Life’s big occasions often bring with them the challenge of what to wear, whether it is a job interview or an official occasion. That is where Dress for Success fulfils a valuable role, with a well-stocked fashion showroom in Marrickville and a team of professional stylists and fashionistas willing to share their wardrobe and grooming tips.
Dressed for Success is a not-for-profit organisation focussed on helping women achieve the right “look” to open doors and lift their confidence and self-esteem.
Karleen Green came to see Dress for Success when she had a red-carpet wardrobe challenge. Karleen is an organiser of the Deadly Awards, the national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander music, entertainment and community awards. She has not been long in the job, and is still building up her work wardrobe.
With just weeks to go until the Deadly Awards at the Sydney Opera House on September 25, Ms Green needed some styling and wardrobe advice for a very special night out. “I knew straight away that I needed to get something very nice,” she said. “I’ll be greeting people on the red carpet, so I had to up the ante.”
“Dress for Success has really lifted my confidence and self-esteem. In a store, you don’t usually get that nice customer service and they always try and sell you something you don’t need, or that doesn’t suit you.”
Dress for Success manager, Kate Wiechmann, said the showroom is very similar to a shop, but clients also receive a one-hour consultation with a stylist who helps them put an entire outfit together, including accessories.
The showroom is stocked by donations from professional women, often through corporate clothing drives.
“We can help women prepare for a job interview, or even a court appearance,” Ms Wiechmann said.
In Karleen’s case, the brief was rather more exciting. Dress for Success had a range of outfits, and accessories for her to choose from. Judging from the photo of Karleen taken at her fitting, the result is a radiant picture of confidence.
“They really make you feel like a million dollars,” Ms Green said.
