Although the rise of discount clothing retailers globally has enabled most income levels of workers to feel comfortable with their attire in workplace, economically challenged workers, new entrants to the labour market and those returning after an absence that has gone hand-in-hand with a lack of income, often find themselves at a loss in terms how to present themselves for new opportunities.
Even if the standards of dress in the workplace have relaxed somewhat, we still are driven by a ‘dress for success’ mentality, where appearances do matter and are often linked to our sense of self esteem.
Anxiety over what to wear can cause more than just sweaty palms; the loss of confidence can hinder career development, making it difficult for new entrants feel comfortable and assured about the image they portray in their work environment.
But with organisations like
Dress for Success cropping up in communities worldwide to help potential employees overcome the gap between their economic predicament and their career aspirations, applicants and new hires can walk into an interview or office feeling professional and fully focussed on what in takes to thrive in their role.
Founded a decade ago in New York City, the international organisation Dress for Success specifically assists disdvantaged women in gaining economic independence by providing them with suitable attire for interviews and for their evolving career paths, and provides additional career development support through its Professional Women’s Group. Hat’s off!