biz attire questions - working women only.....?

Question

i start an internship next week at a MAJOR news network in Manhattan (which shall remain nameless, anyways) I have never worked in that type of envirnoment; I have nice new dressy clothes - obviously i'm a student and don't have the kinda cash of the other, older biz ladies... I want to know only from those ladies who work in the biz world:

- is it appropriate to wear knee length boots with gauchos, panty hose, and pin striped button down blouse?

- is it okay to wear gauchos, period?

- is it okay to wear low heels like slingbacks?? I'm NOT comfortable n' too clumsy to wear all those 3 inch n' up pumps?

- is it okay to request off from internship, when I'm not even on campus (like Thanksgiving and Xmas week)?

- can I wear my hair down or does it always have to be pulled up?

- is it okay if i only wear lipstick there and not any other makeup?

- employer said, "break out Sunday best." what's that mean?

any other advice for style/dress would be helpful....

Answer 1

The answer to these questions depends on the level of professionalism demanded at your firm or the company culture. For a more professional office, knee-length boots are NEVER appropriate; Slingback are OK as long as they're not opened-toe.

For days off, find out first what days are automatically scheduled off, then find out how strict they are about allowing time off. Remember, an internship is like a rehearsal or practice for the real thing & your obtaining a professional career later may depend on your performance in that internship, even if it's unpaid. One season working through the holidays may be worth a lifelong opportunity for great referrals.

Hair down is definately OK as long as it's clean, neat, & not a distraction for you or others. Lipstick only should be fine, but again, it depends on your work environment. If your position calls for a fashion-forward, beauty-industry-representative person, it may be wise to wear at least the essentials. Your employer may not be as demanding, since you are an intern, though. Take a look around at the other employees, also. How are they made up? I worked at a very looks-conscious place & wearing makeup was mandatory, considered part of our dresscode, & highly enforced.

"Sunday best"---look sharp, polished, clean, classic, classy, neat, & conservative, but don't lose your personality or your ability to look trendy.

Remember...
...no cleavage, no short skirts, no slinky/strappy heels, no polyester, spandex, or rayon (unless it's a blend), no gaudy, excess, or flashy jewelry, no big hair, no overly visible tattoos (I have seven & no one at the office should know that), no tanks or spaghetti straps, no midriff-bearing or back-bearing tops (even when you bend over), no tight-fitting clothes ever, no shorts, no stripper or clear shoes ever, no slip-ins or slip-ons, no sheer light-colored fabrics without a lining, no capris, no panty lines

Good luck, much success, & GREAT question. I wish more women inquired about professional wardrobe options.

Answer 2

In NYC the gauchos may work, but I wouldn't wear them on the first day. Low heel slingback will be fine, but as it is getting cooler, please be careful about slingback and hose, because that is not a good look. It is not ok to request off during an internship. It is sort of like jumping line, especially at a network, because those people almost never get any real time off. Mascara and lipstick should be standard, if your skin is smooth. Other wise a little powder will take the shine off and look more perfected. Sunday best means that you are dressed to show your best, nothing too short, too tight, too low cut.

Keep your hair nicely done, no new growth, make sure than you get plenty of sleep so to not look sleepy or have bags under your eye.

Answer 3

The employer is telling you to wear your best clothes. Will you be in front of the camera or behind it? Pantsuits are always nice, and you can get some skirts and tops and mix and match them. You can either wear your hair down or up. I wouldn't wear gauchos on the first day. Get a feel of what the other people are wearing, and go from there. I wouldn't wear really high heels. Get some lower heels. Closed in or slingback would be acceptable. Whatever is comfortable for you. As far as makeup, I wouldn't go out without it, but that is up to you. Best of luck in your new endeavour!

Answer 4

Hair is ok as long as its neat. Low heel shoes are fine, but closed in. Clothes keep it neat and simple, nothing to bright, flashy or re-veiling. Lipstick is fine, without full makeup. Good luck!

Answer 5

what you wear to church? or to grandmother's house. loy key it ,simple and casual clothes is good. dress in the middle of the road, a nice skirt and blouse, or a simple dress is good for the first day or two, then check out the women and what they wear.. low key the make up and look fresh and well groomed...