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Styling success – Dress for Success empowering women for work

Posted On September 7, 2023 

Dress for Success is about more than clothes, it’s empowering women with the confidence to make a difference in their lives.


The not-for-profit organisation provides clothing for women for many reasons, the most popular being a styling session in preparation for a job interview.


“Women walk out of a styling session with their heads held high, with a couple of outfits they feel comfortable in. The confidence boost I see in these women is transformational.” Says Paula Simpson, Chairperson for Dress for Success.


Styling sessions are more than just fitting for clothes. “We dress women, but we also provide job support and advice. We discuss subjects like how to approach a job interview with tips and reminders such as turning your phone off before going into an interview. It’s advice like this which can better prepare them for their interview.”

“A styling session greatly boosts a women’s sense of worth. We consistently receive feedback of ladies walking into a styling session rating their self-esteem at a 2 out of 10, and walking out as a 8 or more.”


“The smiles on their faces really says it all.”


Paula adds women are welcomed back to Dress for Success for additional outfits to clothe them for their first week of work if they secure a job.


Work-ready clothing is a mixture of quality pre-loved and new (from Augustine, Taking Shape and Farmers), and a styling session is open to all women of all ages and can include shoes, jewellery and make up. 


Dress for Success was established in Palmerston North in March 2022, and was initially established in America, with franchises throughout NZ.


Paula’s ambition is to build the organization into a comfortable financial position so services can be expanded.

“I’d love to establish a careers center to fully assist women into the workplace providing advice such as writing their CVs and dedicating time to prepare them for interviews.” Currently Dress for Success is women-only, however dressing men is also a goal for the future, along with a new premises which can incorporate both the styling warehouse and a shopfront for clothing sales.


Dress for success take referrals from any women looking for work, or for an outfit for a special occasion. You can refer yourself, or a friend. 


If you would like to assist Dress for Success with their goals you can make a financial donation via their website or donate clothing – all donated clothing is appreciated including smart business attire, smart casual, ball dresses, shoe, handbags and jewellery.


“If clothing is not suitable for work, we can generate funds by selling it in one of our regular clothing sales.” Dress for success hold pop up sales on the last Friday and Saturday of each month.


PN Personnel are proud to support Dress for Success as our chosen charity for this quarter.  You can get involved too, learn more, donate or book your styling session via the Dress for Success Facebook page or email: bookings@workmanawatu.org.nz

Naomi Castles

There’s nothing better than being able to promote a business and brand you are passionate about. Naomi's background in communications and marketing combined with her recruitment experience positions her well to share all the PN Personnel team are up to.



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