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'

1. ❌ Don’t Wear: Ripped Jeans

✅ Wear This Instead: Clean, High-Waisted Denim or Trousers

Ripped knees? Frayed hems? Love them. Just... not at your internship. Even on casual Fridays, go for jeans that say “polished,” not “I was up past 3 a.m.”

Try this instead:

• Straight-leg or wide-leg jeans in dark or mid wash

• Pleated trousers

• Tailored pants in a fun color

Use this Fit Finder Prompt: : Ask Skylar to search for 'tailored straight leg jeans in dark wash' or 'wide-leg denim in medium wash under $50'

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

✅ Wear This Instead: Block Heels, Loafers, or Chic Flats

If you can’t walk more than 10 feet in them, skip it. You’re not walking a runway—you’re commuting, walking to meetings, and maybe grabbing lunch on foot.

Try this instead:

• Block heel sandals

• Loafers with platform soles

• Sleek ballet flats or mules

Use this Fit Finder Prompt: : Ask Skylar to search 'pants for work that go with a block heel' or 'wide-leg trousers to go with my loafers'

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

✅ Wear This Instead: Structured Layers or Lined Fabrics

Sheer blouses and mesh dresses are having a moment, but most offices aren’t ready for your full-sheer-slay. If it’s see-through, it’s probably a no-go.

Try this instead:

• Boxy button-downs

• Lined blouses with subtle texture

• Lightweight sweater vests or blazers

Skrygirls tip: Ask Skylar to search for 'square neckline tank tops or camisoles for under $25' or 'boxy striped blue dress shirt under $50'

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.'

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

✅ Wear This Instead: Elevated Basics with Texture or Color

Your “Not a Morning Person” tee might be iconic, but skip the slogans unless you know your office is super relaxed.

Try this instead:

• Knit polos

• Poplin button-downs in unexpected colors

• Solid tees in high-quality fabrics

Skrygirls tip: Ask Skylar to find 'short-sleeve, knit polo with a collar under $50' or 'white box t-shirt that is polished enough for work under $35'

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

✅ Wear This Instead: Midi Skirts or Tailored Shorts with Structure

Your internship isn’t a beach day. If you’re showing leg, keep it balanced with longer silhouettes or looser fits.

Try this instead:

• Knee-length pencil skirt + tucked blouse

• High-waisted Bermuda or trouser shorts + knit top

• Soft suiting set with oversized blazer

Use this Fit Finder Prompt: : Ask Skylar to find 'knee-length pencil skirt that is not mini length under $50' or a 'capri length pants in black under $50'.

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.

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.