Should Interns Wear Ties? 5 Wardrobe Tips For Your IB Internship

“Business Casual” shouldn’t be so complicated.

Luckily, one of my college friends was an analyst at the bank I was interning at.

He answered my questions on the expected dress code for “bottom of the totem pole” interns.

1) Full Suit Day One

Err on the side of caution. Can always take off the tie. First impressions matter.

2) Nothing Flashy

Safe Colors: Charcoal & Navy for suits, White & Light Blue for shirts.

Go easy on obnoxious ties & socks. No need to draw extra attention.

3) Adapt to Group Norms

Nobody wore ties at my bank except the industrials group. That was the top dog partner’s style, so all others followed.

4) Coats for SR Banker Interactions

For rooftop happy hours where you get to network with SR bankers - he advised going one step above. Also goes for SR coffee chats. Nail that first impression.

5) One Level Above Analysts

You can get away matching their level - but he recommended one above. You have a short 10wk to establish a reputation & dressing up doesn’t hurt.

6) Keep Jacket at Office

Hang it up in desk cubby. Keeps it unwrinkled & easily accessible. Never know when might need it.

7) Professional For Client Meetings

It’s a client services business - professionalism is crucial to establish trust. Polished dress conveys that.

8) Keep Tie & Tide Stick In Bag

Tie for unplanned formal events. Tide stick for when you spill all over yourself at lunch & don’t want to be embarrassed the rest of the day.

9) Plan Dry Cleaning Ahead

Most dry cleaners Working won’t be open when you get off because of the hours. Morning drop off usually works best.

10) Optional: Keep Pair Dress Shoes at Office

If you’re walking a longer distance to office - can wear comfortable shoes & toss on dress shoes first thing in morning from your desk. Also keeps them clean on rainy/muddy days.

13 Comments
 

You were already told to stop posting because you are cringe and no one cares, yet you continue?

 

People are telling to stop posting but tbh I’m finding them helpful so thanks

 

Non ipsam est ad exercitationem rerum odio. Aut vel et eaque doloribus quia et accusamus est. Reprehenderit eos dolorem optio.

Career Advancement Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Evercore No 98.8%
  • Morgan Stanley 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 13 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 06 98.3%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.7%
  • JPMorgan 01 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

July 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (15) $434
  • Associates (46) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (80) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $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
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
3
kanon's picture
kanon
99.0
4
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
5
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
98.9
6
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
7
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
8
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
9
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
10
Linda Abraham's picture
Linda Abraham
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...”