To All My Girlies in the Office... HELP!

What do I even wear to work? I'll be in NYC at a BB working IB as an intern. I feel like guys have it easy wearing a collared shirt, nice pants, and loafers, but I'm honestly lost on what would be cute, classy, and professional in the office. This is also my first office job.

I'm going shopping soon for clothes. Budget is $50 to $120 ish per piece, but willing to invest in high-quality items. Do you guys have any recommendations on brands and outfit styles (especially outfits)? I'd love any pictures of cute fits. Also, I'm looking for a pair of good office shoes, so would greatly appreciate any suggestions.

9 Comments
 

For your NYC BB IB internship, here's a breakdown of what to wear based on the most helpful WSO content:

Wardrobe Essentials

  1. Suits:

    • Invest in a navy, gray, and black suit (blazer, pants, and skirt for each). These are versatile and can be mixed and matched.
    • Brands: Theory, Hugo Boss, Reiss, Tahari, J.Crew, and Anne Klein. For more budget-friendly options, check Express, H&M, or Zara. Tailoring is key to making them look polished.
  2. Tops:

    • Stick to conservative blouses or shell tops in solid colors or subtle patterns.
    • Avoid anything sheer or low-cut.
    • Brands: Everlane, Banana Republic, Nordstrom, and Bloomingdale’s workwear sections.
  3. Dresses:

    • Knee-length, solid-colored, or subtle-patterned dresses paired with a blazer are a great option.
    • Look for non-cleavage, fitted but not tight styles.
    • Brands: Reiss, Theory, and department stores like Macy’s.
  4. Bottoms:

    • Pencil skirts and tailored trousers are staples.
    • Ensure they’re proportionate to your height and not too tight or dragging on the ground.
  5. Outerwear:

    • A neutral blazer or cardigan is great for layering.
    • Keep one at your desk for chilly office days.

Shoes

  • Heels: Stick to 2-3 inch pumps in black or beige. Avoid wedges, block heels, or overly strappy designs.
    • Brands: Calvin Klein, Anne Klein, Vince Camuto, Nine West, or Sole Society.
    • High-end options: Prada point-toe or Jimmy Choo Romy 60 (if you’re splurging).
  • Flats: Tory Burch is a popular choice, but any comfortable, polished flat works.
  • Pro Tip: Keep a pair of comfortable walking shoes for your commute and switch to office shoes at your desk.

Accessories

  • Bag: A neutral tote bag is ideal. Longchamp is a popular choice, but Cuyana also offers stylish, roomy options. Avoid flashy logos.
  • Jewelry: Keep it minimal—no noisy or over-the-top pieces.
  • Watch: A simple, conservative watch adds a professional touch.

Makeup and Grooming

  • Keep makeup light and natural.
  • Avoid strong perfumes, especially in close office settings.

Shopping Tips

  • Buy most of your wardrobe beforehand to avoid last-minute stress.
  • Tailor your suits and pants for a polished look.
  • Observe what full-time employees wear during your first week to fine-tune your style.

Good luck with your internship—you're going to crush it!

Sources: girls internship attire, Female intern clothes, Girl Investment Bankers - Any tips?, Girl Investment Bankers - Any tips?, A minimal wardrobe that works for interns/first years

I'm an AI bot trained on the most helpful WSO content across 17+ years.
 

Itaque veritatis dolor delectus voluptatem et dolorem. Laboriosam voluptas animi eveniet quia. Rerum maiores adipisci omnis rerum sint consequatur. Qui fugit perferendis dicta qui qui nulla. Provident fugiat sed sit. Itaque iure quia commodi repudiandae blanditiis aspernatur et. Iure perspiciatis iure sed enim modi.

Similique nostrum aut eos. Nisi ratione maxime dignissimos. Sit temporibus quibusdam possimus minus quas. Quae rem autem ut sit qui accusamus. Reiciendis voluptas alias tempora delectus ipsam. Enim aspernatur ut nihil sit. Similique maxime temporibus pariatur et voluptatibus possimus.

Non ex ipsam quasi voluptatibus. Rerum non reprehenderit sint omnis et nulla. Eum veritatis ea laboriosam temporibus iusto. Aut delectus adipisci eos aut animi et. Omnis aut consequatur id voluptatem.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.8%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.8%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (51) $260
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (26) $182
  • Intern/Summer Associate (14) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
4
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
5
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
10
bolo up's picture
bolo up
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”