It’s that season: summer accounting internships and professional development programs galore. Not only are you ready to impress your peers, mentors, and managers with your amazing analysis and reporting skills, but you’re trying to look good while doing it. While you may be used to styling your streetwear looks with ease, this may be your first foray into the world of professional clothing and thus you need to build your wardrobe from scratch. Don’t worry, we’ve been there, done that, and still got the slacks to prove it. But we’re not going to gatekeep. We’re all about sharing the wealth!
Before we do this though, let’s talk about why dressing professionally matters at all. Ever heard the phrase, “dress for the job you want, not for the one you have?” Odds are, you have and you rolled your eyes then just like you’re doing now. Well, roll them right back, because it’s true! In a lot of managers' eyes, how you dress at work speaks volumes. It conveys your view of the environment, your level of respect for the work you do, and your desire to be there. By dressing your best, you show that you want to be a part of their community. It’s right up there with managing up and completing your tasks on time when it comes down to what managers are considering when offering full time accounting positions post-internship. Don’t worry though, the definition of “dressing your best” has definitely changed and become more relaxed to match the vibe of accountants’ day-to-day and individual styles. Showing up professionally is not mutually exclusive with showing up as your authentic self. One of our fave accountants’, Kirsten Ortez, proves this.
What You Need: A Capsule Wardrobe
Point blank period, this saves lives. A capsule wardrobe is a collection of seven to 12 essential clothing pieces that don’t go out of fashion. For this, you might want to splurge for good quality clothes so that they get a lot of use. Sacrifice a couple of UberEats orders and Amazon hauls now, and you could get three summer internships, two research programs, and one full time job out of these clothes. If you decide to go the route of a capsule wardrobe, there’s even some ways for you to get quality clothes without breaking the bank. Stay tuned because you’re going to want to use our #accountantcertified shopping hacks.
The key pieces to invest in are: a well fitted blazer, a nice white button down shirt that can be worn alone or under something else, a pair of slacks or pencil skirt, and a pair of neutral flats, heels, or loafers. In general, stick to solid neutrals: black, navy, tan, cream, and gray. This makes it easy to mix and match. Lastly, try to stay with more classic shapes and styles.
This is just to get you started. Since most accounting internships are paid, you’ll be able to add to your professional wardrobe collection over the weeks once you understand the company culture and dress code better.
Where to Shop: Your Closet
It’s crazy, but true. A lot of casual clothes can be repurposed for work. For example, your sweaters, button downs, and shoes can easily become office chic with the right combination of blazers or slacks. If you’ve kept any of your old special occasion outfits from graduation or family celebrations, it’s time to dust them off and throw them in the queue.
Where to Shop: Where the Sales & Discounts Reside
Now is the time to enlist the true GOATS of finding sales: your mom, grandma, or aunt. As a starter list, we suggest hitting up department stores (their clearance racks have great quality clothes for the low) or wholesale stores like TJ Maxx. Also, consider shopping around holidays (Memorial Day, July 4th, etc.). As a student, you should also look into student discounts. Search for websites and platforms that share which stores have student discounts and provide access codes.
Where to Shop: Thrift Stores
Where are our sustainability shorties?! 😎If you’re trying to help in the fight against climate change, accounting and thrifting should be two things that are definitely on your to-do list. Remember: just because there is a “dress code,” doesn’t mean you can’t show your own personality and have fun with it. Once you’ve established a solid capsule wardrobe, bold colors, interesting patterns, and cool accessories are welcome additions to your clothing rotation.
This is also a great option if you’re someone who constantly likes to reinvent your style. Find some current, trendy pieces on the low, that won’t make you feel guilty if you decide they're “out” in three months.
Now you have everything you need to build a stylish professional wardrobe that doesn’t require a resuscitation to your wallet. Get ready to walk into your new accounting internship ready to take on the world (and Excel) with ease! What’s even better is that these clothes will serve you for months or even years to come, whether you want to go to a NABA or ALFHA conference, have another interview, or are ready to start your first full time job, you’ll be ready to present your best self!
