What to Wear to Your Internship
There are so many terms to describe office dress codes. You might hear Business Casual, Business Formal, Business Professional, Smart Casual, or something else entirely. Those words can be confusing, and the lines can get blurry. Although every office is different, when it comes to entertainment, I’ve found most offices lean toward the Smart Casual/Business Casual side of things. That’s not to say Business Professional offices don’t exist, but rather the majority lean toward the more casual side of things.
Knowing what to wear can be intimidating, especially on your first day at work. I’m here to tell you that first impressions matter! It’s important to feel confident and prepared when you arrive at the office for the first time. It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed, and err on a higher level of professionalism. I like to tell the interns I work with to start more formal and ease back as you observe how the other people in the office dress.
With that being said, it’s important to consider what kind of work you’ll be doing. If you’re on set, are you encouraged to wear black clothing? If you’re going on runs all day, consider the type of shoes. If jeans are allowed, maybe consider non-ripped options.
For anyone wearing dresses or skirts, think about the work you do during the day. Do you feel comfortable moving around, stocking fridges, and moving equipment? I am not here to be the skirt-length police. I’m just here to encourage you to dress in a way that makes you feel safe and comfortable. If you’re ever getting dressed in the morning and having doubts about whether something is too short or too low-cut, I encourage you to listen to those instincts and save those options for another occasion.
The truth is, people talk. An even harder truth is that some of the older people you’ll be working with might have more conservative views on office culture/clothing. If your clothing is inappropriate, there’s a chance people are noticing. I’m sharing this advice because I want you to be noticed for your hard work and dedication, not for inappropriate clothing choices.
It’s hard to talk specifics because everyone has their own style and way to express themselves. Indeed has a good breakdown (linked here)! Their article also highlights gender-neutral options.
**FOR INTERVIEWS**
PLEASE DRESS FORMALLY. It helps convey your professionalism, readiness, and respect to the company you are interviewing with. I can’t even tell you the number of times I’ve interviewed people in pajamas (and some were still in bed??)