Dress to deliver. And stand to make a statement. We only get one first impression and how we look often leads to how we land. While looks aren’t everything, they certainly count for something. Especially when it comes to securing a job and presenting yourself to the professional world. And although we can’t judge a book by its cover, we so often do.

Dress for Success is part of a global movement for change, empowering women to obtain safer and better futures for themselves and for their families. They provide each client with appropriate professional attire and accessories to help them secure employment. Because we’ve all heard that you should dress for the job you want and not the job you have. Celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, to what started as a suiting program for women out of a church basement in New York, has grown into an international organization designed to support the entire employment cycle for women. Because it’s more than just a power suit and a purse. Dress for Success also provides high impact career and workplace skill development programs for low-income women to help them attain career advancement, job stability and economic sustainability. It’s a network of support as well as educational programs that clothe her with confidence and the kind of knowledge that lends itself to helping her actively define herself and her life. Success is not defined by a suit, rather the suit is simply a styling staple to grant an opportunity for professional and personal achievement. It’s something all women deserve with daring dignity and resolute respect. The organization aspires to harness a world that fully embraces the role that women can reach their full potential and be financially independent in a more egalitarian society.

So before you toss aside your gently worn suits, blazers or blouses, consider donating the professional apparel to help furnish another woman with the confidence and courage to enter (or return to) the workplace, strike a solid first impression and land a job that could change her life. Or consider volunteering as an image or career coach, makeup artist, clothing organizer or professional mentor. Please see their website for many more opportunities to lend your time. Coordinate a campaign with your school, church or community association or get your company involved with an accessory/clothing drive. Maybe attend a local fundraising event that supports this cause. Or simply offer up a monetary donation that will continue to support the programs to help women achieve economic empowerment. All of these will impact our local Dress for Success chapter and allow disadvantaged females to discover their full potential.

Strong women lift each other up and cheer each other on. So the September UrbanHero is a screaming style that seals in support through its awesome array of big and bold. A first impression that is sure to be significant and set you apart. Halos are more than a headband. They’re a design that delivers confidence and comfort. And this month we wanted to dress your demeanor with some picturesque power that will help you find your future, run the race or simply slay the day.

To learn more about our UrbanHero program, click here. Ready to jump right in and become an UrbanHero? Click here.