As the summer approaches there is one forbidden topic that lies at the front of every Cornell student's mind. Its weight could change the pH of a room. These five little words that everyone loves or dreads: “Do you have an internship?” It's true that the competitive edge doesn’t solely pertain to the academic year, but extends far out into the heat of the summer sun.
If you find yourself lucky enough to receive one of these coveted positions, and you're addicted to clothes like me, the first question that comes to mind may be “what the hell am I going to wear?” Despite the simplicity of this question, the answer is far more layered (literally). Your clothing is the first impression you display when walking into the workplace, your ensemble could scream “I got this” or “I don’t know what I’m doing.” Making that lasting first impression, whether it's on your boss or the other interns, may make or break your future. Now this may sound dramatic, but let's be real, life is dramatic. Getting an internship is competitive enough, messing it up because you look underprepared would be the worst way to go out.
While searching on (my beloved platform) Pinterest, I couldn’t help but notice the inaccurate depiction of office wear I was being fed. Instead of a sensible pant, I was enticed with a mini skirt disguised as appropriate due to its drab, gray hue. It was appalling seeing well put together outfits, only to be paired with dirty Nike Air Force 1 shoes. Let it be known that the only appropriate place for air force one’s in 2025 is a fraternity basement.
It's no secret that the “office siren” aesthetic has taken over the business runway, adding a sex appeal to rather bland garments. The office siren look was first displayed on runways like Sandy Liang, Miu Miu, YSL and Tom Ford in the winter of 2024. This trend includes items impersonating workwear such as tight skirts, button down tops (that are way too unbuttoned, enlisting pushup bras to do their bidding) and bayonet glasses. Think The Devil Wears Prada chic.
After the trend towards hyper-feminization in 2023, the pendulum swung the other way towards a femme-fetale, corporate fetish. It became an ode to the early 90s fashion, inspiring the allure of powerful and sexy women. Unfortunately, the performative nature (found often in trends on social media) has not translated well with impressionable youth entering the workforce. A debate has been sparked on TikTok by the user @Glutenfreejackie, who shared a story that went viral about a girl who was allegedly fired from an internship that promised a six-figure salary after graduation — all over an inappropriate outfit choice. If you are wondering how much, it was 200,000 dollars… She lost 200,000 dollars and a job offer because she (allegedly) thought it was appropriate to wear a tube top and mini skirt. Discourse broke out about the validity and fairness of dress codes in the workplace. Gen Z is experiencing dissonance when it comes to sporting their own personal style versus conforming to modern professionalism and the expectations of a workplace. Despite this criticism of our generation's insectual response (find the difference between a moth to a flame, and a twenty something girl who just discovered those sequin leopard printed micro shorts), it was not too long ago that partywear mimicked corporate. The sexualization and clubization (yes I just made up a word, go with it) of workwear has always been around. In the early 2010s, clubbing attire was often fueled by pencil skirts, a peplum sensible top and a statement necklace.
Despite the trials Gen Z faces in incorporating their personal aesthetic into workwear, the summertime offers an additional assailant: the sun. The heat poses a threat, and limits numerous options. The not so welcomed addition of armpit sweat, swamp ass, or the pool formed on your lower back, can create the worst kind of discomfort, that quite frankly, can ruin your day.
Finding fabrics that have good wicking and breathability is the name of the game. Things like linens and polyester are very strong in their ability to move moisture, and increase comfort. Cotton and rayon also are good options due to their absorption without losing the comfortability. In corporate settings, with stricter dress codes, having a go to rotation of lightweight blazers is a lifesaver.
Finding a bottom that caters to the weather is near impossible. I have found that long skirts are optimal for the hottest days where pants feel impossible. These knee length skirts can vary in styles and looks, while providing a modest appearance. Lucky enough, these are easily found at thrifts and with a Google search, EBay and Depop will do the trick. They also can stand as the “fashion piece” of the outfit, making your shirt selection easy. These pieces can offer a refined professional look and maintain your personal aesthetic. If you desire a more traditionally masculine look, finding a versatile pant can be a game changer. If you are bored with the stiff classic cut, choosing a more trending form, like bootcut, can also distinguish your outfit in a more personalized way.
Tops can be even trickier and may lead to a closet disaster. If you work somewhere more strict, your options may be limited to blouses. Choosing ones that fit your ideal color pallet can help customize your overall aesthetic. Things like trims, interesting sleeves, or texture can elevate an outfit (without jeopardizing it).
Finding affordable pieces that don't break the bank feels nearly impossible. It is so tempting to open up Shein and buy a haul's worth of clothes. Instead, I implore you to take a look at your style, and determine what are your most reached for items. Once you do that, see how they can translate into corporate wear and invest into a few staple pieces that you know you can mix and match. Brands like Abrocrombie and Fitch, White House Black Market (yes, your mom might have been on to something) and Express are in essentially every mall and make quality items at a fair price. Banana Republic also stands tried and true, even having a 9-5 edit for their corporate consumer. Their prices are higher, but they offer great basic options and are in it for the (workforce) long haul. I believe that if you pair an expensive item with cheaper ones, it makes those affordable pieces look high end. If you are operating on a budget, thrifting can provide unique pieces at a great price.
Internships are nerve wracking, and the last thing you want to do is feel even more uncomfortable in a new environment. Having clothing that reflects your personality can give that extra boost of confidence needed to succeed. It may seem trivial, but you have to look the part that you want and attack it as such. And might as well attack it while wearing a killer suit set.
Jess Agran is a sophomore in the College of Human Ecology. She can be reached at jba76@cornell.edu.
