What Do I Wear There? Summer Jobs
Ah, the summer job. Practically a right of passage for us college students, there are many variations within this one standard field. Whether you’re waiting tables or waiting for the train on your way to a corporate internship, I’m here to help you get through those early mornings of “What do I wear there?” panic!
For this piece, I created outfits for three different types of summer jobs: working with kids at a summer camp (this would also work for babysitting!), working in a restaurant/cafe with an all-black dress code (as this is obviously a challenge if you want to express your inner style) and a position that requires commuting (since many of us have internships/jobs that we reach via a lengthy car, train or bus ride).
Best of all, considering the nature of the first two jobs–physical work most likely outdoors with kids and with food/drinks–I made sure to find clothes that were cheap and therefore easy to stock up on or replace.
If I missed your summer job, let me know in the comments! I understand the stress of the morning rush to work and I’d love to help you out in the next article.
Comfy for Camp
Product Information: Tank: Gap.com, Tinted Moisturizer: Ulta.com, TOMS: Yoox.com, Shorts: Uniqlo.co.uk, Hoodie: Ae.com, Bracelets: Asos.com
The major concern when working in this sort of environment, with its outdoor location and plethora of kids running around, is definitely function over fashion. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still look cute working at a camp!
I started off with a plain, solid brown tank–I suggest stocking up on a bunch of these in different colors to wear throughout the week. Layer this with a hoodie to protect from any chill or rain while you’re trekking around outdoors, and throw on boyfriend shorts – they’ll allow you to run around while retaining your modesty (though they may be in style, hot pants have no place at summer camp).
As those of you who follow my columns know, I love TOMS shoes, and they are perfect in this situation–the canvas is flexible while the design is adorable! For added flair and fun, finish off your accessorizing with an updated friendship-style bracelet (a great throw back to your own camp days!).
Hair and makeup are best left as natural as possible, so I recommend just a simple tinted, SPF-infused moisturizer for makeup. If you want to wear a bit more, add waterproof mascara and some lip balm. Simply smooth your hair with some anti-frizz cream and pull it back–or leave it down and possibly get some camper-created styles!
Cool for Cafe
Product Information: Shirt: Urbanoutfitters.com, Earrings: Charmandchain.com, Lip and Cheek Stain: Sephora.com, Sneakers: Urbanoutfitters.com, Jeans: Modaexpressonline.com, Nail Polish: Ulta.com
Having had a waitressing job before that required an all-black uniform, I understand how depressing it can get to put the same all-black basics on each day. Therefore, I wanted to add a few tweaks to this look that will add some excitement to your all-black ensemble.
Black jeans are the safest route to go for, as they will allow you to move with ease and can be tossed into the wash for a quick clean up when you return home. Rather than just picking out a simple v-neck tee or tank, I went for a tee that has a bit more shape to it (the banded waist is super flattering!).
Simple black canvas sneakers are–just like the jeans–comfy and easy to clean, so I chose them to complete the base of your all-black ensemble. For a pop of color, rock vibrant turquoise nails and use a lip and cheek tint to brighten up your face against all of the black.
Finally, I chose these anything-but-basic modern black earrings as your statement accessory; they will be sure to capture your customer’s attention (and admiration) and possibly start up some interesting conversation!
Chic for Commute
Product Information: Dress: Joythestore.com, Sunglasses: Oliverbonas.com, Necklace: Urbanoutfitters.com, Hairspray: Sephora.com, Wedges: Lorisshoes.com, Blazer: Forever21.com, Bag: Piperlime.gap.com
Note: This look is best for a position that is in the more relaxed, fashion/creative industry. Dress codes vary greatly across different industries, so be sure to ask about the dress code at your workplace before starting your first day at any job! For more, see: How to Dress Professionally: Business Dress Code Basics.
With my hometown located about an hour outside of NYC, many of my friends often spend most of their summers on trains and buses as they do the dreaded daily commute to an office job in the city. I personally think this is the toughest type of job to dress for, as you are most likely commuting in for a position that requires you to dress up a bit. So how do you stay comfy on a long commute while still looking professional once you step off the bus or train?
