New York City fashion can be intimidating. Even more, learning how to fit in at an office where you most likely have to wear business casual can be difficult.
No matter what you wear, you’re making a statement, so make sure you’re intentional. With these tips, you’ll fit right in at the office–and even in New York City!
1. Keep it professional
New York City summers are sticky, hot, and humid. When you spend a lot of your day in overheated subway cars and walking to work, it can be tempting to remove layers one by one as temperatures rise. However, you have to keep it professional in your office–especially as an intern trying to impress an employer!
Here are some summer trends to avoid at the office:
- Flip flops or sandals (ladies might be able to get away with dressy sandals, depending on the work place)
- Anything strapless
- Super short dresses/skirts
- Hawaiian shirts
- Shorts of any kind
Basically, just keep it classy and professional and you’ll be fine.
2. Be bold
From a street style perspective, you can get away with pretty much any trend or fad in NYC. Tourists and fellow New Yorkers will just chalk it up to personal style and compliment you on your neon green platform heels.
In the office, you have to be professional–not a distraction to others. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t be bold with outfit choices. If you want to try a brightly colored blazer or a dinosaur tie, go for it. Pay attention to your office environment and see what kind of fashion risks you can make.
3. Get creative
Dressing in a professional environment might seem like a hassle at first. But you can still get creative and have fun with your outfit choices. Choose exciting prints for your button down shirts, ties, dresses, and other pieces. A simple addition like a bold watch or clunky necklace can totally change your outfit.
Bring in pops of color – New Yorkers love to wear black, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add a yellow necktie or red lipstick to your outfit.
Where to shop?
Shopping in New York City can seem intimidating with designer stores on every corner. Here you can find a list of some of our favorite places to shop for professional clothing on a college student’s budget.
Thrift Stores:
Buffalo Exchange, $
For eclectic and inexpensive dresses, button-ups, etc.
Chelsea: 114 W 26th St., New York, NY 10001
Brooklyn: 109 Boerum Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Goodwill, $
Great for cheap, unique finds
All over the city, but one of Manhattan’s best locations is:
103 W 25th St, New York, NY 10001
Beacon’s Closet, $
Inexpensive modern and vintage outfits
Williamsburg: 74 Guernsey St, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Park Slope: 92 5th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Retail Stores:
H&M, $
185 Greenwich St, New York, NY 10006
TJMaxx, $
14 Wall St, New York, NY 10005
Old Navy, $
503 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Gap, $$
172 Broadway, New York, NY 10038
LOFT, $$$
Manhattan: 2 Broadway, New York, NY 10004
Brooklyn: 125 Montague St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
J. Crew, $$$
250 Vesey St Suite 111, New York, NY 10281
Use these tips as you join the professional world this summer. Let us know what your outfits of the day are by tagging us on Twitter (@NYCIntern) or sending us a picture!