse, and the classic, pointed pumps. But casual – and a bit unconventional – in that the fabrics are all cotton or stretch jersey, and the pump is in a rather unusual patent navy. Gray and navy has always been one of my favorite color combinations; the over look is cool, sophisticated and a bit effortless in that there are references to the Parisian school child. Blouse tucked in with a leather tote over the shoulder (totes are essential for all that stuff you need to carry!). And of course, a clutch thrown into your bag if your boss should ever invite you to a last minute evening cocktail of some sort.

It is almost unnecessary to say that this particular ensemble was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent’s Spring 2009 collection (I’m quite obsessed with the rtw show!). I am enamored by the idea of high waisted, loose fitted trousers cuffed at the bottom. And juxtaposition is quite important; the Peter Pan collared, little-school-girl-uniform-esque blouse tucked in is offset by the industrial qualities of the YSL cage boot (I die – I simply love how this one is much more simplistic than then others down the runway). Since the overall ensemble is rather cool, a bit of gold jewelry adds warmth – I am completely obsessed with the cocktail ring and single bangle combination.

Yet another ensemble that balances smart & casual to perfection. Instead of the usual tailored, high waisted skirt, a jersey option – like one from American Apparel – is a more comfortable option in both budget and style. I absolutely adore the paradox of a graphic tee with something much more professional; the two combined gives such an effortlessly cool look. Patent oxford booties and the Marc Jacobs bag tie the entire look together; finish off with a bracelet or two and a cocktail ring (the Chanel flower juxtaposes with the sharp V-neck tee and bold graphics/colors).

I die. I want to own each and every one of the pieces in this particular outfit I’ve put together. The dress? Sheer perfection; I love how formal and casual it has the potential to be: formal in that a LBD is always versatile for any occasion and that the satin stripes are such an unconventional touch, and casual in that the dress is about mid-length and has capsleeves. And I simly cannot deny that I was thinking of Rachel Zoe when accessorizing; black and gold is always a no-fail combination; the House of Harlow ring on the same hand as the gold bangles whilst the other wrist wears the large leather cuff. Classic black pumps with an unusual twist via platform and red Nars nail lacquer (from the vintage collection) is perfection. Chic? I’d say so.

.   .   .

bisous,

La C.