What started as a small church basement closet has grown into a global organization dedicated to helping women build their careers.
Dress for Success is an international nonprofit that provides unemployed and underemployed women with professional attire to support their job search and career development.
Through generous clothing donations, the organization ensures women have the right outfits to feel confident in the workplace.
“A lot of our clients are moms, single moms, and women at different stages in life,” said Michelle Artis, program director of Dress for Success Mid-Fairfield County. “No matter their background, they all share a common goal—gaining the confidence they need to re-enter the workforce.”
Today, Dress for Success has 141 affiliates across 24 countries.
“What makes Dress for Success special is that we focus on serving women,” Artis said. “People often ask if we help men, too, but having a space where women feel comfortable and supported is important.
We don’t just provide clothing—we give encouragement and motivation to help them start their journey toward employment.”
Dress for Success Mid-Fairfield County works with over 70 referral organizations, including homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, immigration services, and job training programs.
One of their most well-known services is their suiting program. Women receive a professional suit for job interviews and, once employed, a week’s worth of business attire, including accessories like shoes and jewelry.
Each client also gets one-on-one assistance from a volunteer personal shopper to ensure she looks and feels her best.
“Clothing might seem like a small thing, but the right outfit can make a huge difference,” Artis said. “It helps women sit up straighter, walk into an interview with confidence, and believe in their ability to succeed. We empower women to feel good about themselves and take that next step forward.”
Kimberly Lawton, a mother of four, went through the program more than 20 years ago after being referred by a caseworker.
“It boosted my self-esteem in ways I never expected,” Lawton said. “I’m 52 now, and you’d think I’d already have confidence, but Dress for Success made a real difference.”
The organization’s mission is to show that looking your best shouldn’t come at a high cost.
“Everything is so expensive nowadays,” Lawton said. “With Dress for Success, even though the clothes aren’t brand new, they make you feel just as good as if they were.”
Longtime volunteer Erica Mann, who has been with the organization for over 20 years, said it’s not just about the clothes—it’s about how those clothes transform lives.
“Women have landed great jobs, gotten promotions, bought homes, and even started businesses,” Mann said. “We’ve seen them grow through the program, and it’s incredible to witness their success.”
Beyond providing professional attire, Dress for Success offers free career support programs like interview coaching, resume reviews, and financial literacy classes.
“We partner with local banks to help women understand how to manage their finances once they start working,” Artis said. “It’s not just about getting the job—it’s about keeping it and maintaining financial stability.”
Their Professional Women’s Group (PWG) provides ongoing support for newly employed clients, helping them navigate workplace challenges, understand company culture, and manage their income.
“This program allows women to stay connected, network, and continue learning about business and career growth,” Artis said. “Many of these women have big goals, and through PWG, we bring in guest speakers to help them figure out how to achieve them.”
Dress for Success also supports education by offering scholarship opportunities for degrees and vocational certifications.
“These women deserve a chance,” Mann said.
The organization’s annual fundraiser, the Empower Her celebration, takes place on May 6.
“This event helps fund everything we do,” Artis said. “It keeps the lights on, allows us to bring in guest speakers for PWG, and supports all of our programs.”
For many women, Dress for Success is about more than just finding a job—it’s about rediscovering themselves.
“For those of us who had nothing, being able to move forward and feel like we have everything, even if it’s just an outfit, is truly a blessing,” Lawton said.
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