How to Prepare for Dressember’s 2020 Style Challenge as a Conscious Consumer
The Dressember 2020 style challenge is only weeks away, and many advocates are already beginning to plan their outfits for the challenge. Though the prospect of buying a bunch of new dresses and ties may be exciting, it is of the utmost importance to understand how the clothing you purchase and the companies you support can play a role in combatting human trafficking. It’s not just about awareness, but also action. Making more knowledgeable and well-informed choices about where you spend your money, whom you support and how you contribute to a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry are essential elements in the lifetime journey of being a conscious consumer. Action, coupled with awareness based on ethical values, is crucial.
Wear it again
To begin, wearing what you already have is one of the best ways to participate in the style challenge this December. Wearing dresses or ties that you already own (even if that means repeating an outfit once or twice!) is a great way to ensure you are contributing to the anti-trafficking movement ethically and responsibly. Working with what has already been purchased and is readily available is an extraordinary example of how easy it can be for individual consumers to shift towards making more informed choices. After all, the most sustainable item of clothing is the one you already own!
Similarly, borrowing from other people’s closets may come in particularly handy during the style challenge. Whether it be a roommate or a relative, sharing and swapping clothes is a fun and helpful way in which you as a Dressember advocate can participate without buying anything new!
Also, consider mending or reinventing garments in your closet that may require some extra love and attention. Taking the time to make adjustments to dresses or ties that have been especially well-worn or repurposing an old item into a dress or a tie can make all the difference in your contribution to ethical and sustainable fashion.
Buy something good
If you are still looking to buy something new for the upcoming style challenge, Dressember is happy to announce that we have some socially and environmentally sustainable options for you! Dressember has curated a list of ethical brands for those looking to purchase some new garments (that can be worn after the style challenge, too). Head over to Dressember’s Ethical Fashion Directory for brands that uphold Dressember’s stance that fashion should empower, not exploit. You can also check out the Dressember Marketplace for Dressember shop merch & the 2020 dress collection, which are sourced through partnerships with ethical brands.
While you’re at it, it is vital to remember that shopping from ethical brands is a privilege that not everyone can afford. For those with the financial resources, buying sustainably sourced clothes is a valuable way to express one’s commitment against fast fashion, and in turn, human trafficking. However, at times buying only ethically sourced fashion items may prove to be an obstacle in the journey to becoming a conscious consumer. If buying new clothes from an ethical brand isn’t in the budget this year, thrifting is a great option for anyone looking for some new pieces at an affordable price. Consider supporting your local thrift store for some new dresses or ties this season! Not only will you be saving money, but you will also aid in reducing the amount of clothing that goes to waste this year when you purchase and wear secondhand items.
Most importantly the 2020 style challenge is an opportunity to raise awareness and aid for anti-trafficking efforts and survivors of human trafficking. While you search for dresses and ties to wear this December, make a conscious effort to ensure you are doing so sustainably and ethically. Together, we can make a difference and enact real change. For more information on how to make a difference, check out how to get involved with Dressember and other anti-trafficking advocacy work!
About the Author
Layla Nath is in her sophomore year at American University where she studies political science and journalism! Due to her love of advocacy and academia, she is involved in her college community as a teaching and research assistant. Her desire to help others through writing and research, alongside her passion for sustainable fashion and social justice has led her to this team as an Editorial Intern!