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Emma Schaible / Fourth Estate

BY NYLAH MITCHELL, COPY EDITOR 

School ends, and summer internships begin. There’s a collective release of stress and relief after finally accepting an internship offer following rounds of interviews and rejections. Though it can feel like a lot of work, summertime is arguably the best time to intern, with the warm weather, outdoor mixers and ever-adventurous side tasks. 

However, if it’s your first internship and you’re unsure how to dress appropriately in the office, this guide is for you. 

Hot tip: Tight, dark suits and sweltering weather do not go together. Don’t attempt it — it won’t be worth it in the long run.  

Light Cardigans 

Sleeveless blouses are perfectly suitable for the summertime, especially when outside. Depending on the dress code requirements, it’s best to keep a light cardigan handy — both for modesty and for chilly office temperatures. 

Linen 

The best clothing for summer is breathable, airy fabric such as linen. For offices with Summer Fridays, linen is great for shorter work days followed by post-work dinners. Try structured tops, such as button-downs, peplums, or tunics, paired with relaxed-fit linen pants for a polished yet comfortable look. The downside to linen is that it wrinkles easily, due to its low elasticity and high moisture absorption. 

Cotton 

Though dark suits and hot weather don’t pair well, if caught in a limbo that calls for a more professional look, opt for 100%, full cotton suits. Cotton is thicker than linen but thinner than wool, offering a lightweight, breathable and cool to the touch wear. Shades like grey, beige, and cool blue are also hot weather-approved for its reflecting nature.  

Dresses 

Finding the perfect balance between modesty, formal and chic can be tricky, but midi-length dresses are the best of all worlds. Flowy, A-line styles are office-appropriate for a swinging silhouette and are dressy enough for fancy dinners after work. If worried about the neckline on a sleeveless dress, consider a boat-neck that stretches across the tops of the shoulders. 

Shoes 

If the workplace involves miles of walking, such as Capitol Hill, then the best advice is to have a pair of solid white sneakers on deck. Sure, heels and flats may be timeless feminine staples, but if you’re running errands back-to-back, it’s best to wear a shoe that makes you feel comfortable on the go. White sneakers with minimal logos like Vejas and all-white Adidas Sambas are great for a fresh, clean look. 

Casual Days 

On more relaxed days, medium or dark wash jeans strike the perfect balance between casual and put together. Jeans in the office are chic when styled with a waist-length blouse and sleek, comfortable shoes. For a more relaxed yet preppy outfit, try a white t-shirt with a light sweater tossed over the shoulders. 

Summer outfits, whether for an internship or not, are all about trial and error. The key is to move slowly and prepare for the unexpected: cold offices, humid temperatures and random downpours are all part of the season.

Saahiti Kiran Chamala/Fourth Estate

BY SAAHITI KIRAN CHAMALA, CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

If you’re ever riding the Orange Line train and find yourself hopping off at Dunn Loring with a sweet tooth, there’s one spot you absolutely can’t miss—Rice Culture. This hidden gem, tucked just a short walk from the metro, is the ultimate late-night dessert destination for adventurous foodies and soft-serve enthusiasts.

Self-described as a place “where tradition meets innovation in Asian desserts,” Rice Culture takes that mission seriously—and deliciously. Their star attraction? A $10 soft serve that’s anything but ordinary. Swirled into a cup or cone, these unique soft serves come crowned with a golden, crispy taiyaki—a fish-shaped waffle filled with a choice of custard, cookie butter, red bean, Nutella or even Oreo cream. And the best part? Unlimited toppings. Yes, that’s correct—unlimited.

Flavor-wise, Rice Culture doesn’t shy away from the bold or the beautiful; floral sakura milk, delicate lychee, vibrant ube and the ever-popular cookies and cream. Every flavor delivers a distinct experience, marrying Asian-inspired roots with modern presentation. As sophomore Alia Daniels, describes it, “Rice Culture is great—the ice cream flavors were really good, not too sweet. Thai and Sakura taiyaki are my favorite.”

But the magic doesn’t stop at the soft serve. The café offers an impressive range of drinks, from colorful refreshers to classic coffees, alongside jar desserts that range from fizzy floats to creamy, traditional rice puddings. Each item is crafted with a focus on aesthetic and flavor, truly Instagram-worthy and unforgettable. Sophomore Taylor Jackson,  raved, “Rice Culture taiyaki with Nutella filling was the BOMB.”

Saahiti Kiran Chamala/Fourth Estate

Rice Culture has two other locations in Chantilly and Tysons, though the menu offerings at each spot vary, making every visit a fresh and flavorful experience. Whether craving something cool, creamy or culturally rich, Rice Culture is the spot worth coming back to—especially on the summer nights  in the Northern Virginia area when only a taiyaki-topped treat will do.

