Hello WSO Community,
I've recently secured an internship at a fairly large, well established REAM firm in London. As I prepare for my first day, I'm seeking advice on the appropriate attire.
Could anyone provide insights into the expected dress code? Should I stick with traditional business attire, or is there room for a more contemporary approach? Any specific tips or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your help!
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Based on the discussions on Wall Street Oasis, it's generally advisable to err on the side of conservatism when it comes to dress code, especially in a well-established Real Estate Asset Management (REAM) firm. Here are some specific tips and recommendations for your internship attire in London:
Traditional Business Attire: Opt for a well-tailored suit in navy or charcoal. These colors are professional and versatile. A white or light blue shirt complements these suit colors effectively.
Shoes and Accessories: Wear conservative, polished dress shoes. Black is typically the safest choice. Ensure your belt matches your shoes, and keep accessories like cufflinks or watches understated.
Grooming: Maintain a neat, professional hairstyle. Facial hair, if any, should be well-groomed.
Public Speaking and Confidence: While not directly related to attire, appearing confident is part of your overall presentation. Consider engaging in some public speaking practice or courses to boost your confidence.
Adapt as Needed: Observe the attire of your colleagues and superiors once you start your internship. This observation can guide you if you can slightly adjust your wardrobe towards a more contemporary style while still remaining professional.
Starting with a conservative approach allows you to make a professional first impression. You can always adjust your attire based on the firm's culture and the example set by your peers and leaders.
Sources: What are your thoughts on changing dress code?, Casualisation of Office Dress Codes, I believe in dressing for success…But how?, Including Heritage in your Suit/Attire?, TIES?!
Wear a suit and tie on the first day and see what everybody else is wearing. For suits, stick to navy and charcoal with a white/light blue shirt. Black shoes (no brown). Pick up a few quarter zips but that’s as casual as I’d go. No need for any contemporary outfits
It's for 10 weeks, so how many suits/shirts do you reckon I'll need?
Depends on if they wear suits every day or not, as well as how much you'll be working from home. 1 navy suit should be fine, but I'd recommend you pick up 3 or 4 pairs of trousers to mix and match as well. For shirts, you'd need a new one each day so at least 5, with most of them being white and 1 or 2 light blue. If they don't wear suits every day you'll need a few half zips.
For shirts, I'd recommend charles tyrwhitt. Trousers/halfzips M&S and next should be fine, you don't have to go spending loads of money.
There are lots of threads on this website about how your wardrobe should look like so I'd recommend you look at those for more detail
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