I think this dress is the epitome of a great look for commuting and work, as the cotton material is breathable for the commute while the shape, length and color are 100% work appropriate. Since I have found that you can never really predict the temperature on a bus or train, bring along a blazer or cardigan to throw on if the air’s blowing a bit too strong.
The idea of wearing heels to run for a train scares even a die-hard heels fanatic like me, so I suggest going for their comfier cousin, the wedge. I actually own these wedges for my work days and have taken to wearing them out even when I’m not in the office–they’re amazing!
As for accessories, try a chain necklace to toss on as you head out the door; it toughens up this girly pink dress a bit without being too over-the-top for an office. Sunglasses are another must for a commuter, as they can hide your tired eyes in the morning (and even allow you to doze off a bit unnoticed). Finally, a tote bag large enough to cart your laptop, a notebook and any other necessities is a must, and I love how this bag manages to be sleek in construction but noticeably sturdy with its woven handles.
Your hair and makeup for this position depends entirely on how you feel and how those around you present themselves in the work place. However, if you’re like me and a long work day typically ends with flat hair, use some volumizing hairspray before you head out into the working world!
What Do You Think?
Do you have any experience working in any of these positions? What do you usually wear to work? Do you have any tips for dressing for certain professions? Would you wear there looks to your workplace? Let us know in the comments!
And don’t forget to leave any other “What Do I Wear There?” questions below; yours may be featured in next week’s article!
Posted on on June 17, 2010 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Camp, Commute, Inspiration, Internships, Jobs, Summer, Waitress, What Do I Wear There?
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Libby
I know this doesn’t fit ‘everyone’ (or not even a big portion of your readers), but I’m an engineering student, and where I’m currently working, and will be for the rest of my life, is not someplace where I can wear ‘fashion/creative industry’ office clothes. I need a little more function (and machine safety), but I still want to be fashionable. Any suggestions for that?
I think an article on alternative work outfits for those of us NOT in the creative sector would be a great addition to the site, and I’d be happy to at least try to contribute on some good ‘engineer outfits’ if you’d like :)
Keep up the great work, CF!
Milana
Love the commuting outfit, but just image what that dress will look like after you’ve been in an super busy NYC subway in the morning with people pushing! Or sitting on a bus for an hour… That color is very fragile ;)
But love the look none the less! I’m all for being chic even when on a bus!! :)
Great post!
Andrea
I love the looks! They all look great and definately would work the environment they are meant to be for. However, i work in a State office, and although we don’t need to be dressed up in suits and heels, i hate that sometimes i just end up wearing a t-shirt and jeans with my red TOMS (i love these shoes). I would really like to see something that i can pull together with a great pair of skinnies and a cute top, i just can never seem to put anything together that early in the morning…
Do you have any suggestions for a casual office look that won’t take too much effort but at least looks put together?
Amber
haha I agree!
How can we make scrubs look fashionable?
Besides that, great work!
Alex
Awesome post, though not as helpful to myself specifically as I’d hoped! One fairly large creative job area often requires almost, or all black – and not jeans! I work in the cosmetic industry, and while I like your simple black restaurant outfit, I’m a bit more of a girly skirt girl, and jeans are not part of our dress code! Maybe you could do something on how to rock black on black while still keeping the look sleek and professional (like your gorgeous commuter outfit?)
nicole
For food establishment jobs, nail polish is a no-no.
Natalie
I’m actually in a similar situation with Libby. I’m a microbiology major and my summer job/internship involves making solutions and buffers for research.
I actually don’t have to wear a lab coat the whole time, so something comfy, chic, yet proper at the same time would be great.
Great post though!
Sari
I’m with Andrea! I’m interning for a Senate campaign, and while our dress code is very lax, I don’t just want to show up always wearing a tee and jeans! That being said, the camp outfit is my favorite!
Rachel - Northeastern
Aw love the Metrocard in the header, that’s where 90 dollars of my hard earned paycheck goes every month..
Yvonne
Oh my! I LOVE ALL the looks!
