Written by Kazumi Shiroma

We want to dress smart and look presentable for our interviews and internships, but where do we start? What do we need?

We can take inspiration from fashion blogs, but oftentimes those outfits don’t take note of two things that most of us experience on a daily basis: the Manila heat and the tiring commute.

So, based on Tim Gunn’s 10 Closet Essentials, I’ve decided to come up with a Top 10 Closet Essential List. Created with both comfort and style in mind, this list contains the perfect lineup contextualized to the Philippine Climate for your internship wardrobe.

Tim Gunn’s Top 10 Essentials are:

1. Basic Black Dress

2. Trench Coat

3. Classic Dress Pants

4. White Shirt

5. Jeans

6. Cashmere Sweater

7. Skirt

8. Day Dress

9. Blazer

10. Sweat Suit Alternative

Okay. So let’s start by slashing out #2, #6, #10. Who needs a trench coat or cashmere sweater when Manila’s as hot as an oven all year ’round? Let’s revise the list to give you 10 closet essentials that you can use even after you’re done with your internship.

The idea is to be able to come up with pieces that are versatile, simple and interchangeable. So, without further ado, here’s the revised list:

RECOMMENDED ESSENTIALS

1. Your Corporate Dress

Choose a simple, basic and corporate friendly dress—preferably a solid color. Avoid see through materials. Remember, this should be a dress you can wear when you make a pitch or to a whole-day business event (yes, sometimes your internship bosses will take you to these types of meetings).

Well-fitted and tasteful. Skip the bareback, you need to be presentable not party ready.

2. A blazer or a trusty cardigan

A number of our internship sites had tried to imitate Siberian winds. Joking aside, make sure you have something to keep you warm. You don’t want to catch a cold because of a high powered AC, so do your best to avoid it. (Trust me, it’s happened).

3. Well fitted and meeting-ready pants.

If you aren’t allowed to wear denim jeans, neutral colored pants are the next best thing. Khaki, black and navy blue work with almost any color.

4. One collared, button-down.

Brand doesn’t matter but fit does. Sometimes you may have to wear a button down for more formal meetings. You can go with white but you can also opt for other solid colors or stripes.

5. Office-appropriate jeans.

Depending on your internships, you may or may not be allowed to wear jeans. If you’re allowed to wear jeans, avoid the ripped jeans that make you look ready for a rock concert; instead, choose simple cuts that go with most blouses or shirts.

6. Your Pitch-Shoes!

You’d definitely see most OrCom juniors wearing their “power heels” during their pitches. Choose a pair of heels you feel comfortable in and have them ready for when you have pitches or formal events.

7. A pencil or a-line skirt.

Embrace your femininity, a pencil skirt is always a nice thing to have. Double check the length and fit, make sure it isn’t too tight or short.

8. Flats

Most offices won’t let you have open-toed footwear. Flats are always a good idea, especially when you’re walking to a bus stop two blocks away or literally running errands for your internship site.

9. Blouse in your internship organization’s color.

I know it sounds a little weird, but for events-based organizations, it’ll be helpful to have a shirt in the color of your organization— especially when they make you head an event. (Unless they give you an organization shirt, of course.)

10. Shirt/Tops.

Choose shirts/tops that don’t stain too fast or show “everything” when you bend over. Avoid loud or rebellious prints, remember you have to look respectable because you also represent your internship site. A handful in plain colors help you mix and match items without running out of options.

BONUS ITEMS: Heavy-duty bag! I know Tim Gunn’s guide didn’t include accessories but you need a bag that can fit all your items.

Scarf! This is quite handy for days when you need something to keep you warm. Depending on how you tie it, you can find multiple ways to style it.

That’s all 10! This is a guide to help you out. Best of luck!