Dress for Success has moved – Jane O’Loughlin checked out the new shop.

A new larger premises in a convenient central city spot means Dress for Success is primed and ready to help more people into work.
As the name suggests, the charity offers quality business style second hand clothing to those preparing for job interviews and role. What people may not know is that its services also include career coaching, CV development, interview preparation, mentoring, work-readiness programmes, and employment support.

A new spot at 15 Willeston Street in the central city means more space for clothes, and crucially, suitably private and well-appointed rooms where clients can get advice on job preparation and appearance from professionals.

When The Local visited, the team of paid staff and volunteers were unpacking nearly a tonne and a half of clothes and accessories that had been moved from the previous premises on The Terrace.

Chief Executive Taslim Parsons is thrilled with the new location, as it is much more accessible for passersby and clients, and can accommodate more classes and clothing. It offers an alternative location for clients alongside the offices in Lower Hutt.

Supported by Ministry for Social Development funding, clients will come in for a session on advice about how to dress for an interview, what clothing styles look good on them, and will go away with suitable clothing and accessories.

'"Every day we meet people who are taking courageous steps toward a new job, a new career, or a fresh start. Our role is to help them feel prepared, capable, and confident as they take those next steps."

For some, it may be the first time or the first time in a long time they have been in the workforce, and the training helps overcome their trepidation.

“People come in with no confidence, and by the time we’re finished with them, they’re standing up tall,” Taslim says.
However, you don’t have to be in search of a job to use the styling services. Anyone can come in and pay to book a styling session, which helps to fund Dress for Success.

The store is staffed by volunteers working alongside a small number of paid staff.
Taslim says the work is satisfying. “It feels like we’re changing lives every day.”

The team are proud of their achievements – last calendar year Dress for Success supported 1589 people through its services and programmes and helped 155 people move into employment.

It also produced good environmental outcomes, diverting over 4,000 kilograms of clothing from landfill through reuse and redistribution.

Supporters of Dress for Success can help by buying from the store, coming in for a paid styling session, volunteering to help (particularly those who can commit for the long term), or donating good quality work wear – once the shop has sorted all the clothing it has moved.
Check out Dress for Success at 15 Willeston Street.