By Audree López
Let’s take it back to the early 2000s for a minute and let me paint two scenes for you. The first: Our forever girl-crush Lauren Conrad, in the first episode of The Hills, rushing to her interview at Teen Vogue. She’s crunched for time and is ironing her skirt with her flatiron (been there, done that, and I’ll do it again).
Or the second: When Miranda Priestly meets Andy Sachs in The Devils Wears Prada and says, “You have no sense of fashion.”
Andy starts to reply, “I think that depends on…”
“No, no, that wasn’t a question.”
And you think to yourself, “Is this really what it’s like?” As if there isn’t enough to worry about before starting your internship. It’s like the first day of school all over again—Will you fit in? Will you like the other interns? Will they like you? Do I bring coffee or is it free? (I know, the really important questions!)
At least for me, the main question is always “What do I wear?” Forget the business suits—I’ve got the inside scoop on how to dress for each editorial department from fashion to social media:
Editorial Department
As an editorial intern you’ll be doing research, pitching articles, and assisting the magazine’s editors. You need to look polished, chic, and ready to an interview at a moment’s notice.
Shop the look here:
SHIRT | PANTS | NECKLACE | HEELS | PURSE
Your Outfit Must-Haves
- Loose blouse
- Tailored or skinny pant
- Classic pump
- Piece of statement jewelry
- Statement tote
Follow these editors on Instagram for inspiration: @katherinepower, @christenebarberich, @amilli0naire
Fashion Department
Trust me, strutting down New York streets in heels is not as glamorous as it may seem. As a fashion intern, you might be running garment bags around the city or walking around the fashion closet to prepare for a shoot. Dress chic and comfy because you won’t stop moving all day.
Shop the look here:
BLAZER | SHIRT | PANTS | NECKLACE | WATCH | BOOTS | PURSE
Your Outfit Must-Haves
- Statement outer layer
- Skinny jeans
- Classic blouse
- Chic shoe
- Accessories
- Tote
Follow these editors on Instagram for inspiration: @joannahillman,@becky_malinsky, @jamesdemolet
Beauty Department
Your day might consist of desk-side meetings with beauty companies or researching the best new beauty trends of the season.
Shop the look here:
SWEATER | SKIRT | NECKLACE | HEELS | CLUTCH
Your Outfit Must-Haves
- Professional top layer
- Structured skirt
- Heel
- Statement clutch
- Dainty jewelry
Follow these editors on Instagram for inspiration: @kristiedash, @elainewelteroth
Art/Photo Department
Be ready to jump between working on set at photo shoots and helping the team with magazine layouts.
Shop the look here:
SHIRT | JEANS | CUFF | LOAFERS | PURSE
Your Outfit Must-Haves
- Patterned blouse
- Boyfriend jeans
- Bucket bag
- Loafer
- Unique jewelry piece
Follow these editors on Instagram for inspiration: @ivanshaw, @jakerosenberg
Web Department
The web team doesn’t stop working—from scouring the Internet for the hottest stories to scheduling social media blasts, you’re the first to provide the news to the world. Dress comfy and be ready to be at your computer all day.
Shop the look here:
BLAZER | SHIRT | PANTS | NECKLACE | SNEAKERS | PURSE
Your Outfit Must-Haves
- Boyfriend blazer
- Classic white tee
- Skinny jean
- Leather tote
- Classic Adidas sneakers
Follow these editors on Instagram for inspiration: @evachen212, @itstamyodell, @sophiachabbott
Audree Lopez is a guest blogger at Ed2010, sharing her style tricks and tips to help you have a fashionable step forward in the industry. She’s a fashion closet assistant and personal stylist by day, fashion and lifestyle blogger of simplyaudreekate.com by night. This Arizona native loves thrift shopping, strong cups of coffee, and finding the best places to eat in the city. Follow @simplyaudreekate on Instagram and Twitter.