Free styling sessions helping women join the workforce

LOCAL women were given a confidence boost on Tuesday, March 24, as Dress for Success Victoria set up a pop-up styling service in the streets of Wonthaggi.

Operating as a not-for-profit organisation, Dress for Success hosted the pop-up at Workforce Plus in McBride Avenue, offering one-on-one styling sessions and professional clothing to women preparing to rejoin the workforce, or who have a job interview lined up, completely free of charge.

Dress for Success president Leonie Bailey said the initiative is rooted primarily in helping women find work.

“It’s a not-for-profit organisation that supports women to enter or re-enter the workforce,” she said.

“But more and more we’re assisting women leaving family violence, migrants, refugees and women experiencing financial hardship.

“Our core focus is to help these women become financially independent, because when women have financial security, they’re safer.”

The day saw 15 women seen face-to-face, and another seven were supported virtually.

Each woman received a personalised styling session, with two stylists helping them choose work-appropriate outfits.

The sessions lasted up to an hour each.

Women are usually provided with two outfits for job interviews, although they can return for more if they manage to secure a job.

“They get two sets of clothing, and if they get the job, they come back and get another three sets,” Ms Bailey said.

“It’s not just a one-off.

“We continue to support them as they transition into employment.”

The service also goes beyond just dressing the women, with opportunities for job readiness programs, resume assistance and interview preparation tips also offered.

Board member Christine Graham highlighted the behind-the-scenes work required to organise a pop-up such as this one.

“Last week we spent three days curating all of the wardrobes, packing it up, driving here and setting everything up,” she said.

All of the clothing is donated, and each item must be in excellent condition, if not brand-new.

“Our benchmark is, would you give it to a close friend?” Ms Bailey said.

Dress for Success also operates an op shop, called Wear it Forward.

All proceeds from the op shop help fund its services to women.

Wonthaggi’s pop-up follows a similar one in Traralgon late last year, which organisers described as immensely successful.

Regional areas are becoming a growing focus for the organisation.

“We know women in regional areas don’t have access to the same services as those in metropolitan Melbourne,” Ms Bailey said.

“And we know times are tough in the country, so we’re hoping to make a small dent in that.”

Workforce Plus partnered with Dress for Success for the pop-up event, even hosting a sausage sizzle at Bunnings to help cover the costs in addition to allowing their office space to be used for the event.

Workforce Plus Team Leader Kylie Duncan said the collaboration has already made a massive impact.

“It not only helps support our participants who are in need of clothing, but we’ve collaborated with other providers in the area to help dress women who are less fortunate and need a bit of support,” she said.

Dress for Success won’t be taking their foot off the accelerator either, with another regional visit planned to Warrnambool later this year, and a trip to Moe on the cards as well, though still in the early planning stages.