Mission
The WashU Professional Clothes Closet is dedicated to providing equitable access to free business attire and clothing to current WashU students. Our mission is to support and equip students with free professional clothing as they prepare for interviews, professional networking opportunities, and career readiness. This resource is available to all current WashU students and is a collaboration between the Taylor Family Center for Student Success and the Center for Career Engagement.
Shop for professional clothes
Students can shop for up to two full outfits with accessories per semester. This opportunity is perfect as you are preparing for internships, job interviews, presentations, or other professional events. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to build your professional wardrobe and be set up for success!
Spring 2025 dates for Professional Clothes Closet shopping:
- Monday, April 28th, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Professional clothes shopping is available in the Danforth University Center (DUC) 300 – Office of Scholar Programs.
Summer break shopping will be by appointment only. Email studentsuccess@wustl.edu to schedule an appointment!
Donate your professional clothes
Acceptable clothing donations include clean and pressed blazers, slacks, sweaters, dresses, skirts, and button-down shirts. These items are intended to help students build a professional wardrobe for internships, interviews, and career opportunities. By donating, you’re providing students with the resources they need to feel prepared and confident in professional settings. We kindly ask that all clothing be cleaned prior to donation.
Donations are accepted Monday – Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Donation locations at all Center for Career Engagement offices:
- Danforth University Center (DUC) 110
- Knight Hall 210
- Bauer Hall 250
How to shop for professional clothes
Students have the opportunity to select up to two complete outfits per semester. This flexible shopping experience allows students to find pieces that fit their style and needs over multiple visits. Please keep the following guidelines in mind for utilizing the Professional Clothes Closet:
- Students may select up to two full outfits per semester.
- Shopping can be done over multiple visits (e.g., picking up a blazer on one visit and matching slacks on another).
- Each clothing item is tracked individually to ensure students stay within their allotted items per semester.
- Once a student finds an item they would like to take, they must complete the Professional Clothes Closet Check-out Form to record their selection.
- All items are free for students to keep, so there is no need to return them after checkout.
What counts as one full outfit:
- Jacket/Blazer + Dress + Accessory
- Jacket/Blazer + Shirt/Top + Slacks + Accessory
- Jacket/Blazer + Shirt/Top + Skirt + Accessory
- Etc! Unsure if you have a full outfit? Ask any of our team members during your shopping experience!
Donating your professional clothes
Your thoughtful donations help provide high-quality clothing for students in need.
We ask that donated items be in good condition and free from stains or excessive wear. All clothing should be cleaned and neatly folded or hung.
We accept professional attire such as blazers, slacks, dresses, and shoes, but cannot accept casual wear (jeans, t-shirts, or gym shoes), winter clothing, or items in poor condition. Accessories like belts, ties, and handbags should also be in good condition.
What can be donated:
- Dress shirts, blouses, and collared tops
- Blazers and jackets
- 2-piece suits (jacket and slacks)
- Professional sweaters, cardigans, and vests
- Slacks, Khakis, and dress pants
- Dresses
- Skirts and dress slips
- Closed-toe shoes (flats/heels under 3 inches)
- Dress socks and hosiery
- Belts, ties, cuff links, and handbags
- Professional tank tops and undergarments
What cannot be donated:
- Ripped or stained clothing
- Clothing with excessive patterns
- Winter clothing (coats, hats, scarves)
- Jeans/Joggers or sweatpants
- T-shirts
- Swimwear
- Gym shoes
- Children’s clothing
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need to make an appointment to visit the clothes closet?
A. No, you can drop in on one of our biweekly shopping days, or you can schedule an appointment via email at studentsuccess@wustl.edu.
Q. Do I have to pay for the clothes that I get from the Professional Clothes Closet?
A. No, attire in the Professional Clothes Closet is completely FREE to current WashU students.
Q. How many outfits can I take from the Professional Clothes Closet per semester?
A. Students are allowed to pick up two complete outfits per semester. Please check above for more details.
Q. Can I visit the clothes closet multiple times during the semester?
A. Yes, students are allowed to visit the Professional Clothes Closet multiple times throughout the semester for individual items. However, you are only allowed to receive a total of two (2) full outfits per semester once all items have been taken.
Q. What types of clothing are available in the closet?
A. Commonly available professional attire includes blazers, blouses, slacks, skirts, and more!
Q. Do I have to return the clothes I check out from the Professional Clothes Closet?
A. No, these clothes are free completely free and do not need to be returned.
Q. How do I check out an item?
A. You will need to complete the Professional Clothes Closet Check-out Form at the end of your shopping experience.
Q. Are the items in the closet new or gently used?
A. All items are gently used and are cleaned and prepared to look like new.
Q. What if I can’t find my size?
A. We strive to offer a variety of sizes; if you can’t find what you’re looking for, please reach out to us via email, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.
Q. Is there a limit to the number of items I can select on a single visit?
A. You can select items for up to two (2) full outfits, or just one item for an outfit if preferred. Please refer to “How to shop for professional clothes” for more guidelines.
Q. Can I donate professional clothing to the closet?
A. Yes, we welcome donations from students, faculty, staff, and alumni! Check our “Donating your professional clothes” for more information.
Contact us
The WashU Professional Clothes Closet is a collaborative initiative between the Center for Career Engagement and the Taylor Family Center for Student Success. Questions should be emailed to studentsuccess@wustl.edu.
Danforth University Center, Suite 110
Taylor Family Center for Student Success
Danforth University Center, Suite 330
Professional Clothing Closet Physical Location
Office of Scholar Programs, Danforth University Center, Suite 300