You guys have been so involved in our What to Wear internship contest, I decided to put our 3 hopefuls up to yet another challenge!
Tsetsepela presented her query, typing, “I am so confused and need your help. I am accompanying my boyfriend to his boss’s engagement party in two weeks time. It is at a country club, in the evening and the dress code is formal. He is the only black manager at the company and it will be the first time I meet his colleagues so I really want to make a good impression. It is summer here in South Africa so it is relatively warm but it does get a bit cold and rainy at night. I’m 21 and will probably be the youngest person there apart from the couples children. I need some ideas,WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?”
Intern 1 wrote, “To join in the celebration of a couple’s engagement, you want to create a glamorous yet sophisticated look so I wanted to incorporate pieces that always serve as stylishly chic and posh wardrobe options like a pencil skirt and peplum design.”
“.. This Donna Karan Gold All-Over sequined pencil skirt is the perfect party wardrobe choice, so I paired it with a simple white peplum top to give the look a polished yet trendy touch (get the exact one above here). To play up the look of the skirt, include different metallic hues by adding in a silver ankle-strap sandal, a rose gold box clutch, and gold embellished jewelry. To finish it off, a neutral and feminine makeup palette, like a soft pink lip and a nude lid, works as the perfect complement to this fun and classic ensemble.”
Intern 2 offered, “A first impression is lasting…but we’re aiming for a great one. So to reconcile fit, formality, fashion and youth, I went with Bruuns Bazaar BILLIE Cocktail dress in pretty periwinkle. Simple yet serves its purpose. You’re meeting your boyfriend’s boss, while you can be fashionable, no need to be over-the-top.”
“ What will make this dress shine is its impeccable fit; princess darts and quality material is every woman’s friend. Now, let’s talk accessories. Opted for Ann Taylor’s brilliant Large Pearlized Bead and Crystal Statement Necklace. Went for pizazz per Pour La Victoire’s Shanna Lace Up Sandals, perforated and snakeskin, then umph with combined emerald hues by way of Roberto Cavalli’s Clutch and Alexis Bittar’s ‘Miss Havisham New Wave’ Hinge Bracelet. Little makeup, pearl earrings, nudish toes, and a classic high bun with a strong pink pout completes the look. Oh, because rain is a possibility, I snagged this adorable ruffled Kling Kling Umbrella in navy. Enjoy!”
Lastly, Intern 3 said, “If you are attending a formal event but still want to look cute chose bold colors. I’ve prepared two outfit ideas for the engagement party. La piece de resistance for the first look is the gorgeous Halston Heritage orange gown. I think it’s formal, yet fun and fit for a 21-year old lady. I’ve completed the with gold accessories for a festive touch: Manolo Blahnik Chaos sandals, an orange Kotur box clutch, a pair of long earrings from Kenneth Jay Lane and a gold cuff by Eddie Borgo. Finish of with a gold manicure. This look is polished and sophisticated, yet fashionable and young.”
“For the second look I chose a red of the shoulder curve hugging dress by Vivienne Westwood. I accessorized the look with these elegant black sandals by Christian Louboutin to add more interest and with silver jewelry: a Swarovski crystal bracelet and a pair of tear drop earrings both by Kenneth Jay Lane. Add a bejeweled box clutch like this one from Natasha Couture and finish the look with a red manicure. Pull your hair back and let the earrings and the dress play center stage. And if it gets cold just cover up in a cape style coat like these from Michael Kors.”
I love them all!
But which one is your favorite?
We’ll do a recap and vote for our ultimate internship winner tomorrow (see earlier submissions here).
Smootches!
March 21, 2013 12:11 pm
I’m loving Intern 1 and 3!
March 21, 2013 12:18 pm
1 or 2. I’d wear a different clutch with 2, maybe blue or salmon.
I also wouldn’t wear silver shoes with the bronze shirt in #1, rather a goldie/bronzie shoe or a pop of color like Hermes orange since the rest is neutral.
