Winter Internship in NYC: Need Business Professional Wardrobe Advice (Black Friday Deals?)

Hey WSO,

I just landed a Winter Internship in NYC (super pumped!) and realized I need to upgrade my wardrobe to business professional—but I have no idea where to start.

Here’s the scoop:

  • Office: A 19-minute walk from where I’ll be staying in Manhattan (thinking about weather-appropriate options).
  • Goal: Buy everything I need during Black Friday to keep it budget-friendly.

Looking for advice on:

  1. Dress Shirts: How many do I need, and which colors/patterns are safe for the office?
  2. Dress Pants: What colors should I prioritize, and how many pairs should I get?
  3. Ties: Must-have styles/colors?
  4. Shoes: Recommendations for formal but comfortable shoes (especially with all the walking)?
  5. Outerwear: What works best for winter in NYC that’s professional yet warm?

Would love to hear from those who’ve been through this before! Any pro tips for surviving a Manhattan winter while looking sharp would also be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

4 Comments
 

Bumping because I'm interested to hear what people have to say.

In my own very limited exploration of options, I've liked the Charles Tyrwhitt dress shirts. Looks like quite a few retailers have them on sale for Black Friday. I've also found that for dress shirts, sticking to a brand you like that fits well is helpful and easier. Congrats and good luck on your internship

 

Congratulations on landing your winter internship in NYC! Here’s a detailed guide to help you build a business professional wardrobe, especially with Black Friday deals in mind:

Dress Shirts

  • Quantity: Aim for a minimum of 10 dress shirts to avoid scrambling for clean shirts.
  • Colors/Patterns:
    • White: Essential, aim for at least 3.
    • Blue: Another staple, aim for at least 3.
    • Others: Light pink, light grey, light purple, and subtle patterns like microstripes or checks.
  • Brands: Charles Tyrwhitt, TM Lewin, and Proper Cloth are recommended for quality and budget-friendly options.

Dress Pants

  • Colors: Stick to versatile colors like navy, dark grey, and black.
  • Quantity: 4 pairs should suffice, allowing you to rotate and match with your shirts.

Ties

  • Styles/Colors:
    • Dark blue
    • Dark red
    • Diagonal narrow stripes
    • Subtle patterns that complement your shirts

Shoes

  • Recommendations: Look for formal yet comfortable options, as you’ll be walking a lot.
    • Brands like Brooks Brothers and Banana Republic offer good quality shoes.
    • Ensure they are well-fitted and consider getting them tailored if necessary.

Outerwear

  • Winter in NYC: You’ll need something professional yet warm.
    • A well-fitted wool overcoat in a neutral color (black, navy, or grey) is ideal.
    • Ensure it’s long enough to cover your suit jacket.
    • Consider layering with a scarf and gloves for added warmth.

Pro Tips for Surviving a Manhattan Winter

  • Undershirts: Wear light undershirts to manage sweat and add an extra layer of warmth.
  • Socks: Invest in warm, comfortable socks to keep your feet warm during the walk.
  • Casual Fridays: Ease into it by observing what others wear before opting for jeans.

Final Checklist

  • 2x suits (one light grey, one dark grey-charcoal, or navy)
  • 4x suit trousers (2 for each suit)
  • 10x dress shirts (3 white, 3 blue, 4 other)
  • 5x ties (dark blue, dark red, narrow stripes)
  • 2x belts
  • 2x pairs of shoes
  • 1x wool overcoat
  • 5x undershirts
  • 10x pairs of socks

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared for your winter internship in NYC while staying within budget by taking advantage of Black Friday deals. Good luck!

Sources: S&T Summer Intern Clothing Guide, Should You Always Wear a White Dress Shirt?, A minimal wardrobe that works for interns/first years, New To Formal Fashion? Start Here. PT1, Summer 2016 Shopping Guide for a Business Wardrobe

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

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