A Northerners Guide to Dressember

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Alright, it’s time for some real talk. Northern Sisters? I’m looking at you. Let’s address the dress problem with this project.

Dressember: a dress a day for the month of December. Seems simple enough unless you know what we know --December is freezing! Anyone else love the idea of the project but simultaneously love the comfort of your pants in subzero temperatures? No shame here! The point of this project is not comfort by any means. We cloak ourselves in dresses as our means of advocacy. The frigid temperatures of December serve as an amplifier for our campaign. Everyone dons themselves in summer dresses when temperatures rise and school is out. But when you wear a dress every day despite the elements, you stand in solidarity with the sisterhood of women across the world doing the same.

But how do we practically do this if we live in Northern parts of the world? It’s easy to commit to a dress a day in December when you live in Hawaii but what about the rest of us? If you’re new to our project, we have put together a list of how to participate in Dressember without freezing your socks off this season while still making a difference.

Invest in a pair of fleece lined leggings!

You can thank me later for this tip. Transform any breezy dress into a warm walk in the park by pairing every outfit with a pair of fleece-lined leggings. Not only is this a practical step to take but there are also a variety of patterns and colors available and all come in super soft textures. Of course when making your purchase be sure to check out fair trade companies like Patagonia and Fair Indigo.

Now, don’t forget warm socks and boots

While your snow boots may not be your ideal shoe of choice to pair with your dress, sometimes practicality will have to win out over fashion. If more fashion-forward boots aren’t in your future, consider packing a pair of shoes to change into when you make it to the office. Don’t forget to keep those feet nice and warm with wool socks to stay warm and cover all day long.

Layers, layers, layers

Layers will not only keep your wardrobe fresh but will also keep you warm. Sweaters, cardigans, and long sleeves are all easy ways to transform a dress into a new outfit and also keep you comfortable. Follow @dressember on Instagram to stay up to date on tips and tricks to inspire your layers this season.

Sometimes, pants under your dress may be the only way

In times of sledding, wood cutting, cross-country skiing, whatever your crazy and wild adventure maybe this winter, pants under a dress may be the only way to go. Your Dressember involvement should be as wild and adventurous as you are. We look forward to seeing how creative your winter ensembles get this year! Tag #youcandoanythinginadress to share your style with us!

At the end of the day, we want to see what Dressember looks like for you! Just because snowstorms, icy streets, and subzero temperatures may be in your future, your involvement speaks volumes on the behalf of those trapped in modern-day slavery. The contrast of your dress to the surrounding cold will open doors for discussion and help with the spread of awareness. We need you, Northerners. Stay warm, and remember, it’s bigger than a dress.

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About the Author

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Sara Kernan is a proud Alaskan that now calls Southern California home (while trying not to melt in the summer). She is finishing her undergrad program this year and looks forward to this opportunity with Dressember to be an advocate of social justice on a different level. Sara can usually be found either drinking coffee or finding a new hiking trail with her husband and going on new adventures

RESOURCESDressemberNovember 28, 2017Advocate Resources