Dress for Success Vancouver is so much more than an outfit

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Since its start in 1999, Dress for Success Vancouver has helped thousands of women on their professional journeys.

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What began as an opportunity to assist with interview appropriate attire has since expanded to include a variety of career and skill-related services, along with a network of supporters.

“The impact of our support extends well beyond employment alone,” says Amanda Sayfy, executive director of Dress for Success Canada. “When a woman secures fulfilling work, it creates a positive ripple effect for her family and community.”

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We caught up with Sayfy to learn more:

Q: What is Dress for Success?

A: Dress for Success Vancouver is the oldest and largest international affiliate of the global organization, Dress for Success. Dress for Success Vancouver was established in 1999 and since that time has served over 44,000 women in the Lower Mainland. We empower women and gender-diverse individuals into the workforce by providing them with professional attire, career services and skills development programs. This work is made possible by our donors, corporate partners and hundreds of volunteers.

Q: When and why did it start? 

A: Dress for Success Vancouver was founded 25 years ago by Astrid Levelt, who was inspired to bring this mission to Vancouver after watching an interview with Nancy Lublin, the founder of Dress for Success based out of New York. Nancy’s story of starting Dress for Success in a church basement with just a $5,000 inheritance struck Astrid, reminding her of the confidence boost she felt when her mother took her shopping for outfits to wear to upcoming job interviews.

Determined to help women experience that same sense of empowerment, Astrid approached Nancy, and they established the first international affiliate of Dress for Success, setting up in a former nun’s residence at St. Patrick’s Parish in east Vancouver.

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With a dedicated group of volunteers, Astrid transformed the space into Dress for Success Vancouver’s first boutique, where they provided women in need with interview attire. These early volunteers painted walls, tore out old carpets, sourced donations and set up clothing racks. With just a handful of initial donors, including a $5,000 gift from Lublin herself, Astrid laid the foundation for what would become a lasting community resource, devoted to empowering women as they embark on their professional journeys.

Q: How has it evolved over the past 25 years? 

A: Over 25 years our services have evolved immensely. In addition to signature Dressing Services, we now offer career services and skills development programs including our Professional Women’s Group. Dress for Success Vancouver is so much more than an outfit; we offer workshops, mentorship, and support for immigrants and newcomers to Canada.

Q: Are there any elements of the program that might surprise people to learn? 

A: People are often surprised to learn just how comprehensive Dress for Success Vancouver’s programs are. While we’re best known for our Dressing Services, which provide professional attire for job interviews, we now offer an array of services that extend well beyond the wardrobe.

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Our programs include career development workshops, mental-health support, and one-on-one appointments that guide clients through the job search, application process and even help navigate government services. Additionally, our leadership programs, like the Professional Women’s Group, offer ongoing personal and professional growth opportunities for women working 20-plus hours per week, helping them thrive and advance in their careers. Many women remain part of our community, giving back by volunteering themselves once they’ve found employment and no longer need our services.

Q: Have you noticed the need for Dress for Success growing or lessening in recent years? If so, what’s driving the change in either direction? 

A: The need for Dress for Success Vancouver remains as strong as ever, and our programming continually adapts to meet shifting community needs. In recent years, we’ve introduced programs like Trans & Gender Diverse Suitings and Volunteer to Work in direct response to emerging demands.

Our Trans & Gender Diverse Suitings help alleviate the financial strain of wardrobe transitions for trans and gender-diverse individuals.

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Meanwhile, the Volunteer to Work program supports newcomer women in gaining valuable Canadian work experience to support their journey to gainful employment in Canada.

Q: Lastly, how can people support or get involved?

A: There are so many ways to support Dress for Success Vancouver. The best way is to become a Success Donor. This recurring annual gift provides us a steady source of income that allows our team to make long-term investments and plan for the future. Individuals and businesses can also support our mission through sponsorships and donations, fundraisers and clothing drives. There are also opportunities to support through our largest annual fundraiser, the Success Luncheon. Learn more and get in touch at Dfsvancouver.ca.

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