Saahiti Kiran Chamala/Fourth Estate

BY SAAHITI KIRAN CHAMALA, CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Nestled in Old Town Fairfax, and a pleasant stroll from the Mason campus, lies my personal favorite café, De Clieu. This cozy local spot has captured the hearts of many with its signature house-made syrups, unique drinks and all-day breakfast sandwiches. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., De Clieu hums with activity the moment it opens its doors, drawing both early risers and afternoon loungers alike.

Having frequented the café precisely at its opening hour several times, I can confirm its consistent popularity. With diverse options catering to both vegetarian and meat-loving patrons, there’s something delectable for everyone. My personal recommendation is the “Crazy Irishman,” an irresistible blend of egg, cheddar, a crispy hash brown patty and mustard aioli, enveloped in baked focaccia. 

Sophomore Mohamed El Hadj Sidi, declared the Irishman was, “One of the best breakfast sandwiches I’ve had. After eating it, my life changed. I didn’t know what a breakfast sandwich was until I had that.”

Faris Madani, another Mason student, enthusiastically recommends their roast beef sandwich. He said, “Every one of their breakfast sandwiches hits the spot, but their roast beef sandwich truly fills me up for the day.”

No visit to De Clieu is complete without trying their famed Matcha Blossom—a matcha latte infused with organic, house-made rose syrup. Faris described it as “a beautiful blend of earthy matcha and sweet floral notes.” Mohamed enthusiastically added, “The matcha is absolutely ridiculously amazing.”

What truly sets De Clieu apart is its commitment to quality and authenticity. Junior Terrel “Rell,” a barista at the café, highlighted how Du Clieu stands apart from other cafés: “Our syrups are nearly all house-made. We use real vanilla beans and vanilla bean paste for our drinks, making each sip truly special.”

Rell emphasized that De Clieu prioritizes balancing sweetness with authentic flavor profiles. “We try to match the concentration and sweetness of our syrups with our espresso to truly highlight our fresh beans and partnership with the quality-focused company Intelligentsia,” he said. The seasonal menu is particularly innovative, offering new and trendy syrup concoctions regularly.

Whether looking for a place to study, unwind, or simply savor delicious food and drinks, De Clieu is undeniably a spot worth frequenting.

Saahiti Kiran Chamala/Fourth Estate

BY SAAHITI KIRAN CHAMALA, CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Before I set foot in El Presidente, I knew I was in for something special. The experience began with their website—yes, the website. From the moment I reserved a table online, I was hooked. Sleek, playful, and thoughtfully designed, it immediately gave off the atmosphere of a place where memories are made, not just meals.

Located conveniently near the NoMa-Gallaudet U New York Ave metro on the red line, El Presidente blends accessibility with elegance, making it a go-to for special occasions without breaking the bank. Whether celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just dressing up to feel a little bougie, this place delivers.

Walking into the restaurant is like stepping into a dreamscape of vibrant colors and unexpected charm. The bar greeted me with deep teal-blue interiors, bold red accents, and quirky sea creature decorations that are somehow both whimsical and chic. The dining room too is nothing short of breathtaking—bathed in warm red tones and anchored by a mural so beautiful it practically begs to be photographed for Instagram.

Saahiti Kiran Chamala/Fourth Estate

The menu arrived and it was full of diverse, inclusive and delightful surprises. Starting with a classic guacamole, an easy 11/10, served with unlimited chips; my friends and I found ourselves scraping the bowl clean. However, the small portion sizes that continued into our main courses were disappointing. I ordered the Enchiladas Suizas, including shredded chicken, green chile-tomatillo cream sauce, and Chihuahua cheese. It wasn’t the best, but it wasn’t bad either—solid 7/10. Sophomore Kayla Smalls, who also ordered enchiladas, commented, “My enchiladas were too small.”

Saahiti Kiran Chamala/Fourth Estate

Despite the modest portions, the menu offers something for everyone, with endless vegan and gluten-free options, not the usual token salad and sad entrée. Cocktails can be customized to be alcohol-free, making the space inclusive for all.

When it comes to price, El Presidente does lean on the expensive side. “Their crab enchiladas and the dessert were really good, but it’s not college student friendly,” said sophomore Alia Daniels. For most of us, it’s a restaurant we would visit for a special occasion.

For dessert, we went all in, ordering everything on the dessert menu except the churros. The standout was hands down the Mexican chocolate pudding. It was rich, decadent and indulgent enough to forget the price tag.

The real magic happens when there’s a celebration. The staff goes above and beyond—singing happy birthday and delivering a complimentary scoop of their delicious sorbet topped with a lit candle and a handwritten wish note that makes the visit even more special.

El Presidente is not just a restaurant—it’s an experience; one that I now associate with joy, flavor, and a little bit of sparkle. If looking for a place that turns a dinner into a memory, this is it.