Securing an internship begins before you answer the first question, as your physical presentation sets the initial tone for the interview. The clothing a candidate chooses serves as non-verbal communication, signaling respect for the opportunity and seriousness about the professional environment. A polished appearance helps the interviewer focus entirely on your qualifications. Understanding the context of the workplace is the first step in selecting the appropriate attire.
Determining the Necessary Dress Code
Effective interview preparation involves researching the company’s culture to gauge its expected level of formality. Candidates should check the firm’s website and look at employee photos on platforms like LinkedIn to see what staff wears daily. If observation is difficult, ask the recruiter or hiring coordinator for guidance on the expected dress code. The general rule for any internship interview is to dress at least one level higher than the established daily office attire.
Highly Formal Industries (Finance, Law)
Firms operating in traditional sectors, such as investment banking, private equity, or corporate law, maintain a strict professional standard. These environments require a full suit, reflecting the conservative nature of the work and client-facing roles. When interviewing for these positions, the most formal attire is the safest and most appropriate choice.
Standard Professional Industries (Marketing, Consulting)
Many large corporations in management consulting, marketing, or established technology companies are slightly less rigid. While a suit may not be worn daily, the interview expectation remains high. For these standard professional industries, business professional attire is preferred, though a highly polished business casual look might be acceptable.
Casual or Creative Industries (Tech Startups, Design)
Companies in creative fields like graphic design or modern tech startups often have a relaxed daily dress code. Even in these settings, a candidate should never wear jeans or a t-shirt to an interview. Opting for a tailored business casual look demonstrates effort and seriousness, serving as the appropriate “one step up” from their typical company culture.
The Business Professional Standard
The business professional standard represents the highest level of formality and is mandatory for interviews in conservative or client-focused industries. This standard requires a matched two-piece suit in dark, solid colors such as charcoal gray or navy blue. The fabric should be a worsted wool or a quality blend that drapes cleanly and resists wrinkling.
The jacket should be a classic single-breasted style, either two-button or three-button, ensuring a professional silhouette. Fit is important; the jacket sleeves should end where the wrist meets the hand, allowing a half-inch of the shirt cuff to show. The trousers must be tailored to break once slightly over the shoe, avoiding bagging or excessive fabric bunching.
A crisp, pressed dress shirt is required, with white or light blue being the only acceptable colors for an interview setting. The shirt collar should be starched lightly to maintain its structure and fit neatly under the lapels. A conservative silk tie completes the ensemble, featuring subtle patterns like quiet stripes, small geometric shapes, or a solid color. The tie should be knotted neatly (four-in-hand or half-Windsor) and the tip should rest near the top of the belt buckle.
The Business Casual Standard
The business casual standard offers a polished yet approachable alternative, suitable for interviews where a full suit would appear excessive. This attire is built around tailored dress slacks or high-quality chinos in conservative colors like khaki, stone, or medium gray. The fabric should be substantial and wrinkle-free, maintaining a clean line.
A collared, long-sleeved button-down shirt forms the foundation of this look, often in solid colors or subtle patterns like gingham or fine stripe. The shirt should be tucked in neatly. While a tie is not required, the top button should be left unfastened. The shirt must fit well through the shoulders and torso, avoiding bagginess or sloppiness.
Elevating the business casual look with a sport coat or blazer adds a layer of professionalism recommended for an interview. A jacket in a complementary, non-matching color, such as a navy blazer with gray slacks, provides structure and polish. The jacket should be well-fitted and pressed, demonstrating attention to detail. Every component of the outfit must be immaculate and polished, ensuring the lack of formality does not translate into a lack of effort.
Essential Details and Fit
Regardless of the chosen attire, the fit of the garments is the most telling detail of personal presentation. Clothes that are too large look sloppy, while clothes that are too tight appear distracting and unprofessional. Investing in tailoring ensures jackets, trousers, and shirts follow the contours of the body without constricting movement or creating unflattering wrinkles.
Footwear must reflect the overall polish of the outfit, requiring high-quality leather shoes that are clean and well-shined. Acceptable styles include classic oxfords, conservative loafers, or simple derby shoes. The shoes should be brown or black, depending on the outfit, and must be free of scuffs or dirt.
The belt must coordinate with the shoes, meaning the leather color and finish should match exactly (e.g., a black belt with black shoes). This detail signals attention to coherence. Socks should be conservative and generally match the color of the trousers, not the shoes, to create an unbroken visual line. Avoid novelty socks, bright colors, or thick athletic socks, opting instead for dark, thin dress socks. Every item of clothing must be clean, freshly pressed, and free of wrinkles, stains, or loose threads.
Personal Grooming and Accessories
Grooming details reinforce the professional image and should be addressed with care. Hair should be neatly trimmed, styled away from the face, and clean, avoiding overly gelled or distracting styles. If the candidate has facial hair, it must be closely trimmed and well-maintained with clean lines on the neck and cheeks, or the candidate should be completely clean-shaven.
Hand care is often overlooked. Nails should be clean, short, and neatly trimmed, showing a commitment to hygiene. Scents should be kept minimal; a light application of deodorant is appropriate, but cologne should be avoided entirely or used so sparingly that it is undetectable.
Accessories should be functional and understated. A conservative leather-strapped or metal-banded watch is the only acceptable form of jewelry. Candidates should avoid bracelets, necklaces, or earrings, which detract from a professional image. A simple, structured leather portfolio or briefcase is the appropriate carrier for a resume and notepad, projecting a polished, organized image.
Common Attire Mistakes to Avoid
A polished appearance can be quickly undermined by several common errors that signal a lack of preparation. Wearing athletic shoes, sneakers, or any non-leather footwear immediately diminishes professionalism, regardless of the industry. Candidates should avoid any clothing that features visible brand logos, slogans, or distracting graphics.
Flashy or overly bright colors and loud patterns in shirts or ties should be avoided in favor of conservative, muted tones. Failing to iron or steam clothing is a significant error, as a wrinkled shirt or jacket suggests carelessness. Carrying a casual backpack instead of a professional leather portfolio or briefcase also sends the wrong message about the candidate’s preparedness.