Virtual Styling Service Helps Students Dress the Part

When students land a job interview or score a spot at a networking event, the last thing Career Services wants them worrying about is what to wear.

That’s the idea behind the Career Closet, a virtual professional styling service launched in spring 2025 through a partnership between the University’s career services team and MyCareerCloset. The program gives students access to curated boxes of up to six items of professional clothing shipped directly to their door, with the option to keep what they like at a steep discount or return everything for free.

“This was created to fill a key gap,” says Lindsay Mason, employer relations specialist and the program’s point person. “Many students don’t have access to affordable professional attire for job interviews, career fairs, networking events or immersion programs.”

The need is real and growing. Across U.S. colleges, increasing numbers of students struggle to cover the cost of business clothing on top of tuition, housing and everyday expenses. The Career Closet aims to take that pressure off the table entirely.

How It Works

Students start by visiting the Career Closet website, where they select a style category: masculine, feminine or gender non-conforming. Those who choose the gender non-conforming option can schedule a free 15-minute virtual styling consultation to help match them with the right fit and look.

From there, students complete a short form with their Syracuse University ID, program of study and sizes, then book an appointment with a stylist. Their box of items ships within five to seven business days. Students keep the box for 30 days, then either purchase items at up to 60% off retail or send them back with a prepaid shipping label, no dry cleaning required.

The service costs $60, but students enrolled in a degree-granting program may be eligible for a one-time voucher that covers the full cost of one box. To check eligibility, students can email Career Services at careers@syr.edu with the subject line “Career Closet Voucher.”

Why Virtual?

The partnership with MyCareerCloset was intentional. Planning began in summer 2024 and took a full semester to finalize before the spring 2025 launch. Going digital solved several challenges at once: it eliminated the need for physical inventory space on campus, ensured a wider variety of styles and sizes than a single closet could hold, and kept the selection current.

“They manage all the inventory, which is key when you consider space limitations on campus,” Mason says. “But it also ensures there is a variety of options for all students and the styles stay up to date.”

What’s Next

Career Services is now focused on spreading the word. Mason and her team are partnering with student-facing departments across campus and with school and college career centers to increase awareness.

“We feel strongly this is a worthwhile service that can benefit all students, regardless of background,” Mason says.

For students gearing up for spring recruiting season, a career fair or simply their first professional event, the Career Closet offers a practical starting point—and one less thing to stress about.

To learn more or get started, visit the Career Closet webpage or contact Career Services at careers@syr.edu.