Advice for Clothing

For your upcoming internship at a London-based boutique IB, here's a breakdown of recommendations based on the most helpful WSO content:

Suits:

• Suit Supply is a solid choice for high-quality, affordable suits. Other comparable options include Express and Zara for budget-friendly alternatives that still look modern and professional.
• Stick to navy and charcoal suits. Avoid black suits unless you're confident in pulling it off, as they are less versatile.
• Two suits should suffice, but ensure each suit comes with two pairs of trousers. This allows you to rotate trousers and extend their lifespan.
• Tailoring is crucial. Even a budget suit can look premium if it fits perfectly.

Shoes:

• Black and brown shoes are both recommended. Black is versatile and works with navy and charcoal suits, while brown pairs well with navy but not black suits.
• Ensure your shoes are polished and in good condition. Affordable options like Aldo can work well if you're on a budget.

Shirts:

• Aim for 10 shirts to avoid scrambling for clean ones. A mix of 3 white, 3 blue, and 4 other subtle colors (e.g., light pink or lavender) is ideal.
• Stick to long sleeves and avoid brash patterns or overly dark colors. Brands like Marks & Spencer, TM Lewin, and Charles Tyrwhitt often have sales and are great for budget-friendly, quality shirts.

Dry Cleaning:

• Weekly dry cleaning is common for suits, but shirts can often be laundered at home. Having more shirts reduces the frequency of emergency washes.

Additional Tips:

• Fit is everything: Whether it's suits, shirts, or shoes, ensure everything fits well.
• Accessories: Keep ties, belts, and watches conservative and professional.
• Main Rule: If you have doubts about an item, don’t wear it.

This wardrobe setup should keep you polished and professional throughout your internship. Good luck!

Sources: S&T Summer Intern Clothing Guide, Need Help- Budget Wardrobe for Summer Analyst Internship!!!, Suit shopping, A minimal wardrobe that works for interns/first years