When Will Germaine, 20, of Valley Stream, NY, recently needed professional attire for his new role as student government president, the community health student at Hofstra University didn’t shop online or drive to the nearest mall. Instead, he cruised the racks at Hofstra’s “career closet” at the campus health and wellness center.
Since opening this permanent location in September, the campus boutique allows students to select new and gently used work attire for internships, job interviews, networking and professional events. As for the cost? Well, it’s entirely free.
Germaine selected five long-sleeved dress shirts to match dress pants and chinos already hanging in his closet. “As the newly elected student government president, I have a lot more professional engagements that I want to look professional for. I don’t think my hoodie-and-jeans outfits are best,” said Germaine, whose mom previously spent $200 on a suit for him. “The career closet allows students to worry about one less thing on their professional career path.”
Michelle Kyriakides, executive director of Hofstra’s Center for Career Design & Development, said that dressing for success is critical.
“Employers often will make a judgment about candidates’ professionalism and career readiness based on appearances,” she said. “Having access to the right types of clothing helps students feel confident and makes sure they are prepared for making a strong first impression.”
Hofstra’s career closet is part of the growing trend of local colleges and universities providing free workwear to students. Typically, donations are gently worn professional clothing from faculty, staff and the community. Plus, it’s environmentally friendly. Since Hofstra’s closet launched in 2019 as a pop-up and became permanent in September, more than 1,500 students have scored spiffy threads.
While it’s important to tweak résumés and hone interview skills, looking polished is equally important for career preparation, but that comes with a price tag that may be a barrier to entry.
“When some college students think about the high cost of clothes, they worry,” said Kamrin L. Pressley, 22, graduate school mentor at Mercy College’s Bronx campus. When she studied psychology as a Mercy undergrad, she snagged a suit, button-up shirts and a pair of shoes. “When you’re trying to get an internship or job, it’s important to dress the part. But if you don’t have the funds or the means, that can set you back.”
Senior Danielle Lawrence is studying public health at SUNY College at Old Westbury, on Long Island, where the syllabus requires students to present in professional apparel for the business presentation skills class. Students are eligible to visit the closet in the student union building by appointment once a semester to select a head-to-toe outfit. Lawrence picked up a black blazer, silky blouse, heels and green slacks.
“I was new to the school of business, and I was surprised to see it as a requirement. I didn’t have business attire on hand,” said Lawrence, who was relieved she could get something from the closet to make an impact in class. “You always want to dress in a way that people are not distracted by your clothes, so they pay attention to who you are. If you come in neat and pressed, they can focus more on what you have to say.”
Local schools aren’t the only organizations providing free professional attire. Nonprofits such as Bottomless Closet and Dress for Success empower women with tools and resources to reenter the workforce. They offer resources from clothing to tips for managing the job search and interview process and more.
“We want to empower women to succeed,” said Melissa Norden, Bottomless Closet’s executive director. “Confidence is everything. How a woman looks at herself in the mirror and consequently feels about her self-image will impact how she presents herself to a potential employer.”
Typically, two outfits are provided to each participant, including purse, shoes, jewelry and a coat. After they land a job, they receive two to three additional outfits to jump-start their work wardrobe.
Last month, Bottomless Closet held its first career fair at its Herald Square office and many job seekers wore their new threads.
Norden said, “They felt so much more confident in themselves since they appreciate the TLC we put into dressing them for success. The outfits are thoughtful, professional, meaningful and transformational for these women as they take their first steps into a new beginning.”