Dress for success
Create and decorate a professional outfit from paper and recycled materials, then role-play different jobs to learn how clothing fits activities and first impressions.
Step-by-step guide to Dress for success
How To Dress Better In School
Step 1
Gather all materials and put them on a clear flat table so you can reach everything easily
Step 2
Pick one job to design the outfit for like doctor teacher chef or builder
Step 3
Fold a large sheet of paper in half to make a simple template base
Step 4
Hold the folded paper against your chest and mark shoulder width and outfit length with a pencil
Step 5
Draw a simple outfit outline on the paper using your marks as guides
Step 6
Cut out the paper outline carefully to make your outfit template
Step 7
Glue or tape cardboard or recycled pieces to the template to add collars pockets or extra structure
Step 8
Decorate the outfit with colouring materials to add logos patterns and a name tag
Step 9
Add straps ties or ribbon and secure them with tape or safety pins so the outfit can be worn
Step 10
Put the outfit on over your clothes and fasten the straps or ties
Step 11
Move like you would for that job by walking sitting and reaching to test the fit and comfort
Step 12
Make one or two small accessories from recycled materials like a badge hat or clipboard and attach them to change the look
Step 13
Pretend to be three different professionals while wearing your outfit and explain how the clothes helped you do the job and what first impression you made
Step 14
Share your finished outfit and role-play video or photos on DIY.org
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can I use instead of a large sheet of paper, cardboard, or safety pins if I don't have them?
If you don't have a large sheet of paper, tape two printer sheets or use a brown paper bag for step 3, swap cardboard for a cereal box in step 6, and use strong tape or tied string instead of safety pins when securing straps in step 8.
My outfit falls apart when I try it on—what went wrong and how can I fix it?
If the outfit rips or straps pull loose during the fit test in step 11, reinforce the strap attachment points from step 8 with extra tape or glued cardboard patches used in step 6 and re-check the fit in step 11 before decorating.
How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?
For younger children, have an adult pre-fold and pre-cut the paper template in step 3 and let them decorate and add tape straps in steps 6–9, while older kids can add sewn fabric panels, detailed logos, and record their three role-play videos in steps 12–14.
How can we make the outfit more creative or professional-looking?
Enhance the project by adding Velcro or adjustable ribbon closures in step 8, creating a cardboard clipboard or hat accessory in step 12, and personalizing the outfit with a drawn logo and name tag in step 7 before filming your role-plays in step 13.
Watch videos on how to Dress for success
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Facts about upcycling and children's costume design
♻️ Upcycling turns trash into treasure: old clothes and cardboard can become stylish outfit pieces while cutting waste.
✂️ Paper can be made wearable: folding, layering, and reinforcing with tape or cardboard makes surprisingly sturdy costume elements.
🧠 Color matters in careers — blue is commonly associated with trust and is a popular choice for professional uniforms.
👔 First impressions form super-fast — people often decide how professional someone seems in about 100 milliseconds.
🎭 Role-playing jobs boosts social skills — pretending to be a chef, doctor, or teacher helps kids practice empathy and communication.
How do you play Dress for Success with kids?
What materials do I need for a Dress for Success activity?
What ages is the Dress for Success activity suitable for?
What are the benefits of Dress for Success and some safety tips?
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