Finding affordable and fashionable clothing for professional women was already hard before the Pandemic. Most professional dress is expensive and is oftentimes not inclusive of all body types and incomes. In a post Covid-19 world, professional dress has become even more difficult. Zoom and remote work changed dress code expectations. Many others were not so fortunate and relied on unemployment. This has made it even harder for women to prepare for a return to office life.
“ I wasn’t prepared for needing a suit, let alone a professional outfit for five days a week. I was in a panic.”
ASHLEY REINER, AN ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT IN PHILADELPHIA
24-year-old Ashley Reiner, an Administrative Assistant in Philadelphia, never worked in an office before. When she entered the workforce last year, everything was remote. Now she has to go into the office but she never built up her professional closet. “I don’t own a suit and can’t afford to buy one,” Reiner said. “ I wasn’t prepared for needing a suit, let alone a professional outfit for five days a week. I was in a panic.”
Luckily, Rabia Chaudry, a PNC Branch Manager and volunteer from The Dress for Success Suiting Program was able to help Reiner out. “I remember how hard it was to dress well but affordably when I first started working,” Chaundry said. She got involved with DFS Philadelphia through a clothing drive and was so impressed with the Program that now, Chaundry helps other women put together their Professional Capsule Wardrobe.
Dress for Success recently opened a new office in Philadelphia and so that they can provide women resources in person as well as virtually. “In addition to equipping women with apparel and accessories, our services include resume review and interview help,” Kathleen Reisdal, the Philadelphia branch manager said, “ our networking and mentor support programs help women flourish once they are on the job.” Reisdal added that the global not-for-profit organization even offers resources, “from job listings to mental health resources,” through their Connections Resource Center online hub.
For more information about Dress for Success or to schedule an interview with Kathleen Reisdal or to speak with our clients and volunteers about our Suiting Program, please contact Michelle Kendig at KendigM@DFS.com
