Dress for an Internship in Washington D.C.
If you want to be taken seriously during your internship in Washington D.C. (and possibly land a paying job soon after), you must dress accordingly. You can build a simple and sophisticated wardrobe that won't break the bank, yet will make you stand out as a serious intern who's ready to work.
Instructions
Buy The Basics
1. For men, this step is simple: Buy one black suit and one grey suit and get them tailored to fit you well. Buy three dress shirts (not too flashy) that match both suits. Keep the shirts simple, so any tie can go with them. Then pick out several ties that match as many outfits as possible. Lastly, make sure you have at least one pair each of black and brown shoes and belts to match. Make sure the shoes are comfortable, since you'll be running around a lot.
For ladies, picking out a suit can be difficult. You don't want to be too sexy, so stay away from too tight and too short; however, you don't want to be frumpy or messy, so stay away from ill-fitting pant suits and skirts. Try and find at least one pant suit and one skirt suit, since some offices in D.C. frown on women wearing pant suits. Make sure you bring whatever shoes you plan to wear with you when trying on pants to make sure they are the right length (of course you should always get them hemmed). Ultimately though, the basics are essentially the same as for men: a black and a grey suit, several dress shirts or sweaters (no sexy tank tops or low-cut shirts), plain colored stockings, comfortable shoes and maybe a few accessories like belts, scarfs and understated jewelry (pearl necklace, earrings).
2. Get as many things as you can tailored so you look professional. You can usually do this at your local dry cleaners. Clothes that fit well and don't bunch or bulge evoke an image of pride in everything that you do, which is a trait that many employers in Washington D.C. look for in interns on their way up. Make sure that your clothes are clean and pressed and that your shoes are clean and shiny. People will notice.
3. Build on the basics. Once you've been in your office for a little while, you'll be able to see what other people you work with are wearing and what the office and surrounding work environs dictate as acceptable work wear. Pick out a few of those people in positions above you who you respect and who do their jobs well, and then try and emulate them with new pieces in your wardrobe. The old adage, "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have," is very much a modern rule in Washington D.C.
4. Buy a long coat in black or gray. D.C. winters can get cold and messy, and with a classic mid-shin to full-length wool coat, you'll be sure to keep warm. Your bosses will have you running around town no matter the weather, so having a good coat that matches everything is key.
5. Seek out fine garments at discount and outlet stores for as much as 70 percent off and more. Take the time to hunt through sale bins and hectic stores to find the perfect pieces. This extra effort is well worth it, both to your slender wallet and budding career goals.
Out of Office Wear
6. Have one nice outfit that you could wear to a benefit, gala or campaign event. Usually men can get away with a day suit. Women should stay away from the typical suit---pick a conservative black cocktail dress instead. Again, avoid short hemlines, low-cut tops and anything too tight.
7. Bring athletic gear so you can join in office sporting events, such as the famous summer D.C. softball league, where various businesses and Congressional coalitions play in tournaments all summer after work during the week. Participating is a great way to network and have fun.
8. Buy a laptop bag that is easy to carry, can double as a briefcase or purse, and matches your wardrobe (so probably black). This way, you won't need to carry around multiple bags, thereby simplifying and lightening your load. Since you'll likely be walking and taking the metro to get around, having a single, multipurpose bag will make your life easier.
9. Avoid overly casual wear such as jeans, shorts and T-shirts when you attend parties and happy-hour events after work. Office wear is usually fine for these events.
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