By Elizabeth Wheless
With summer jobs and internships around the corner, many of us might feel overwhelmed at the thought of exchanging our beloved Alo sweatsuits for a matching blazer and pants. Thankfully, there are so many items in your closet that are perfect for your internship, along with numerous stores where you can purchase a few staple pieces to complete your chic office looks. I had the opportunity to speak with Dallas-based stylist and personal shopper Lexi Dennis, who shared her must-haves for a work wardrobe.
During our conversation, we discussed how it can be nerve-racking to tackle a closet clean-out or even knowing what pieces to buy. Dennis suggests starting out by creating a “game plan and going over what you have versus what you need.”
Once you sort through your existing opinions, building your work wardrobe around specific goals will be much more effective. Additionally, your game plan will help you adopt a more conscious buying mindset instead of impulse buying, which is ultimately wasteful.
During our call, we discussed practical tips to keep your workwear exciting and fresh, as opposed to looking like your outfit “came straight off the mannequin.” If you’ve already invested in a business suit, Dennis advises against wearing it together; instead, styling the blazer or trousers separately. She suggests experimenting by pairing the trousers with a printed or tweed blazer, as well as mixing it up with colors and prints when deciding what to wear underneath your jacket.
One of her most recommended pieces is the ankle trousers from Vince or any ankle pants, as they can be worn with platform sneakers or a loafer instead of heels. If you opt for a dress or skirt on warmer days, Dennis recommends throwing a cardigan, jean jacket, or blazer on top. Although, the one caveat with a dress or a skirt is ensuring that it’s the appropriate length for work attire. No matter what you choose to wear, Dennis advises you to keep it professional, always have a “signature element” to your look, and to ensure your clothes are properly tailored.
Throughout our conversation, Dennis shared bits of practical wisdom from her years in the fashion industry that are applicable to all of us gearing up for summer jobs. From Dennis’ experience with interns, she believes that someone’s outfit reflects on their performance, stating, “I know it’s cheesy, but always dress for the job you want, not the one you have.”
As a business owner, she explained that her impression is impacted by how professionally someone is dressed. Whether it is something as simple as having your clothes tailored well or choosing the right investment pieces that fit your closet, the small details matter. She emphasized that interning does really matter, as many of the opportunities Dennis has had in the industry have been connected to her former internships.
To make yourself known in the office, offer to come in early or stay late, and, as she phrased it, “always be eager to work hard.” Your work ethic doesn’t go unnoticed even if it’s years later, and your professional style goes hand in hand with the image you are creating for yourself as we all get ready to emerge into the professional world.
To learn more about Lexi Dennis follow her on Instagram or visit her website.
