Dressing for success, from head to toe and all points in between, is more about capturing the air of positivity than showing off the hottest designer gear and bling.

“I’m here to help you build confidence,” said Lester McCarter, personal stylist for Nordstrom, which hosted a recent “Career Takeover” Peer-to-Peer event for metro Atlanta young adults in Youth Villages’ LifeSet program, which provides a bridge from foster care to adulthood. “Once you understand your body, you can shop anywhere. I have on a $50 suit, but a $400 tie.”

He stressed the importance of choosing appropriate attire that matches the vibe of the potential employer.

“Don’t wear your going-out-to-the-club clothes to a job interview, unless you are applying to the club,” McCarter said.

LifeSet attendees ages 17 to 22 were treated to McCarter and his colleagues’ expertise and guidance on choosing job interview, workplace and special-event attire; skincare, makeup, hair and fragrance tips; and how to look sharp on a budget.

McCarter led the young men onto the floor of the men’s department at Nordstrom’s Phipps Plaza location in Atlanta’s famed Buckhead district. In front of three-way mirrors, he measured each youth for a suit, had them try on suit jackets, explained the different sizes, cuts, styles and fabrics, and an assistant created a personal profile for each youth with their measurements.

McCarter gave each youth his contact information and offered his services pro bono, quite a generous offer considering personal stylists in Atlanta typically charge between $50 and $70, according to ziprecruiter.com.

Meanwhile, LifeSet young ladies were in the women’s department with another Nordstrom stylist, who focused on selecting appropriate undergarments and clothing tailored to different body types. “The experience emphasized both confidence and comfort, helping them better understand how foundational pieces contribute to overall presentation,” said Shelly Francis, manager of donor engagement for Youth Villages, who coordinated the event with Nordstrom.

After lunch and a Q&A session with McCarter, the LifeSet youth headed to the beauty and fragrance department, where they learned about daily makeup routines, fragrances and how different skincare products work, along with hair and grooming tips.

LifeSet participant Kendrick Rudd, 19, was keen to complete his look for an upcoming semi-formal event on his calendar and asked several questions as McCarter fitted him for a sports coat. He was similarly engaged during the skincare presentation, and his participation earned him a free skincare kit – another boost to his confidence.

Building confidence and social networking skills while cultivating a supportive peer group, is what LifeSet Peer-to-Peer gatherings are all about.

This was the first time several of the participants visited the Buckhead area and their first experience inside a Nordstrom and Phipps Plaza, one of Atlanta’s toniest shopping destinations, with upscale stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Cartier, Gucci and Tiffany & Co.

Many of the youth shared that the experience opened their eyes to what it means to show up professionally – not just choosing clothes, but also considering grooming, skincare, fragrance and finding items that fit their personal style, body type and overall look. What stood out just as strongly was how much they valued the Nordstrom team’s genuine care. Unlike past shopping experiences where they felt overlooked, the youth felt welcomed, heard and supported throughout the process, and that personalized attention left a lasting, meaningful impression.

Each youth left with a Nordstrom goodie bag of personal care products and a renewed sense of confidence.

About Youth Villages – Georgia

In collaboration with the Department of Behavioral Health and Development Dissabilities and Division of Family & Children Services, our work in Georgia focuses on strengthening families to prevent or limit the need for out-of-home placements (Intercept), supporting youth who age out of foster care or lack a stable caregiver as they enter adulthood (LifeSet), and providing short-term, residential treatment for children whose needs are not met by traditional mental and behavioral health services at Inner Harbour in Douglasville.

Support the Elevate Campaign: Help expand access to life-changing residential care for children in Georgia. Your support brings proven treatment closer to home—where it matters most. Donate today!

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