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'Cats Closet

’Cats Closet offers students (undergraduate and graduate) access to FREE gently used professional and business casual attire appropriate for career fairs, interviews, information sessions and the workplace. Our mission is to eliminate barriers that prevent students from looking and feeling their best as they navigate their internship and job search and enter the professional world.

Attire includes: Suits, blazers, skirts, button-down shirts and blouses, dresses, shoes, ties, sweaters, and more! Formal suits can be limited in the closet, however, students who receive financial aid can apply to the Career Development Fund. Students will also have the opportunity to take a selfie headshot with our ring light while visiting 'Cats Closet to use for their LinkedIn and Handshake profiles.

Fall 2023 Hours

'Cats Closet will be open 10/4/2023 – 12/8/23:

  • Wednesdays 3pm-5 pm
  • Fridays 11 am-1 pm

Please note: we are closed 11/22/2023 and 11/24/2023

Sponsor & Donations

NCA is incredibly grateful to our corporate sponsor of ‘Cats Closet, Capital One, whose generosity helps to make this resource available to students. 

Additionally, ’Cats Closet wouldn’t exist without generous donations of new or gently used professional and business casual attire. If you are interested in contributing to ’Cats Closet, we welcome donations of the following items that are clean and in good condition.  

  • Suits
  • Blazers
  • Skirts
  • Dress pants
  • Business casual pants/khakis
  • Button-down shirts and blouses
  • Dresses
  • Shoes
  • Ties/scarves
  • Sweaters

You may drop off donations at our main office (620 Lincoln St.) weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

 

FAQ for Students

What types of items are available at ‘Cats Closet?

'Cats Closet offers gently used professional attire to all Northwestern students. Clothing reflecting business formal and business casual dress codes in a range of sizes and gender expressions is available. In addition students can find shoes and some accessories such as brief cases and tote bags.

 

How do I visit ‘Cats Closet?

‘Cats Closet is a resource provided by Northwestern Career Advancement and is open during the academic year on the ground floor of 630 Lincoln St (NCA Interview Center).  Check Handshake for upcoming dates. The entrance is accessible via a ramp at the back of the building. No advance appointments are needed! If you are unable to visit the Closet during those hours or have a more time sensitive request, please email NCA. 

 

Is ‘Cats Closet available to graduate students?

Yes! ‘Cats Closet is a resource for all Northwestern students regardless of degree level or program of study. Anyone interested in visiting the Closet may do so during open hours. All you need to bring is your Wildcard!

 

Where do you get your clothes? Can I make a donation?

Our clothes come from generous donations across the Northwestern and surrounding community – staff, faculty, alumni, employers, and local residents. While anything you pick out from ‘Cats Closet is yours to keep, we always welcome gently used donated items from students as well!

 

FAQ for Campus Partners and Employers

 

How do I donate items to ‘Cats Closet?

You may drop off donations at our main office (620 Lincoln St.) weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.  Mailed items are also accepted if you are not in the Evanston area. Please mail your package to the Attention of ‘Cats Closet.

We kindly ask that all items are washed and in good condition, without rips, tears or stains. Items should be business casual or business professional attire. We do not accept any casual wear or logo’d items with the exception of items with a Northwestern/NU brand.

 

Do you host events or special shopping hours?

We are always happy to partner with members of the campus community for special ‘Cats Closet shopping hours, hosting a donation drive, or events in our space. These events do require additional planning and advance notice. If you are interested, please contact NCA

 

Cats Closet is a great idea – How can I best support it?

Annual sponsorship for ‘Cats Closet is the ideal way for employers to deepen their involvement with Northwestern students and support this resource. Alumni and community members may also consider making a gift to benefit ‘Cats Closet and other NCA programs that serve FGLI (pronounced figly — first-generation and/or low-income) students.