WMass Dress for Success branch provides clothes for job interviews, proms, and more

New England Public Media | By Olivia Bodden
“The western Massachusetts branch of Dress for Success is working to provide professional clothing to women and nonbinary people in the region. The branch, located in Springfield, offers clothing for job interviews, formal events, and specialized clothing like healthcare scrubs. They also provide mentorship services designed to help with financial planning, provide career advancement advice, and help people go into higher education if they so choose.

All of the clothes provided through Dress for Success are donated from the community. Volunteers help go through the donations, ensuring that the articles are good quality items and then organizing them to go out on the racks. Once the clothes are out, stylists help people pick out clothes that will best suit their needs, providing both fashion advice and emotional support.

Madi Baez, the boutique coordinator, knows that professional clothing is important for developing self confidence.

“Once you have this powerful outfit, it seems shallow, but the reality is you do feel good about yourself,” Baez said. “Once you wear something professional, something sparks inside you that you really feel good about yourself because you feel you look amazing.”

Ty Foster, the program manager, also recognizes the importance of making a first impression for a potential employer.”
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