Dress for Success Oregon, a nonprofit organization dedicated to aiding women and gender expansive individuals in reentering the workforce, is opening its doors to the public for a special closet sale from June 20-22. This unique shopping event occurs three times a year, providing an opportunity for the community to peruse high-quality donated clothing while supporting a worthy cause.
Founded in 1999, Dress for Success Oregon began solely as a clothing bank. Over the years, it has evolved significantly and is now part of a global network of 134 Dress for Success affiliates operating in 20 countries. The organization provides comprehensive wrap-around services designed to help its clients thrive in their job searches.
“Now, the lens is way more holistic and all-encompassing,” stated Lindsey Norlander, executive director of Dress for Success Oregon. “It’s more, ‘What’s coming up for you when you’re looking for a job, and how can we support you?’”
Support can range from providing essential items like computers and gas cards to offering haircuts and resume assistance. These services are made possible through the funds raised during the closet sales, which typically generate between $15,000 and $25,000 each.
Dress for Success Oregon serves approximately 1,200 clients annually, with each visitor expected to return for an average of three visits. Although walk-ins are welcome, about 95% of clients come to the nonprofit through referrals from counselors, caseworkers, or legal representatives.
During their one-hour shopping experience at the Dress for Success boutique, clients receive personalized attention from dedicated personal shoppers. These shoppers are knowledgeable about clients’ sizes, workplace attire needs, and individual styles, ensuring that the right items are available for fitting.
According to Norlander, the transformation in clients’ demeanor is remarkable when they find that perfect outfit. “People come out of the fitting rooms when they find ‘the thing,’ and their shoulders are back, their head is held high. That’s what we’re looking for. We want people to feel fully like themselves when they’re going into something (like a job interview) that brings a lot of stress.”
Each client is entitled to eight pieces of clothing, along with a handbag, accessories, new-with-tags undergarments, shoes, socks, and personal care items. Once they secure employment, they can return for a follow-up shopping appointment, during which they learn how to mix and match their clothing to create a versatile capsule wardrobe that meets their professional needs.
Dress for Success caters not only to traditional business casual attire but also provides uniforms such as scrubs and work boots for clients pursuing careers in the trades. Beyond clothing, clients have access to on-site hair salons and resources for job preparation and computer skills. Financial literacy programs are also available, equipping clients with knowledge about workplace benefits, including how to use flexible spending accounts for tax savings.
Significantly, among the new clients who visit Dress for Success, 79% are currently receiving public assistance. This figure drops to 36% among clients who have engaged with the program for two years.
The public is encouraged to contribute to Dress for Success through monthly donation days, where gently used clothing or new-with-tags undergarments can be dropped off. Norlander mentioned that approximately 50% of donated items are kept for the program, while the remaining donations are distributed to mutual aid efforts or other nonprofits.
Despite the influx of donations, they often still manage a backlog, which is why the closet sales feature an impressive array of items. Shoppers can expect to find a wide selection of business and casual wear from brands like Banana Republic, J. Crew, Express, as well as high-end designers such as Burberry and Dolce & Gabbana. There will also be new items from popular brands like Sorel, Dr. Martens, Nike, Columbia, and Calvin Klein.
Volunteer Heather Jones expressed enthusiasm for the closet sale, noting that many shoppers are taken aback by the quality of the offerings. “We’ve got our core audience of folks who know and love us,” Jones said. “but when I came to volunteer here a couple years ago, I was like, this (sale) is a really well-kept secret.”
The pricing at the closet sale is straightforward, with full suits available for $22, coats for $20, pants for $7, dresses for $10, jackets for $12, blouses for $5, and shoes for just $3. Clients are also welcome to shop and can take home 10 free items from each sale.
The summer closet sale is scheduled for June 20-22, from noon to 5 p.m. each day, at Dress for Success located at 1532 N.E. 37th Ave. Additionally, shoppers who spend at least $40 on Friday or Saturday will have access to an exclusive Sunday sale, where all items are offered at $3 and half-off for individually priced designer pieces.
For those looking to declutter their wardrobe, the next donation event is on June 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Dress for Success.
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