How can you pull yourself up by your bootstraps, if you don't have boots? Work-appropriate clothing for poor women

Clothing plays a role in impression formation and may afSectpoor women 's a bility to obtain a good job. Style of dress affects perceptions of; expecta tions for, and responses to job applicants. Clothing worn by a job applican t is a sign of status, power, and ability and may determine success on the interview and/or on the job. Most poor women lack the financial resources n ecessary to enhance their outward appearance as an impression management te chnique. A number of programs have been designed to help poor women obtain job-appropriate clothing, but these programs are limited in scope. This stu dy reports on a convenience sample of women (N = 10)from a state program th at provides clothing to women entering the job market. Comprehensive servic es that rake into account the multiple challenges faced by poor women enter ing the workforce have yet to be developed. Recommendations for corporate a nd individual action are provided.