What To Do with Your Working Wardrobe

If you recently made the transition from a corporate environment to a work-at-home position, you likely have a closet full of work clothes that you will not be wearing anytime soon.

Rather than store your pantsuits, heeled shoes and trench coats for future use — when they likely will be out of style — put them to good use.

You could set up an eBay store and sell your wardrobe, then use your earnings to buy clothing that is more casual appropriate to wear at home. You could sell your clothing in a garage sale, or donate it to your local Goodwill store or Salvation Army.

Alternatively, you could find an organization that accepts gently used corporate-type clothing to help people in need.

Dress for Success is one of the largest organizations of this type. They work with community job-training programs to prepare women for job interviews. Normally they have a boutique-style shop and personal shoppers who help the women select among racks of donated clothing and shelves of shoes, handbags and other accessories.

The organization provides a tax credit for your donations — which could be more beneficial than your predicted eBay earnings.

Dress for Success is in more than 90 locations worldwide. If there is not one in your city, call your county’s job-training division to see if you have a similar program. Some programs accept men’s career clothing, too.

They accept coordinated, contemporary, interview-appropriate skirt and pant suits, blazers, jackets, and professional shoes.

To be sure that the suits or accessories you wish to donate are appropriate, ask yourself whether you would feel comfortable wearing them on a job interview. Make sure the clothing is clean, and call ahead for an appointment when you decide to donate.

Posted:Thursday, April 30, 2009