After months of hard work, tirelessly submitting applications to prospective employers, interviewing, getting rejected, you've finally secured your first corporate internship. Gone are the days of serving hangry customers, it's time to start your new chapter as a professional; you let out a huge sigh of relief. Then, it hits you. What do you wear?

I recently landed my very first Summer internship in a corporate setting, and it’s a complete change from the uniformed jobs I’ve held in the past. After hours of scouring the internet for dress guides, everything I found recommended high-end brands that are way out of my budget as an undergraduate student. There were also bouts of influencers sharing “corporate siren” inspirations, and while the outfits were cute – they can give a false idea of what is appropriate in the workplace.

Plus, if you’re relocating like me, you’ll ideally want to pack light, instead of the top 25 trendy outfits. The goal is basics that are versatile and can be combined in multiple ways to make new outfits.

In this article, we’ll talk about what colors and cuts to focus on to constantly maintain a cohesive look while never looking forgettable, what to splurge on and which accessories are office faux pas.

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Colors & Cuts To Look For And Avoid

Technically, there are no wrong colors. However, not all colors are versatile, and not all colors scream “professionalism”. For your first corporate capsule, start with sophisticated, neutral, colors and shades.

Black, grey, white, beige, and navy are great jumping points. They all go well together while also being easy to throw on and look cohesive.

Everyone has a different body, so different cuts look best on each person. Take that into consideration because you want your clothes to look good on you. However, try and stick with modest cuts like a crew necks and mock necks.

For button ups and vests, they’ll probably be a v-cut, just make sure they’re not too exposing. When in doubt, wear a button up under your vest for extra coverage.

I would aim for 2-3 simple, crew neck, long sleeves in staple colors that you can throw under a blazer any day. I would look for quality here because you can really wear these outside the office too. Personally, I love UNIQLO for my basics.

Sets are also a huge styling shortcut; a nice vest and dress pant set is perfect for looking put together with minimal effort. Reitmans and RW & Co. frequently have sales and sell lots of matching items. H&M also has a lot of chic business-wear, with many people loving their button ups and vest tops.

This is my favorite top and it’s the perfect addition to your summer internship capsule. If you get tops with designs, make sure they’re modest and professional without any graphics or words on them.

For pants, get 3-5 to put in your rotation. Staple colors are perfect for mixing and matching with any blazers and tops. I love this pair of Zara trousers for everyday because of its loose fit and large pockets. Dynamite is another amazing workwear brand for a budget, these trousers are the perfect grey. I don’t find skirts and dresses necessary unless you like them.

Blazers are simple and, in the summer, you might not find yourself wearing them often. I would recommend 1-2, with one being a simple black one you can pair with any bottoms. This classic blazer from Zara is what I’d recommend for anyone new to the workforce. If you wanted to spice it up a little, this other one from Zara is a great option as well.

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What's Worth Your Money?

There are lots of good, cheap options for everything. However, if you were looking to treat yourself in one or two areas of this corporate journey, I would highly recommend a good bag and/or good shoes. A bag could last you a lifetime.

If you’re like me and this isn’t going to be your last office job, it might be worth it to invest in a sturdy and reliable classic. If you want to stay on trend, the Longchamp Le Pliage can be found at Nordstrom in 3 different sizes. This one from Amazon.ca is my personal favorite, it has so many compartments and I love the little bow keychain it comes with.

For shoes, you’ll probably be on your feet all day as an intern so you’re going to want something that minimizes pain at the end of the day, and sometimes that comes at a (literal) cost.

Let’s start with what you need in a shoe. Everyone needs a basic black heel that can be paired with anything and can elevate any simple outfit. If you’re new to heels, I highly recommend starting with a 2inch block heel for comfort and functionality.

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These Warner pumps by Naturalizer were the first heels I tried in my corporate outfit search and they've become my go-to when I want something easy that can get me through the day. They have cute but comfortable 2.5” and you can find it for $99CAD. Personally, I got a black and a beige pair because they’re just that good.

If you have some extra to invest, I’d recommend the INEZ Lola. It comes in 3 different widths to fit everybody. There’s also a taller version if you’re more experienced with heels that is also super comfortable: INEZ ALTA Heel .

Since I’m going away for the summer, I also got the GENSHUO slingback heel from Amazon.ca for $66. It provides all-day comfort with its 2.36” heel and adds more of a summer flair. The pointed toe also doesn’t bother me at all.

However, if you only get ONE shoe, let it be a simple pair of flat shoes. These should be shoes you can walk around in comfortably, aim for one of the colors mentioned above for maximum versatility. Styles can vary with plain, Mary Janes, loafers, and ballet all popular.

The online consensus for the perfect plain flats is the Everlane Day Glove flats. They’re at a higher price point but they’re going to last you forever. A great dupe for this is the Quince Leather Glove flats, but they only ship to the USA.

Mary Janes are a cute style that’s coming back, the most comfortable pair I’ve found are the Cusolemore Women’s Mary Janes from Amazon.ca with lots of cushioning for support throughout the day. These H&M Mary Janes are a bit more affordable but might not offer as much support as the Cusolemore Flats.

Loafers are classic office shoes. There are so many styles from lug-sole to horsebit. The Sam Edelman Loraine Bit Loafers have an amazing reputation in the fashion world for being so comfortable and easy to break in, the leather feels like it’s molding to your feet instead of the other way around. These H&M loafers are a chunkier and cheaper alternative while still being comfortable.

Ballet flats are a timeless style, they’re classy and a step up from plain flats. These Madewell flats are loved by fashion editors and celebrities. It’s super comfy and the strap adds a bit of support.

Try these DreamPairs Foldable Ballet Flats off Amazon.ca if you need something to throw in your bag to change into at the office. It’s always good to have an emergency pair on hand too.

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Dos & Don'ts for Accessories

Accessories are the perfect way to let your personality shine through, but you don’t want to overdo it and get weird looks in the office – especially as an intern. It’s best to keep it classy and understated. If you wear earrings, small hoops and studs are perfect to emulate that elegant vibe. For bracelets, I love this simple tennis bracelet from Pandora or this Coach bangle.

You can also change it up within your outfit. Tops with subtle pleating or ruffle details can make a big difference in your look. This slightly asymmetrical top from Dynamite gives a little something to look at without being inappropriate. Alternatively, this top from RW & Co. has a nice silver detailing without overwhelming the overall look – another great classy version of changing it up.

Image Credit: Ronald Carreño from Pixabay

At the end of the day, playing it safe is best for your first corporate role. You're there to show your ability to work, not your ability to dress. However, there are many small areas you can add your own personal flair to.

While you can make many other additions in the future, the things mentioned in this article are essential to getting you started. Good luck in your corporate career!