The Dressing

Forward Initiative

Providing interview and work clothing for women experiencing financial hardship

What We Do

We are dedicated to equipping women with the resources necessary to achieve success in their workplace and internships. We schedule individualized styling sessions with our stylists who help each client find personalized interview outfits and work clothing.

Clothing racks with dress shirts and blazers in multiple colors.

How We Work

  • Person wearing a yellow sweater typing on a laptop at a wooden desk.

    1. Client Referral

    Our clients come from our partner organizations who refer individuals that have completed professional development and are ready for interviews.

  • Close-up of a clothing rack with several dress shirts hanging.

    2. Styling Session

    Clients meet with a volunteer stylist to choose clothing for their upcoming interviews. The stylist works with the client to select a full outfit and ensure that it fits well and looks polished.

  • Close-up of a DSLR camera, held by a person who is looking at the camera's display screen.

    3. Headshot Photos

    Using our dedicated photography space, we provide the option of professional headshot photos to clients to use for online networking platforms.

  • Clothing rack with several pairs of pants in colors ranging from dark to neutral.

    4. Job Wardrobe

    When the client receives a job offer, we schedule another styling session to build a wardrobe for their first week of work. The stylist works with the client to curate clothing items catered to the client’s job.

Clothing rack with several pairs of pants in colors ranging from dark to neutral.

675+

Clothing items & accessories granted to clients

Clothing rack with women's blazers in a range of colors and sizes.

Our Impact

Close-up of navy blue tags with black ribbons, with the logo for "The Dressing Forward Initiative" displayed in white.

114

Women served

Close-up of a clothing rack holding a gray blazer with a navy blue tag attached. The tag shows the Dressing Forward Initiative logo.

11

Partner organizations

Partner With Us

Interested in supporting our work in the Los Angeles community? Explore our current opportunities and tell us how you’d like to get involved!

  • Donate funds

    Your donations allow us to serve more clients. We are incredibly grateful for and humbled by all your support!

    Donate Here

  • Donate clothing

    Donate gently-used or new women’s clothing for our styling sessions.

    Donation Guidelines

  • Volunteer with us

    Offer your time and skills to support our client services. We often need volunteers for styling sessions, sorting clothing, or taking inventory.

    View Opportunities

  • Student internships

    Are you a college student and want to work with us? Send us a message using the form below.

    Contact Us