There is simply no easy answer to this question. Imagine the scenario – you have worked incredibly hard to gain some work experience or an internship, having emailed everyone from here to Timbuktu. You finally land an amazing opportunity and, excited, you tell everyone you know. You later write a ‘check out how awesome I am’ status and receive dozens of Facebook ‘likes’. Hurrah.
Some difficulties now face you. If you are lucky enough to hail from the capital, probably within walking distance of a tube station and a rather comfortable bed, you can, at this point, feel smug. For peers residing in far-off places such as Preston, Doncaster, Sunderland (insert Northern town/city here), a venture to the Big Smoke for a work experience opportunity isn’t as easy. We all know this. Friends and family that you may not be particularly close to come into their own here, a chance to bond perhaps. Yippee. Some poor, lost souls, though, know no one, bless them; they haven’t left their home town before other than to travel to York every so often.
However, finding a place to stay, for many of us doesn’t match up to the horror of finding a collection of suitable ‘intern’ outfits. As fashion magazines constantly remind us that London is the most stylish, on-trend fashion capital in the world, the bar sits very high.
This post therefore serves as a guide. You may find it completely useless, in which case, I salute you, oh fair calm wardrobe person.
Firstly, of course it depends on where you are becoming the workie. If you are heading to KPMG, HSBC or any other extremely prestigious acronym, your daily outfit will most probably differ from that of those off to work in a trendy PR firm or publishing house.
Personally, having undertaken work experience at several national newspapers, Westminster and the headquarters of a political party, my wardrobe has pretty much stayed the same. Basically, what follows is smart/casual trousers, a nice top or jumper and some flat shoes; ballet pumps, brogues, loafers – take your pick.
On my current two week placement I brought with me two pairs of trousers, both ankle length (channelling Samantha Cameron) in black (tailored, straight) and a similar Topshop high-waisted pair in an orangey/tan hue (honest, they are nice). I brought two skirts, a Gap straight navy number that they describe as ‘mini’ when really it sits a few inches above the knee and another in thin cotton tan. For a top, I like to stick to something relatively plain, a white blouse or smart T-shirt, a vest top with a coloured blazer or my current favourite, a silk shirt.
I always bring a few options for the foot, flats are absolutely essential and I would recommend a couple of different pairs, colourful ballet flats are cheap and look presentable, whereas the more fashion-forward brogue gives any outfit an on-trend boost. Invest in a pair of low to mid heeled black courts as well, you never know what event you may get invited to and they immediately smarten the tailored trouser and blouse look.
The capsule wardrobe I have described has pretty much worked for me on work experience stints over two years. Keep hair clean (obviously) and make up relatively simple (i.e. probably don’t overdo a red lip), if you feel comfortable and look nice, it will reflect on your day.
Now, there are no rules when it comes to dressing of course. A friend of mine, and ex-Vision editor is working at a national women’s fashion magazine. Her outfits consist of Topshop ‘Leigh’ Supersoft jeans in a variety of colours, a gorgeous mint pleated skirt, pastel coloured sleeveless blouses… I could swoon on. It may sound obvious, but keep in mind the industry and what you would expect staff to wear when shopping for potential clothing.
I would advise taking your cue from your colleagues, go cautious on your first day and check out what the general office is wearing. In my friend’s case, as you would expect, everyone at the magazine looked fabulous daily. If you are interning at a women’s magazine, wearing statement jewellery is perfectly acceptable yet probably less so when attending meetings with a dozen people wearing suits.
Often, though the lines are blurred. At the newspaper I was recently at, jeans were commonplace, mainly accessorised with tortoiseshell glasses and a dressed down jumper. However, many were also dressed rather smartly. The idea, I would argue is to find something in between, don’t go for anything OTT, stick to what makes you feel confident and if you’re worrying, don’t. Relax, as smiling and being polite is probably much more important than the shape of your top or trousers. Probably.
Mix and Match
- Skirt: Topshop, £15, Ballet pumps: Mango, 34.99 Jacket: as above, Bag: as above, Blouse: Mango, £34.99
