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‘Dress for Success’ Keeps Up With Plus-Size Demand

Run Date: 08/02/09
By Bijoyeta Das

BOSTON (WOMENSENEWS)--Thirty minutes.

That’s how long Chanell Simmons, who is size 28, needed to choose her clothes at the Boston boutique of Dress for Success, an international nonprofit that provides professional attire to disadvantaged women for job interviews.

“Usually shopping takes more than four hours and is also embarrassing,” she said.

But with the help of personal shoppers, Simmons walks out with a business suit, shoes, wallet, handbag, scarf and a surprise goodie bag.

“I am a happy woman,” she said with a giggle.

Simmons is one of many job-ready women who have an interview scheduled and come to Dress for Success to get career attire. A woman can pick up clothing from the boutique with a referral from nonprofit or government agencies, such as homeless shelters, immigration services, job training programs, educational institutions and domestic violence shelters. If the woman then secures employment, she can receive additional suits to expand her wardrobe—much of which has been donated by other women.

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