Intern Outfit Ideas: What to Wear to Your Internship

Quick answer: Match your outfit to the office dress code, and when you do not know it yet, dress one step smarter than you think you need. For most internships, that means clean, ironed, modest clothes in neutral colors and comfortable closed shoes. Ask your supervisor what the team wears, then adjust after the first week.

How to find out the dress code

• Ask. Send your supervisor a friendly note: 'What does the team usually wear to the office?' Nobody will mind. It shows you care.
• Check photos. Look at the company website, social media and any team pictures. Notice what people wear at their desks, not only at events.
• Use the one step up rule. If you still cannot tell, dress one level smarter than you expect on day one. You can always relax later. It is much harder to recover from looking too casual on your first morning.

Dress codes explained, with simple outfit ideas

These labels mean slightly different things in different offices, but the basics are similar. All of these ideas work for any gender. Pick the pieces you feel good in.

Business formal

Common in finance, law and some government or corporate offices. Think a matching suit in navy, gray or black, with a collared shirt or a smart blouse, and polished leather shoes. A tie, scarf or simple jewelry is optional.

Business casual

The most common office style. Mix and match: smart trousers, chinos or a knee-length skirt or dress, with a collared shirt, blouse or fine knit top. Add a blazer or cardigan if you want to look sharper. Loafers, flats, low heels or clean leather shoes all work.

Smart casual

Relaxed but tidy. Try chinos or dark trousers with a polo, a plain shirt or a neat top, and clean, simple shoes. A plain T-shirt can work under an overshirt or jacket.

Casual

Many start-ups and creative teams dress casually, but casual does not mean sloppy. Choose plain tops, well-fitting trousers or tidy shorts if the office allows them, and clean shoes. Leave out clothes with big slogans, holes or sports logos.

Your first-day outfit

Pick your outfit the night before and try it on. On day one, aim for confident and comfortable, not fashionable. A good formula is one smart bottom (trousers, chinos or a skirt), one clean top with a collar or a neat neckline, and one layer such as a blazer or cardigan. Add closed shoes you have already walked in, so you do not get blisters on your commute.

Then watch what your colleagues wear over the first few days and adjust. It is normal to dress a little smarter than the team in week one.

A small capsule wardrobe for a few weeks

You do not need many clothes. A capsule wardrobe is a small set of pieces that all go together, so you can mix them into different outfits. For a few weeks of work, try this:

• Two or three tops that suit your dress code, such as shirts, blouses or polos, in plain colors
• Two bottoms: for example one pair of dark smart trousers and one pair of chinos, or a skirt
• One blazer, cardigan or light jacket that goes with everything
• One smarter outfit for meetings, presentations or events
• One pair of comfortable closed shoes and one backup pair

Stick to a few colors that match each other, such as navy, gray, white and beige. Then every top works with every bottom.

Dressing for a hot and humid climate

Many popular internship cities in Asia are hot and humid for much of the year. You still need to look professional, so choose fabrics that help you stay cool.

• Breathable fabrics. Cotton, linen and light blends feel better than thick synthetic materials. Loose or relaxed cuts let air move.
• Light colors. White, beige, light blue and pale gray feel cooler than very dark shades. Check how a fabric looks when damp.
• A light layer. Offices and trains often have strong air conditioning. Keep a thin cardigan, blazer or jacket at your desk so you stay comfortable.
• A spare top. A fresh shirt in your bag helps after a hot commute or a rainy day.

Cultural modesty notes

Norms vary by country, city and even by company, so use these as general guides and not strict rules. In many parts of Asia, workplaces lean more conservative than you may be used to at home. Covered shoulders, tops that are not low-cut and skirts or shorts that reach about the knee are usually a safe choice for the office.

Temples, shrines, mosques and other religious sites often ask visitors to cover their shoulders and knees, and to take off shoes at the entrance. Keep a light scarf, shawl or long shirt in your bag for weekend visits. Some offices and homes also ask you to remove shoes, so wear socks that are in good condition. When you are not sure, look at what local colleagues wear, or ask them politely. You can read more about workplace manners in our guides to business etiquette in Thailand and business etiquette in Taiwan.

Shoes and grooming basics

• Shoes: Clean, closed shoes are the safest choice. Loafers, flats, leather shoes and tidy plain sneakers (if the office is casual) all work. Wipe them the night before. Choose shoes you can walk in, because commutes often include a lot of walking and stairs.
• Hair and hands: Keep hair neat and nails clean. Beards and facial hair are fine when tidy.
• Make-up and accessories: Keep it natural and simple. Small earrings, a watch or a plain necklace is plenty.
• Scent: Wear deodorant, and keep perfume or cologne light or skip it. Shared offices can be small and sensitive to strong smells.

What to avoid

• Clothes that are wrinkled, stained, stretched or have holes
• Very tight, see-through, low-cut or very short items
• Beach clothes: flip-flops, tank tops, swimwear-style shorts
• Gym wear, unless your workplace is clearly sporty
• Big logos, strong slogans or anything that might offend
• Heavy perfume and shoes that squeak or click loudly
• Wearing something brand new that you have not tried on for a full day

For more on making a good impression beyond clothes, read our guide to internship dos and don'ts.

A note from our team

Herlyn Jarder is Lead Community Manager at Asia Internship Program and supports interns on the ground. Her advice is simple: ask early, start a little smarter than you think you need, and adapt once you see how the team dresses.

FAQs

What should I wear on my first day of an internship?

Dress one step up from what you expect. If the office is probably casual, wear smart casual. If it is probably business casual, add a blazer or a collared shirt. Choose clean, ironed, comfortable clothes and closed shoes you have already worn in.

How do I find out the dress code for my internship?

Ask your supervisor or the person who contacted you before you start. Then look at the company website and social media for photos of the team. If you still cannot tell, use the one step up rule.

Can I wear jeans to an internship?

Only if your supervisor says it is fine. Some offices allow plain, dark, well-fitting jeans with no rips. Others do not. For the first week, choose smart trousers or chinos instead, then copy what your team wears.

What should I wear to an internship in a hot, humid country?

Pick light, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen, and loose cuts that keep you cool. Offices often have strong air conditioning, so bring a light jacket or cardigan. Pack a spare shirt and check that your outfit still looks neat after a commute.

Do I need different clothes for temples or religious sites?

Often, yes. Many temples and religious sites ask visitors to cover shoulders and knees, and to take off shoes. Rules differ by place, so check before you go and carry a light scarf or layer in your bag.

Planning where to intern? Browse our destinations to see where AIP places interns across Asia.