About

The Free Business Attire Pop-Up Shop began Spring 2017 as a grassroots project by the College of Health and Human Sciences.

Directors of Multicultural Student Success (DMSS) assist all ISU students in finding gently-used business clothing in preparation for career fairs, interviews, conferences, award ceremonies, graduation, etc.

Gently-used business clothing, accessories and shoes are donated by community members and then staged in a retail setting for students to stop by during the two-day event to pick out, try-on and leave with as many items needed for free.

The attendance at the Pop-Up Shops has grown from 70 to 508 students at a single event.

Meet Carmen Flagge, the director behind The Free Business Pop-Up Shop. Listen to the heartfelt journey of how this organization came to be, and get an in-depth understanding of what we do.

What We Offer

The ISU Pop-Up Shop offers blazers, suits, shirts and blouses, trousers, shoes and accessories; all for free! These range in styles and sizes.

The Free Business Attire Pop Up Shop has now opened a permanent location at Room 2255 in the Multicultural Center inside of the Memorial Union! ISU students and alumni that have recently graduated in the last two 2 years can visit the Closet to find professional wear. Individuals are allowed to take 5 items per day, and visit 2 times per week.

Follow us on Instagram for more news!: @isupopup

Student Testimonials

Listen to what students have to say about the Free Business Attire Pop-Up Shop:

Extra Testimonials

  • “The Pop-Up Shop stands out to me because there are no questions asked about financial need, and it isn’t seen as weird or shameful to go.”
  • “It’s welcoming to all students regardless of background or financial status.”
  • “I was able to get business clothes at the Pop-Up Shop for the Career Fair. I am an out-of-state student and sometimes money can be tight.”
  • “I got a cute red cardigan from the shop that I wore to a big presentation to present a program for Iowa State!”

Partnerships

Since 2017, The Free Business Attire Pop-Up Shop has partnered with campus organizations and local businesses to create an empowering experience for students. We are grateful for your services:

  • The Loft, for your generous clothing donations
  • Overflow, for the coupons and professional shoes that you donated
  • Catt Center, for the professional headshots
  • Sir Magazine, for the professional headshots
  • NSBE: National Society of Black Engineers, for volunteering
  • TREND Magazine, for volunteering

If you are a club, business, or individual interested in helping the pop-up shop, please contact Carmen Flagge at cflagge@iastate.edu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this resource completely free?
Yes! We collect gently-used business apparel through local donations from the community. Students can take up to 3-5 items.

When is this event held?
The Free Business Attire Pop-Up comes once every semester near the time of the career fairs in the Multicultural Center in the Memorial Union.

Can I donate clothes?
Yes! Gently-used donations are accepted year-round to the College of Health and Human Sciences in 131 MacKay Hall Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Here is a list of items the Pop Up Shop is in need of:

  • Outerwear:
    • Blazers & suits of all genders
    • Winter coats
  • Tops
    • Women’s: extra small, small, and medium blouses and shirts
    • Men’s: small & medium shirts
  • Bottoms
    • Womens: sizes 0-6, 8-14, and tall
    • Mens: 30″-36″ in waist
  • Accessories
    • Solid color ties, bow ties, jewelry, sunglasses
  • Bags
    • Totes, purses, laptop bags
  • Shoes
    • Loafers, boots, flats, classic men’s dress shoes

Carmen (she/her) Flagge

Program Specialist III

Department: Human Sciences Administration

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