Comedic fashion show spreads word about free professional clothes for WCCC students

Only the most stunning fashion pieces graced a makeshift red carpet during a fashion show at the Westmoreland County Community College.

Among them? Grinch sweatpants, a plastic tiara, and overalls that the show’s emcee elegantly described as “Tractor Supply-core.”

The college hosted the comedic fashion show Thursday to spread the word about its new Career Closet that will provide students with free professional outfits.

Student models primarily showcased professional attire, while faculty models wore eccentric outfits that would be inappropriate for a job interview.

Dozens of WCCC students attended, applauding fellow students while whooping and hollering at faculty antics.

“Yes, what we’re teaching them today is very serious and is going to help them with their life, but sometimes if you put it in a fun context, it’s easier to remember,” said Stephanie Turin, the college’s social work program director who helped make the Career Closet a reality.

Turin and Julie Zappone, the college’s paralegal program director, started brainstorming the Career Closet last spring when a paralegal student approached Zappone asking what clothes she should wear to a job interview.

As Zappone researched appropriate attire, she noticed how expensive professional clothes are. She and Turin then began discussing ways they could help students access professional clothing.

The college already distributes food and diapers to students in need, Turin said. She believes giving students another resource will reduce stressors and allow them to excel in the classroom.

“We want to fill every need of our students,” Turin said. “A lot of our students face a lot of barriers. We want to start breaking down those barriers.”

Some WCCC students are first-generation college students who didn’t grow up with parents who wore professional clothing to work, Turin explained. Others know how to dress for an interview or job, but don’t have the means to buy these clothes.

Now, every WCCC student has access to these clothes — and they can keep whatever they need. A small room in the college’s Student Achievement Center is filled with new and gently used business professional and business casual outfits for students to take.

All of the clothes were donated.

“We were overwhelmed (by the donations),” Zappone said.

Amanda Reamer, an English professor who oversees the college’s undergraduate research division, said she often has to focus on attire with students as they attend interviews, conferences and other professional events.

“The resource of the Career Closet will offer our students a way to feel confident and prepared,” she said.

Reamer participated in the show, sporting a John Deere sweatshirt and baseball cap that she usually wears to take care of her horses on her farm. She also brought some hay as a prop.

The professor enjoyed watching students network after the event. Representatives from companies including Excela Health and Adelphoi attended to give advice on job interview behavior.

Additionally, she said the fashion show helped students see their professors on a “more real level.”

“I think being over-the-top is what made the event fun,” Reamer said. “It drove home a point, but it was also a lot of fun.”

The Career Closet also accepts men’s clothing donations. Monetary donations can also be made to buy gift cards for students who don’t find the right outfit in the closet.