It’s likely that at some point during or right after college, you will have the opportunity to do an internship. This can be really exciting: it’s a great chance to advance your career and make some valuable connections and learn important skills. But in many cases, it’s also the first time you have to regularly wear business casual clothes.
The term business casual can be a little bit confusing. In general, business casual can be defined as style that is less formal than traditional business wear, but dressed up enough that it gives a professional impression.
The important thing to remember is that nowhere in that definition does it say that business casual has to be boring. There are plenty of ways to make your business casual outfits stylish and suited to your own style.
Here are ten business casual outfits to rock at your internship!
Patterned pants are a fun way to make your internship outfits pop. The patterns on business casual pants can vary from subtle (like some simple, small black dots on a pair of blue slacks) to more eye catching (like a floral design). These pants are surprisingly easy to match. Pair your patterned pants with simple and solid colored blouse to complete the outfit.
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A pencil skirt is a good option if you’re looking for an outfit that’s on the dressier side of business casual. It’ll give you a classic look that’s perfect if you’re internship takes place in an office setting. This look can be easily adapted to colder times of the year by adding tights or switching to a long sleeved blouse.
To finish off this look, try a neural pair of closed toed high heels.
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Here’s a good outfit if you’re looking for a layered option for colder months. A blazer is a good way to add some layers to your business casual look. Plus, there’s just something really sharp and professional-looking about wearing a blazer. Dark colored blazers, like black or navy blue, are easy to work into your internship outfits by wearing them over a neutral colored tank top or blouse.
Because blazers typically run on the larger side, it may be a good idea to stick with a pair of fitted dress pants. A pair of black ankle boots is a good way to complete this outfit.
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On days where you’re looking for a more simple outfit, a cardigan and camisole duo might be the way to go. It’s super easy to throw on on those mornings when you wake up late and you’re rushing to get out the door.
It’s also a good choice because it’s pretty easy to pull together. Any white or black camisole and pair of dress pants can be turned into a work-ready business casual outfit just by throwing a long cardigan on top. This is more on the casual side of business casual, so this is a good outfit to wear with flats on days when you don’t feel like wearing heels. A cardigan and camisole combination is a great outfit to wear in the fall months as the weather starts to get cold.
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Sweaters are easy to work into business casual outfits just by wearing over a pair of slacks. If you’re looking to add something extra to this look, try throwing on a scarf. Adding a scarf can dress up your outfit and also add a pop of color.
This is another cozy outfit that could work very well if your internship takes places during the fall months.
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A button up shirt and khaki pants could make a good outfit on days when you’re looking to dress up but you’re also trying to stay comfortable. For this reason, this outfit could pair nicely with a comfortable pair of ballet flats.
The good thing about wearing khaki pants is it gives you some freedom in terms of picking a top to go with them. If you’re looking for a neutral outfit, pair your khakis with a plain top in a neutral color (like white or navy blue) or in a simple pattern (like neutral-colored stripes). Or, if you’re looking to do something more fun with your outfit, go for a brighter top or a top with a button up shirt with an exciting pattern on it.
This outfit is great because there’s a lot of freedom that comes with it.
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It feels at times like a lot of business casual outfits are tailored towards colder climates, but there are ways to dress professionally and comfortably when the weather gets hot. Dresses are a great way to do this.
Swing dresses in particular are great for keeping cool while also dressing professionally. Generally speaking, swing dresses don’t have a lot of shape to them, so a good way to work around this is by wearing a belt. Doing this will cinch the waist and give the dress a little bit more shape.
A swing dress would go nicely with a pair of flats if being worn in a business casual environment.
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Patterned blouses can be worked into business casual outfits any time of the year. Part of the appeal of patterned blouses are their versatility. A blouse like this can be paired with almost any skirt or pair of slacks as long as the colors don’t clash with the pattern.
Wearing a blouse with a fun pattern is a great way to express yourself and add some of your own style and personality into your business casual outfits.
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Pops of color in your business casual outfits don’t need to be limited to blouses or accessories. Solid colored pants can work wonderfully for internship outfits. One of my favorite outfits that I have in my closest includes a pair of plum purple dress slacks.
When wearing colored slacks, neutral colored solid blouses (like black or white) usually work best. Sometimes you can get away with blouses with small pattern on them, but usually a solid colored top is your best bet when wearing colored slacks.
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Flare pants, which get wider below the knee, are good choices for business casual outfits. They pair nicely with more fitted tops and shoes like heeled boots or high heeled pumps.
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