March 21, 2013 12:31 pm
I really like #1. And she gets points for using a top that is inexpensive from NY & Co. I also like that she mixed metallics this time. Also, this is an outfit that can be worn over again and mixed with other items and that’s always a win!
March 21, 2013 12:36 pm
Yessss for number 1!!!!
March 21, 2013 12:37 pm
Intern 2′s look is perfect for meeting the boss and still look youthful!
March 21, 2013 12:39 pm
Love them all but if I had to choose. It’ll be Intern 1 and 3. The only think I like about intern’s 2 look is the necklace and the lip color.
This is getting harder everyday… Claire just choose someone soon… lol! Once again, good luck to all the interns!!! :-)
March 21, 2013 12:42 pm
# 1 is servin’ an ‘Upgrade U’ moment with all that golden blinks. loves
#2 is servin’ some southern charm with that parasol. very Hamptons-esque as well.
#3 is servin’ Madison Avenue charity event chic. love the accesories.
:-)
March 21, 2013 12:52 pm
I like intern #1s option and a shawl can easily be thrown over this look and still look great. Also the red dress from Intern #3 is a great option too.
March 21, 2013 12:54 pm
#1 and #3
March 21, 2013 12:57 pm
Look #2 is my speed.
March 21, 2013 1:04 pm
I like 1, but think 2 is great for the occasion.
March 21, 2013 1:09 pm
1 is a bit flashy.
2 is subdued.
3 is a bit much for a 21.
2 wins here.
March 21, 2013 1:17 pm
I really like #’s 1&3 but I agree it’s a too much for a 21 year old. #2 is youthful and fun and I like that she incorporated the umbrella just in case it’s one of those rainy nights! Good job!
March 21, 2013 1:23 pm
Like 1, but not for the reader’s outing. And 3 is not bad, but not the best. Look 2 would be really cute with a pink shoe, but overall 2 wins.
March 21, 2013 1:27 pm
Forget the girls age, she needs to be taken seriously at a function with professionals at a COUNTRY CLUB. I would go with 3. I think the red dress is great for a formal event for a young woman.
1 is extremely flashy and 2 is disjointed.
March 21, 2013 1:27 pm
1 takes it!
March 21, 2013 1:29 pm
Intern 1 is really doing it. She has exquisite taste.
March 21, 2013 1:29 pm
Intern #2 for me.
March 21, 2013 1:43 pm
Although my personal taste is leaning towards # 1… I think # 2 is more appropriate for a 21 year old.
March 21, 2013 1:52 pm
I love all three outfits! The interns did a great job.
#1 is flashy but still appropriate. I would try to get a peek a photos from past Christmas parties and office events to feel out the vibe of the offices wives. It is important to know if their style is more subdued or fashion forward. Although they may look great does their style scream boring? If so pick #2 NOT because it is boring but because the muted color and accessories still give you stye but not so much as to not fit in with the group. On a first meeting that is not related to anything creative (fashion, music, dance,etc.), I tend to try to fit in more, but still remain true to my own style.
If she chooses #3 then pick the orange option.
Me, you ask? Oh I’ll be working all three of these looks during my travels this summer; so THANKS INTERNS!
March 21, 2013 1:58 pm
I forgot to say Claire, I really hope intern #1 lands this gig.
March 21, 2013 2:01 pm
#1
March 21, 2013 2:07 pm
I like # 1 and 3…although especially # 1. The skirt is fabulous and formal, yet perfectly appropriate for an office party/event.
March 21, 2013 2:08 pm
Think all looks could be great for the right personality. I’m on board for the metallic in 1; the textures in 2; and the sass in 3—just depends on the 21-year-old.
As for the intern…overall, this could be tough. They each have their strengths. But as someone pointed out yesterday, intern 2 writing is good along with her taste. Intern 1 appeals to a younger audience… so depends on FB’s needs.
Personally, 2 has my vote.
March 21, 2013 2:14 pm
Look #1 gets my vote!
March 21, 2013 2:29 pm
I agree with hypnotic. #3 is elegant and fabulous (both options)
#1 is cute too but maybe for a dinner date.
