Charity shops across the UK have joined forces to launch the ‘Dress to Impress for £10’ initiative.
The idea is to help job seekers put together an outfit suitable for an interview, for only £10, by re-using high quality clothes that can be found in many charity shops.
People often buy special clothes for an important job interview and never wear them again. Rather than pay for throwaway fashion, charity shops are offering a more sustainable alternative and helping job seekers save money at the same time.
More than 650 charity shops across the UK will display a window sticker and dedicate a section of their retail space to the Dress to Impress initiative. Each item will cost no more than £5, so by teaming up a pair of trousers and a jacket from the charity shop with a favourite top from their own wardrobe, people will be interview-ready.
Research undertaken by careers app Debut revealed that nearly three quarters of young job hopefuls weren’t sure about the right thing to wear to a job interview.
The BBC’s fashion expert, Amber Butchart has also provided advice to those preparing for an interview as part of the campaign. She commented:
I’m really excited to be working on the ‘Dress to Impress for £10’ initiative. It’s supportive, promotes sustainability and gives everyone the same chance to look and feel great during an interview.
The UK’s charity shops are brimming with hidden gems that are waiting to go from being pre-loved to re-loved and this campaign makes it easier to find them.
Amber’s interview staples include smart skirts, trousers, shirts and blouses and a jacket in a dark colour to add a professional look. Her advice and a list of participating charities can be found at Debut Careers Dress to Impress.
Robin Osterley, CEO of the Charity Retail Association, welcomed the campaign:
Charity shops play a vital role in every community, making them a perfect place to start conversations about finding work, give people a helping hand to get into employment, or source a fantastic interview outfit for a good price.
The Dress to Impress for £10 initiative is extremely relevant today as competition for jobs is increasing, and people are looking for ways to save money during the job application process. Often education around what to wear is also missing – and this campaign helps to overcome that whilst supporting great causes across the UK.
Charlie Taylor, Founder and CEO of Debut has called for all members of the public to get involved:
Everyone in the UK can benefit from this campaign – job seekers can pick up a great outfit on a budget and feel interview-ready, whilst everyone else can get involved and donate their own pre-loved interview attire that they no longer need to help a number of fantastic causes.
Image: Debut.Careers