TEEN VOGUE Fashion University | College Fashionista

INTERNSHIP FASHIONISTA: It’s a Catwalk into the Closet
Written by Sarah Wasilak

I’ve snapped photos upon photos of New York City’s Fashionista/os simply because I knew their outfits would stick with me. I knew I’d be inspired by the minor details—the way she layered a sweater over her maxi, or the way he let his socks peek from the rim of his boots. And this summer I’ve discovered how very similar said fashion facet is to an internship. After all, if you are an intern, like me, you’ve heard: it’s the little things you do around the office that make you memorable—Holding the door open for a coworker, offering to grab your boss’ lunch, staying an extra hour to get the job done.

As interns, our work mentality is quite similar to the one we assimilate when selecting an ensemble. We want to be recognized for our style, we want to make a statement. And what better place to do so than the home of Marie Claire Magazine, specifically, the fashion closet? Ask Karen Hor, 21, a rising senior at Syracuse University, about her summer position in the Hearst building, and you’ll undoubtedly detect enthusiasm. Sure, she loves the fast-paced and fashion obsessed environment, but she’s also determined to stand out among the other 30 interns who inhabit the closet. And in my eyes, she does.

Maybe it’s her aura and the way I can sense her mere admiration for the business. Perhaps it’s just the way she’s done up her hair, flawlessly fastened with a thin tie turban. But I imagine one has affected the other, and because of this fervent fashion cycle, Karen has become not just any Fashionista, but an Intern Fashionista, one who, quite literally, wears her wholeheartedness on her sleeve.

Of course, dressing appropriately is expected no matter your position. But here in New York, a true trendsetter is intrepid; a risk taker, and one who yearns to experiment. Karen could have settled for the black lace dress she sports beneath her sheer blouse, but that would be unsettlingly simple. Instead she unites basics—ones every girl should have. Ones you can find at American Apparel or by Alexander Wang.

And to bring out the black, she adds a pair of short chelsea ankle boots—comfortable enough to run errands and chic enough that she’ll surely be showered with compliments from fellow Fashionistas. Put some studs or straps in your step with these black booties from Topshop.

But Karen doesn’t shy away from color. Accents of gold jewelry and a peach head wrap complement her skin tone. You can find a similar striking pendant chain by Avant et Après, and keep the hair out of your face when you’re scrambling around the office with an Urban turban.

Finally, every intern needs a satchel by her side, whether it’s to carry lunch, a reapplication of make up, or other essentials. Karen’s Gucci tote is timeless, but some of my purse picks this season really make a pop. Check out Kate Spade’s Cabana Stripe Raelin, Julie K’s Robin Lamb leather, and Modalu Coralie’s mock croc. And so, by taking these tips, and gathering inspiration from getups like Karen’s, you’re bound to make a bold impression on your boss—it’s in the bag.