Dress for Success Bakersfield

Dress for Success Bakersfield helps women in Kern County move toward economic independence, with professional attire, career coaching and a network of support as they search for work and start new jobs. Its boutique at 1416 17th Street in Bakersfield reopened in November 2025, and it is the local member of Dress for Success Worldwide.

Through Suiting, a woman who has scheduled a job interview visits the boutique with a referral. Volunteer personal shoppers help her choose a suit or dress, shoes, handbag and accessories from community donations and offer guidance for the interview, and she can return after she is hired for the clothing she needs to start work. The Career Center brings women together to build confidence, network and talk through workplace topics, with community volunteers leading mock interviews, resume reviews and practice with workplace soft skills.

Women come to Dress for Success Bakersfield by referral from dozens of partner agencies, including Bakersfield College, Cal State Bakersfield, Kern County Department of Human Services, the Alliance Against Family Violence and Clinica Sierra Vista. The boutique is open Tuesday through Friday and on second Saturdays, and appointments are preferred.

Community members can donate freshly cleaned professional clothing, especially plus-size workwear, scrubs and shoes, volunteer as a personal shopper or career coach, or support the annual Sneaker Ball.