I received a couple of requests for this post and I’m really glad you emailed me. Since I live in DC, I have the luxury of having my entire closet at my fingertips to piece together work outfits. I completely forgot how many who come to DC to spend the summer interning are here for only a couple of months and have limited space in their suitcase. I know, it seems obvious but trust me, thank you for pointing this important detail out!
DC summers are hot and muggy to say the least. Cotton will be your best friend. It’s hot and humid outside and freezing from the air conditioner inside your office. Layers are also key. But wait! You want to look professional 9-5 but still look cute for happy hours. So much to balance in a single outfit, let’s get down to basics.
1. {Colorful Pants}: If your office dress code is casual, these are great for Fridays to go from the office to drinks with friends. You can also pair them with pumps for Friday or Saturday night!
2. {Nude Heels}: These Jessica Simpson heels are my absolute favorite! They are reasonably priced and will last you awhile. Nude heels go with just about everything so you will get a lot of mileage out of this heels.
3. {Cardigans}: Remember the A/C conundrum? It’s 98 outside, 60 inside. Here is where you layer, layer, layer. Bring along cardigans and pair them with a cute ruffle top or simply button them up all the way (a la Emma from Glee) to wear by itself.
4. {Cotton Pencil Skirt}: While I do wear pants on weekends, I’m more of a dress/skirt girl Monday through Friday. While they aren’t a sexy miniskirt, the great thing about pencil skirts is that they are very flattering to your silhouette so I promise you, you will still look adorable sipping margaritas with your gal pals.
5. {Neutral Tote}: I play Tetris with my tote several times a day. Between a pair of heels, my lunch, snacks, iPad, agenda, book and all the other loose trinkets, it’s a challenge to fit everything just so in my tote. I’d recommend getting a neutral tote like the one above (or a Longchamp if that’s in your price range) because it looks professional and polished (and you can fit a ton in there). For going out purposes, I’d toss a small crossbody in your suitcase to bring out on the weekends.
6. {Sandals}: I’ll just say it now: Do not wear your heels on your commute. DC’s cobblestones are beautiful and historic…but are a death sentence for heels. You want to make those heels last so wear sandals on your commute. Sandals are great for post-work and weekends and you won’t trip as much when you get jostled around on the Metro.
7. {Sleeveless Top}: Have I stressed enough how hot DC summers are? You’re going to want to go with sleeveless as much as possible. If Michelle Obama can do it, so can you. Or, at least, that’s what I tell myself. Pair your top with a cardi from 9-5 and then toss the cardi into the tote after. On weekends, pair with wedges and shorts to hit the bars.
8. {Tank Top}: I love wearing my cardigans as a simple top just by buttoning them up all the way. To smooth any bra strap lines, wear a J.Crew Perfect Fit Tank underneath. Once Friday at 5 hits, you can take off the cardigan and hit Jazz in the Garden! On the weekends, tuck the tank top into shorts and accessorize with a fun belt and sandals. You’re ready to cruise the farmer’s markets!
If you have any questions about DC, interning, etc. please email me at dcgirlinpearls(at)gmail(dot)com or just click on the envelope icon at the top right. I hope this post was helpful 🙂
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This is great advice! I live in a humid and muggy area so I always worry about it being 100 degrees outside and 50 inside my office building.