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What to Wear: Tech Job
I’ve worked for dot-com’s for the past six years. I bought all kinds of suits for my first job and quickly learned that they didn’t really match the tech dress code. Here is Hanna’s request:
I am a college student and I have an internship at a big tech company next semester (Spring). The dress code is very casual, and is dominated by men. Men usually wear shorts, a t-shirt, and sneakers. From the few women that I have seen, they too also wear t-shirts and jeans. I will probably move around a lot, so comfortable shoes are a must.
I really want to be noticed at work by looking well put together without breaking the bank. I look very young for my age, and people still think I am in high school. I want to update my wardrobe to look more grown up.
It is also in Austin, and I’m from Chicago (my wardrobe is a lot of fall/winter pieces)! I am 5’2 and have a bit of an apple figure (short torso, not flat tummy) and have somewhat pale skin despite being Asian.
Dress up for the first couple days, and then migrate to a uniform of jeans, structured shirts and jackets. Pretty much every woman in San Francisco wears a variation of the following to work at their tech jobs. And there’s a good reason why, you’re comfortable and put together looking. Sort of a hybrid between the corporate and the coding worlds.
Jeans – A nice dark pair that looks tailored and crisp. You can also do trousers or a pencil skirt to mix it up.
Shirt – A collared shirt is always right for the office. This J.Crew version is loose, feminine and bright. Yellow is extra nice when paired with a berry lipstick.
Jacket – Some sort of blazer or small jacket will add structure and help to keep you warm (men like their offices cold)
Bracelet – Purple and gold adds an extra bit of flair.
Flats – So nice for running around the office all day.
Handbag – I have a navy bag that I love.
Glasses – A quick and easy way to look more “serious.”
Good luck with the internship!
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Emily,
Thank you! This is exactly what I needed! Thank you so much!
I think this is simply perfect. My husband read a suceeding at work type book recently and one tip that they had (which I thought made sense) was to take just a bit more care in your dress than the average. If everyone else wears a t-shirt wear a button down, if everyone wears a button down add a jacket. It makes you still blend, but look like you care just a bit more about your work. Appearance really does matter. Looking well makes you look “Competent and Confident”
Good luck in your new job.
Thank you so much for this adorable outfit idea! I work at a dot-com too, and it’s hard to look cute when you’re surrounded by male software engineers all day. This outfit is perfect!