Hey monkey fam! I don't see a a lot of threads about female fashion on here and I have an internship at an IB this summer (middle/back office). Any advice on what kind of outfits I could put together? Also what kind of shoes are appropriate- are little 1 inch heels with jeans or dress pants and a nice blouse ok? What kind of bag is appropriate? I have a solid black Kate spade tote & a backpack but I don't know what is more appropriate.
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https://www.wallstreetoasis.com/forum/fashion/female-attire-for-ib-summ…
Reposting my post about my time in SA at an IB:
I myself largely stuck to suits during my internship since that's what people wore where I worked.
For tops, I went to Ann Taylor and Nordstrom. For blazers and pants/skirts, I went with Theory and Ann Taylor. Hugo Boss and Ted Baker are classics but a bit more expensive, with Banana Republic and J. Crew being of high quality but a quite a bit less expensive too. Express is also great if you're looking for something fairly cheap but decent. Beware about Theory tho, since some of their clothing size-wise is a bit funky if you are a bit curvy. I used the classic Longchamp tote as well as mentioned above.
I currently wear jeans and a sweater to work and use a Herschel Supply Co. backpack, but going back to suits again in January.
For shoes, I stuck to flats since I'm fairly tall, but most people I worked with wore heels around office and flats into and out of office.
I can't see them requiring suits in the Texas office for middle or back office interns.
Yeah you're probably right. I think your below comments might be a bit more fitting for someone in Houston MO/BO, but hey I figured I'd charm in anyway.
You're definitely right about J. Crew's Cameron pants. Also, to the OP, don't wear jeans. I only wore them since literally nobody else was around and because my workplace is super chill. Wouldn't try doing that at your office.
Get yourself J. Crew's Cameron pants in black, navy and gray, they're a staple and what 80% of junior level women will wear, if you can't afford those then Banana Republic is the next best thing. Get some basic blouses and thin cardigans I tend to go to Ann Taylor, Aritzia, Nordstrom, Banana Republic, or J. Crew. I wouldn't go with a higher end option like Theory, Vince, Club Monaco etc. for a middle or back office role.
Jeans are not ever appropriate in an office setting, even in off premise happy hours (I think white jeans would be pushing it for happy hours). Short heels are fine, either bag you described is fine but the tote bag would be more of the norm.
This is so helpful thank you so much
Do people really reframe from wearing high end labels because they work mid-back office?
Not really- it's just more being mindful of reality. You're what 19-22? Your size is going to fluctuate and you're making 1/2-1/3 of what IB interns make with a fraction of their earning potential and there's exponentially less focus on what you wear. No point in spending your limited income on $300 blouses when $30-$70 blouses are fine. Likewise, I'd suggest Suit Supply to a man your age/income level over Canali. Most women on here are in IB in NYC, they have a more formal dress code and default to Vince/Club Monaco/Theory but that's not realistic per this post and not the norm for those you'll be working with.
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