What Workwear Mistakes Should Interns Avoid?

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What do you think are mistakes for workwear — if you’re a summer associate, intern, or new hire? I saw an article titled something like “5 workwear mistakes your boss always notices,” and thought it might be an interesting discussion here, especially since we haven’t had the discussion about what not to wear as a summer intern in a loooong time (2011!).

Facets of this that we’ve discussed: when skirts are too short, which shoes not to wear, when it’s OK to show personality in your clothes, whether you really have to wear pantyhose in the summer, whether an intern should carry a $9000 handbag (although I believe Birkins go for $25,000-$35,000 on average now!), how to dress for a heat wave, and, of course, how to dress for work if you’re curvy or busty. We’ve also done a general roundup of what not to wear to work.

related: guide for summer associates

Workwear Mistakes To Avoid At Your New Job

For my $.02…

Outfits that say you’re more interested in your evening activities than your work during the day. I would tread very carefully with mini skirts, picnic-appropriate maxi skirts, and brunchy nap dresses… as well as a more athleisure heavy wardrobe that suggests you might be going to the gym or to a group sport after work. Bring clothes to change into, or run home to change after work.

Outfits that feel temporary or like you haven’t planned for common work situations. I’m thinking of the office A/C here — it’s often freezing at most offices in the summer! So plan for it by bringing something warm to keep at the office — this is a place where a cardigan, lady jacket, sweater blazer, blazer-as-separate, or even an office shawl can really shine. What looks kind of odd: sweatshirts or fleece jackets that look like they’re better suited for a hike or a day of watching the game. (I’m sure some readers will say that they love their fleece and see no problem with it, but remember: there are different rules for student interns.)

Outfits that feel like you have never set foot in an conservative office, or are purposely being disrespectful. Be wary of things like athletic wear, shorts, flip flops, very scuffed up shoes or ripped denim, prom-like heels with rhinestones, and more.

More General Advice for Summer Interns

Some other old but still great advice from the commenters for interns from our 2011 discussion…

• be nice and respectful to EVERYONE, including staff
• don’t take your shoes off under the conference table — yes, they can see you
• assume someone can always see your computer screen
• don’t get wasted at company events
• don’t date people at the office
• take a note pad and a pen with you *everywhere* — far better than to bring your phone to bring notes and then have people think you’re not paying attention
• always say “hello” to others in your office, and introduce yourself if you encounter someone new
• beware of being too casual or friendly with superiors — even if they seem close in age to you, don’t tell them how hung over you are! Another commenter put this as “recognizing ‘the line’”
• at business lunches, order something you can eat neatly with a fork (like short pasta or a chopped salad), avoid appetizers and desserts unless everyone else is going for it
• for the legal interns and summer associates: avoid using weird abbreviations that may have been useful in your law school outlines but sound weird in real life
• another one for the legal interns: “Never question or second-guess a partner or a senior associate on a conference call, in a client meeting, or in front of opposing counsel. Ever. Seriously.”
•  in general, smile a lot and don’t say much unless asked

Check out the full post here, there are over 200 great comments.

Stock photo via Deposit Photos / alan poulson.