Commodore Closet

The Commodore Closet, a collaborative initiative between the Vanderbilt Career Center and Vanderbilt Student Affairs, is dedicated to providing students with access to professional attire. Whether you’re preparing for interviews, career fairs, or your next job, the Commodore Closet is here to help you build a professional wardrobe. Explore a wide selection of items, including suits, skirts, dresses, ties, belts, and more—all available to students in need.

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Dress for Success: Commodore Closet provides students professional attire at no cost

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How to use the Commodore Closet

  • Location and Hours

    To access the Commodore Closet, visit its location in the Sarratt Student Center, next to the Baseball Glove Lounge.

    The Commodore Closet is open 24/7.

  • Instructions

    Casual attire: Select up to 10 items

    Professional attire: Select up to 4 items

    This is a self-service space. Therefore, we kindly ask visitors to help keep it organized for everyone’s benefit.

    Please use the dressing room to try on clothing. If you decide not to take an item, please return it to the designated drop-off bin outside the door.

    If you’re selecting professional attire, please take a moment to complete our survey by scanning the QR code on the dressing room door. This survey helps us improve the Commodore Closet experience.

  • Types of Professional Attire

    Professional Attire refers to clothing that aligns with the expectations of different professional settings, helping you present yourself confidently and appropriately. Understanding the different types of attire can help you navigate various environments and assist students in making informed choices when selecting items from the Commodore Closet.

    Business Formal:

    • The most traditional and formal dress code, often required for high-level meetings, interviews, or formal events.
    • Includes tailored suits, dress shirts, dress pants, skirts, or formal dresses.
    • Shoes should be polished, such as dress shoes, loafers, or closed-toe heels or flats.

    Business Casual:

    • A more relaxed but still polished look, commonly seen in many workplaces.
    • Includes options like slacks or khakis, button-down shirts, blouses, cardigans, or blazers.
    • Comfortable dress shoes, loafers, or flats are appropriate.

    Smart Casual:

    • A flexible option combining professional and casual elements, suitable for creative or less formal workspaces.
    • May include neatly tailored pants, professional skirts, or clean, dark-wash jeans paired with blouses, polo shirts, or sweaters.
    • Footwear may include loafers, boots, or flats.

    Inclusive Attire:

    • Professional attire is about presenting your best self.
    • When considering gender identity, choose clothing that makes you feel confident and comfortable while fitting the professional context.
    • Tailoring and fit are key, and accessories should complement the overall look.

    Check out the Vanderbilt Career Center Pinterest Account for more!

How to Donate

Donations can be dropped off at the Career Center. For large donations of 15 or more items, you can schedule a pick-up by emailing brianna.a.valdivia@vanderbilt.edu.

You can also support the Commodore Closer by purchasing items from our Amazon Wishlist.

FAQs

  • Is the Clothing in the Commodore Closet Free?

    YES! Any member of the Vanderbilt community can use the Commodore Closet for their clothing needs.  

  • What if I Didn’t Find What I Was Looking For?  

    By filling out our QR code survey, we can do our best to seek additional donations from community members to meet your specific needs.

  • Can I Donate Items Back to the Commodore Closet? 

    If you took items from the Commodore Closet that you would like to donate back for students to reuse, you can drop off at any of our donations bins, located at:

    • The Career Center
    • Outside the Commodore Closet
    • Commons Center
  • Are There Additional Resources for Financial Support Around Internships or Career Development? 

    Yes! Visit our Financial Support Awards webpage for more.

  • Can I Try on Clothing? 

    Yes! There’s a fitting room in the Commodore Closet. However, if you take an article of clothing, and end up not liking it, you’re welcome to return it at one of our donation spots. 

Contact

  • Antonella Valdivia

    Antonella Valdivia

    Assistant Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiatives

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