In late December, the Office of Alumni and Community Relations debuted their new Professional Clothing Closet to help students build their professional wardrobes. The closet, first proposed last summer, is intended to “provide a service for students who cannot afford [to buy] their own professional attire,” explained Mary Littlejohn, the Assistant Director of Alumni & Community Relations.
“We want students to be prepared for interviews and ensure they put their best foot forward,” Littlejohn said. Professional attire is expensive, especially for students trying to build their professional wardrobe from scratch, Littlejohn explained. The Office of Alumni & Community Relations intends for the closet to work like a food pantry, providing professional clothing to students through generous donations from fellow students, alumni, and the Redlands community.
For students interested in building their professional wardrobe, you can make an appointment to visit the Professional Clothing Closet located at the Alumni House. Appointments to try on clothing are available Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Students are welcome to take 3 articles of clothing or 1 full outfit per semester.
To support the Profession Clothing Closet, the Office of Alumni & Community Relations is inviting the university and Redlands community to donate “new and gently used modern clothing or donate financially” via their website. The office has also created an Amazon Wish List for donors who want to purchase the sizes and styles most needed.
Currently, the office is “wanting more variety of sizing and more age-appropriate clothing,” Littlejohn expressed. She explained that the Amazon Wish List is a great way for supporters to donate the most needed items.
For more information on the services provided by the Professional Clothing Closet or to donate, click here.
Photos by Marissa Torres.
