What to wear to a summer internship

Summer is fast approaching and for those who have an internship or new job, it may be difficult to discern between what to wear and what not to wear on a first day and throughout the summer.

If the position requires business casual, be wary of the many variations on the term. Ask the employer for a written dress code if available to see if any clothing or accessories are off-limits so you don’t show up to work just to become embarrassed the first day.

If an item is questionable or borderline inappropriate, it is best to leave it home.

There is a chance a person could be overly dressed up for the job. Do not do that. Maybe play it safe the first day, see what others in the workplace are wearing, and proceed with that in mind.

Some places will allow blue jeans to be worn, perhaps on certain days of the week.

This summer I will be leaning on pairs of brightly-colored jeans for those days I want to be comfortable throughout a long day of work. They allow a person to have fun with color while still looking put-together.

This season, floral prints will be a big go-to. Tribal can mix things up a bit too, in the form of a blazer or a scarf. A person cannot go wrong with a pattern of polka dots or stripes.

While it may seem daunting, it is possible to incorporate touches of personal style into a business casual look. Thinking wishfully, employers would want to get to know their staffers a little bit while they work the job.

Earrings and bracelets are small hints that can add a piece of you to the look and make it more interesting.

Reflect in style what you want to get out of the time at the internship or job. Prove you are ready, willing and able to be there to get the best out of each experience.

Dressing professionally while keeping personal style and summer in mind will help gain respect from fellow workers. It will also act as a confidence booster.

After all, if you look good, you feel good.