First impressions can make a big difference. During this practical life skills workshop, teens in our program were given a variety of tools to make strong first impressions. We began unlocking those tools by acknowledging that everyone makes judgements, intentionally or not, based on appearance and perception.

Amy Wister, founder and CEO of The Stylist Online led Matches (youth and their mentors) through several exercises to consider how posture, confidence, environment and clothing can aid or hinder first impressions. She used the word “canvas” to describe how we present ourselves. Amy stressed that it’s not about labels or expensive clothing, but about truly feeling good in what one wears. She also discussed how to find affordable, staple clothing for job interviews and other special occasions.

The event was held at the Dress 2 Success Clothing Boutique. After Amy’s presentation, Nordstrom Men’s Stylist and D2S President Justin Studebaker measured the teens and helped them identify their proper sizes. He then led the group upstairs to the boutique for a free shopping spree.

At first, the teens appeared uncomfortable looking through the professional clothing. With some tunes playing in the background and Justin and Amy diligently seeking out articles for each youth, the energy quickly changed.

The mentors also encouraged their youth to expand their ideas of style. One mentor even gave his mentee a lesson in tying a tie. There were also laughs about items that would never be worn but it didn’t take long until every mentor was holding items that their youth wanted.

The workshop ended with each youth taking home articles that fit well and that they felt great wearing. One mentee couldn’t wait and left wearing one of the new outfits he found that day. Thanks to a recent online donation, Aging UP provided each mentor with a gift card to take their youth shopping for remaining items needed during a future one-to-one outing.

We’re extremely grateful to Amy, Justin and the D2S team for their efforts to make this hands-on workshop a success. We’re also grateful to everyone who donated to our Professional Clothing Drive and to Justin’s clients and others who have donated to the D2S Clothing Boutique. The free shopping experience could not have been possible without so much support.