7 Things Not to Wear to Your Internship (and What to Wear Instead)

April 12, 2025

Congrats—you got the internship or your first post-grad job. Now the real question: what are you going to wear?

It’s easy to panic and think you need to buy a whole “adult” wardrobe filled with boring slacks and stiff button-downs. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to ditch your style to look professional. You do, however, need to avoid a few rookie fashion mistakes that scream, “I’ve never been in an office before.”

Let’s break it down: 7 things you should probably skip, and what to wear instead. Bonus—if you’re using a AI personal stylist like LookSky, you’ll get personalized suggestions based on your body shape, vibe, and office dress code.

1. ❌ Don’t Wear: Super Cropped Tops or Bra Tops

✅ Wear This Instead: A Fitted Knit or Tucked-In Tee

Even if your office is chill or creative, a barely-there crop top is a risky move. Keep it polished on top and save the bralettes for post-5PM plans.

Try this instead:

• Ribbed knit tank or tee

• Lightweight button-down (open or tucked)

• Cardigan layered over a cami

Use this Fit Finder Prompt: : Ask Skylar to search 'office-approved tops that is not cropped' or 'a ribbed knit collared cardigan in brown'

Woman wearing beige cardigan and light blue jeans in office

1. ❌ Don’t Wear: Ripped Jeans

Intern in white t-shirt and dark jeans with pink sneakers

1. ❌ Don’t Wear: Super High Heels or Club Shoes

Intern wearing white tee and black trousers walking in office

1. ❌ Don’t Wear: Anything Sheer or See-Through

Woman in white button-down and blue jeans leaning on desk

5. ❌ Don’t Wear: Bodycon Dresses

✅ Wear This Instead: Midi Dresses with Shape but No Squeeze

You want to look cute—but you also want to breathe. Save the tight-fitted stuff for after hours.

Try this instead:

• Slip midi with a blazer

• Shirt dress with a belt

• Fit-and-flare or A-line midi

Styler tip: Ask Skylar to search 'offce-ready sheath dress under $75' or 'knee-length shirt dress under $50.'

Woman in white belted shirt dress in office setting

1. ❌ Don’t Wear: Graphic Tees with “Vibes” or Slogans

Woman wearing yellow ribbed polo shirt and jeans

Woman in black t-shirt and white trousers standing in office

1. ❌ Don’t Wear: Short Shorts or Mini Skirts

Woman in beige knit top and khaki shorts standing by a desk

TL;DR: Keep the Vibe, Lose the Clubwear

Dressing for your internship doesn’t mean erasing your style. It means elevating it. Keep your personality, just layer in polish. Think: clean lines, breathable fabrics, pieces that say “I’m here to learn and slay.”

Let Skylar, your AI personal stylist do the hard work—whether you're shopping your closet or building your office wardrobe from scratch.

Ready to Nail Your First Internship Outfit?

LookSky is personal stylist and shopper in one. Get personalized recs based on your body shape, color season, and office aesthetic—from cool-girl trousers to not-boring blazers.

✨ Want to try before you buy? Our virtual try-on tool is finally here!

No dress code panic. Just vibes and good outfits.

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