Working as a freelance writer and for an online magazine gives me the freedom to wear what I choose! I love being able have this luxury as I remember working in more “corporate” environment where everything was “by the book”. I hope to never have to go back to that again!
Great post!
Cass
I have a situation along the same lines as Libby and Natalie; I’m studying biology, and I’m going to have to wear long pants and closed-toed, non-cutout shoes with low or no heel pretty much every day. I’m also going to be around chemicals that stain and bleach . However, I’d prefer not to have to do jeans and a t-shirt every day just to stay in the dress code without bleaching anything expensive (because it totally goes through lab coats). Any ideas?
Anonymous
Nice!
I hope to see What Do I wear There? Wizarding World of Harry Potter. ;)
Hannah
LOVE the last outfit! It’s perfect for me, since I’m working in a creative industry and have between a 40 – 90 minute commute, depending on the day. I actually planned something very similar to your look for my first day. :)
xoxo Hannah
Vanessa
love the looks, but that an open backed dress that length would NOT be appropriate for my office job… and would probably get messed up on the metro.
Sam
Fun post. I’m jealous of anyone who lives in a place where a hoodie is practical in the summer. Even at night, in the rain, it’s still 80-90 degrees here :(
Laura
I work in the Collection and Archives section of the library on campus. It’s a really lax environment, but I like to mix it up. Sometimes I just throw on skinnies, moccs and a tee with a belt and statement necklace. Other times I wear skirts or cute summer-y dresses.
@Andrea: try picking out your clothes the night before, like I do! I like sleeping til the last possible minute, so I make my lunch and pick out my clothes the night before lol, I’m SO OLD!
Melissa
I hire summer help and am amazed they think it is OK to show up in tattered old clothes looking like they just rolled out of bed.
I have 2 interns who showed up casual but stylish. They put an effort into getting ready to work and then put the effort into working. It went a long way and I believe if you dress for success, you will.
So look in the mirror when you go out the door and ask yourself do you look like you are going to work? (and do you feel good about how you look)
Katie
As much as I do like the waitressing outfit, being a waitress I can’t agree that I’d wear it. Maybe it’s the type of restaurant I work at but bright nail polish is banned, big earrings are a bad idea and I’d feel too casual in jeans. I’m also not so sure about the shoes- I get food on my shoes constantly, all I’d ever wear are patent ballet flats as patent allows you to wipe it all off, if I had canvas shoes I’d have to wash them every week! However it is a lovely outfit, and I’d love to wear it, if only the fear of spoiling it!
Re
I love the first outfit, and though I wouldn’t wear it, the third outfit is pretty chic. However, I think the waitress outfit still looks like it needs a little more. I think ballet flats made out of a material to clean off (maybe patent like Kate said) would make the outfit cuter, some sparkly textured nail polish or just clear polish (if one can get away with it) that is still within the black family, and smaller out-of-the-way earrings. I also love the idea of denim jeans, but those still seem way too casual. Maybe dress pants, trousers, or even a black pencil skirt with black tights would be better?
As for those that work in engineering and chemistry related professions, flat shoes are a must. And I think for a job where there’s a risk of getting stuck in the machinery or getting chemical on your clothes, layer up some clothes you can easily slip out of: That way, when that clothing does get destroyed, you just jump out and you’re still nice and purdy.
Good luck on your scrubs though Amber. XP
Laura
OMG, yes please on the “cute outfits for lab work” request!!! I’ve just started school and have lab three times a week, which means closed toe shoes (preferably flat – we’re on our feet for 3 hours), long pants, and elbow-3/4 length sleeves. So far I’ve been rocking jeans/sneakers/hoodies but it’s starting to feel a little desperate ;-)
Kellie
I love these looks! Could you do a “What to Wear There” for a Vegas weekend?
Jade
I work at both a golf course and an offsale… The dress code is set so that I can basically wear anything, but I feel so awkward wearing dresses and things like that.
shanon
A summer job is not really a fashon amd most jobs have uniforms you can wear but your clothes are nice and cute.
Lauren
Babysitting at the shore? You’d think it’s a no brainier, but it’s actually really difficult. The parents are divorced& the mom always has me doing different things with the kids. I never know what to wear!