Clothes make the woman

Wittevrouwenveld

First, a warm welcome

When you first walk into Dress for Success, you’re not rushed straight into the fitting room. First, there’s coffee at the kitchen table. “We really take our time,” says one of the 25 volunteers. “Who are you? What are you going for? What do you need?” That calm, attentive approach makes a real difference. “You see people relax. They feel seen,” says Anneke Janssen. Now 77 and retired, Anneke previously worked in early years education and is currently the shop coordinator at Dress for Success.

“After the first chat, clients browse the shop themselves. It helps us understand their taste. Then we do a colour analysis.”

Volunteer Jolien Van den Houten, 68, formerly an occupational therapy lecturer, now enjoys helping clients discover the colours that suit them best. She is specially trained in style and colour analysis.

A true autumn

24-year-old Annabelle Verhaert is visiting today. She’s training to become an art and design teacher and plans to start applying for jobs next year. “I’d like to combine freelance work with teaching – subjects like art history or visual arts.” She has come to Dress for Success for advice on how to dress. “People often think I’m younger than I am because of my style of clothing. So I’m wondering: what suits me? How can I present myself better while staying true to myself when I start applying for jobs?”

Jolien begins the colour analysis. “I look at her skin, eyes and hair colour. What colours work best with her complexion? What’s most flattering on Annabelle?” The result: Annabelle is a true autumn type. Deep, warm colours suit her best – and the outfit she has chosen reflects that.
 

Feeling good

Most people come to Dress for Success because they need an outfit for a job interview. Or for a placement, volunteer work or a work experience position. Sometimes the reason is entirely different – such as a court appearance. “It’s always about making a good impression and presenting yourself well,” says Anneke. “And about feeling good.”

The volunteers focus on what makes someone shine. Anneke explains: “Many people feel insecure. They don't get many compliments. We give personal, positive attention. That lifts people up.” And often, confidence grows quickly. Emotions and stories emerge. About the past. About home. “It can be intense, but always meaningful. One person said after putting on their new outfit: ‘Now I feel like I’m part of the Netherlands. Like I finally belong.’ Something like that really touches you. It reminds you why you're doing this,” Jolien says.
 

Walking out with a smile

In the end, it’s not about the colour or the size of the clothes. “What’s important is that someone feels good in what they’re wearing. You can see it straight away. They walk differently. They stand taller. They smile more and leave feeling happy. It’s incredibly empowering – and it has a lasting impact,” Jolien and Anneke say.

Annabelle leaves the shop smiling too. “I’m happy with my outfit from Dress for Success. The colours suit me and it feels like me. With these clothes, I can definitely make a good impression when I start looking for work.”

Dress for Success Maastricht celebrates its 10th anniversary in March 2026, with a festive evening on 26 March at Kapel Opveld. Made possible thanks to a team of dedicated volunteers.