Professor opens Career Closet where dress to impress will lead to success 

By Chelsey Jaipersaud | Published by March 23, 2020

On the fourth floor of the Center for Academic Success, room 443 Career Closet, formerly called Dress for Success is designed to open doors for students and boost their confidence when it’s time to go on that important interview.  

With a bag of men’s clothing in her hand, Kean University professor Allison Edgely, a lecturer in the School of Communication, Media & Journalism, said the Closet offers a greater purpose both for the clothing and students. What started as a casual conversation and the help of students and faculty Dress for Success became more than what was expected. 

Edgely had mentioned to Professor Sullivan, a lecturer in the same field as Edgely, that she had some nice men’s shirts that she wanted to donate. She asked him if he had any ideas and he mentioned a few places she could contact and jokingly brought up starting a Dress for Success opportunity at Kean.  

“I decided I would and then he asked around to see if it was a plausible idea, and when we got the go-ahead, I started to gather donations,” said Edgely.  

The closet is filled with gently- used clothing and accessories for both men and women. All clothing that is donated is closely looked at for stains and major damage prior to it being put on a rack. Individual pieces are cleaned and pressed, ready for anyone to grab and go. 

The clothing is covered in plastic and items such as suit jackets are covered with a suit garment bag to avoid any damage. Due to the room being occupied by other people for different occasions, Edgely has taken extra measures to ensure that everything is well kept.   

There is a range of dress shirts, blouses, slacks, and even accessory pieces slowly being added to this closet. As far as accessories go, the closet has over 20 ties available, belts, socks, and stockings. Although there is a much smaller variety, there are some pieces of jewelry, shoes, and handbags.  

“Having access to a professional open closet will instill confidence, especially in those students who may have been formerly lacking in that area,” said Edgely. “The confidence they gain will help bring them success and create an image closer to one’s true self.” 

All the items are secured in a room and in order to keep the flow of the organization, students who take clothing are asked to leave their ID number. Students can either keep their items or return them if still in good shape, but nothing is asked for in return. The closet is completely for students looking to spruce up their wardrobe at their convenience. Students are encouraged to take what they need.  

“It’s a great idea because it shows that the university cares about how students will present themselves in the workforce, even when they graduate,” said Amaya Erawoc, a sophomore majoring in criminal justice. 

Edgley encourages students to use the closet as needed. The closet is there in case of an emergency where students may not have the time to prepare themselves for an interview. Often students may only use the outfit once and instead of spending a lot of money they have an alternative option.  

“The closet is meant to help step up rather than be seen as a handout,” said Edgely. “Students are at a point in their life where they are exposed to many future potential opportunities and when extra support such as The Career Closet is available, it eases the stress.” 

In the process of assisting students to spruce up their wardrobe, The Career Closet is providing a new layer of sustainability with each clothing item that is donated and salvaged. Even bags in which clothes are donated are saved and ready to use. This further reduces the chance of any student who might still not feel as comfortable walking out with clothing for everyone to see.  

With continuous donations coming in, The Career Closet plans to grow and reach many students looking for that extra boost of conviction. 

“I think it will definitely benefit students at Kean,” said Erawoc.  

Students who would like to shop in the closet or make donations should contact Edgely regarding when they can stop by her office for more information.  

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