March 21, 2013 2:56 pm
Intern #1
I think it’s an excellent outfit for a job’s night party at a country club. The outfit is glamorous yet sophisticated. In addition, the colors are elegant and prefect for the ocassion.
March 21, 2013 3:06 pm
I love intern #1:business on top,party at the bottom.Her choices always blow me away!Intern #2 is good too but something is always off with her choices.
March 21, 2013 3:07 pm
1 is the winner!
March 21, 2013 3:10 pm
#1
March 21, 2013 3:12 pm
Strongly like 2. Her looks are polished…not for the trendy crowd which may be a target audience here. 1 is quite trendy (not bad) just not my thing.
2!
March 21, 2013 3:44 pm
Love all three looks personally my favorite is #1 followed by #3 but given the occassion I think #2 fits better. But I must say Intern 1 has very impressive styling
March 21, 2013 4:39 pm
#2
March 21, 2013 4:42 pm
# 1 is my favorite with the metallic and the pencil skirt. #2 would be my second fave.
March 21, 2013 4:52 pm
That #1 skirt…omg..luv
March 21, 2013 5:11 pm
I love all three but if I had to choose, I would go with look 2!
March 21, 2013 5:37 pm
Love #1 but #2 is cute & age appropriate + I love she payed attention to the fact that it could rain & included an umbrella!
March 21, 2013 6:11 pm
Intern #2, love it!
March 21, 2013 6:24 pm
I think people need to keep in mind the actual event. I love all of the looks but look 2 is the best for the type of event and the type of crowd she will be around. Although the first look is so cute it will make her look her age. The 2nd look is very classy.
March 21, 2013 6:28 pm
Oh I forgot intern 1 killed it though. If I’m judging interns I am definitely going with 1 overall.
March 21, 2013 6:41 pm
The fit and color of two. I’ll have to say 2. It’s appropriate yet fashionable. You can’t always be too flashy when you don’t know the niche.
March 21, 2013 6:41 pm
I love the alive look of Intern #1
March 21, 2013 8:19 pm
none..clearly they’ve never been to this type of event
March 21, 2013 8:48 pm
Although it is a formal affair, the attendee is only 21 – so I like Intern #1 best. It’s youthful but still glamourous.
March 22, 2013 5:18 am
Number 1 is my person fave, but I think number 2 is more appropriate. Id she was going to a fancy restaurant with her man then I would choose 1 or 3. But she’s going to an engagement party where she shouldn’t be the center of attention. two is classy, chic, and sophisticated but not overbearing and in your face. Two for the win!
March 22, 2013 10:54 am
1. did the best job of incorporating pieces that can be worn individually, multiple times, different ways. great bang for your buck.
2. i LOOOOVE everything about this.
3. love the bold color choices of these looks. my only issue with the orange dress is that it looks like a bridesmaid dress. or rather, the type of dresses you see bridesmaids wear State side. that may not be a problem anywhere else in the world, but I, personally, never want to look like a bridesmaid or up-stage the bride. still very pretty colors!
it’s a toss-up between 1 & 2.
March 22, 2013 10:57 am
#1 & #2
March 22, 2013 10:57 am
actually, now that I think about it. while i love #1 choices, it may not be appropriate for an engagement party. again, i will cite; not wanting to up-stage the bride. maybe with a different skirt?
anywho, #2 is most appropriate
March 22, 2013 11:03 am
maybe it’s just me and my career (finance) but none of these are really appropriate for a formal engagement party with my co-workers at a country club. I like #1 the best i guess. But I would wear that to a formal engagement party of my friends parents or something, not my older conservative co-workers.
March 22, 2013 11:51 am
It would have to be #1 or #3 – Claire used that skirt in a what to wear before & I loved it then and loved it now. I don’t understand how outfit #2 is appropriate for an evening engagement party at a country club. That’s not an EVENING engagement party look at all but if you all say so lol
March 22, 2013 1:51 pm
#1 n #2 r great!