How to Stay Warm While Advocating to End Human Trafficking this Winter
Each year, thousands of advocates from all over the world join together in the fight to end human trafficking by wearing a dress or tie. During the 31 days of December, that dress or tie is intended to spark conversation about trafficking. With more than 40 million people currently in human trafficking, this style challenge serves as a way to educate communities and resource organizations that have been in the fight for justice for years.
Depending on where you are located, December can be one of the coldest months of the year. With that, a common question amongst Dressember advocates is: “How can I stay warm during the style challenge?” Whether you choose to rock a tie or a dress this Dressember, there are a few ways to stay warm in colder climates, and this guide is meant to equip you to do just that.
If you live in a cold climate, you are well aware it can be a challenge to stay warm. Whether you are wearing a dress or not, it can be rough to navigate those cold winter months. Dressember believes that you can do anything in a dress, like fight human trafficking and survive 13-degree weather. Living somewhere cold serves as the perfect opportunity to challenge your creativity during the style challenge.
1. First of all, accessorizing makes all the difference.
If you are choosing to wear a dress, a scarf is the perfect addition to your outfit! Ethical headwear and accessories from Krochet Kids Intl. are a great addition to your Dressember wardrobe.
2. Layer as much as you can!
From t-shirts and sweaters to cardigans to puffer coats, layers can be an important part of your Dressember wardrobe. Layering a dress over a long sleeve and adding a puffer coat is bound to keep you warm this winter. Additionally, if you are participating in the style challenge by wearing a tie, you can wear a sweater over a button down with a tie. Pact Organic is a great option for the basics, such as leggings, t-shirts and everything in between.
3. Get out of your comfort zone and have fun with your outfits.
Fashion can allow for each of us to express ourselves. This challenge can be a catalyst for exploring new styles. Dressember is the perfect opportunity to wear something you wouldn’t typically wear, whether that be a sweater dress, a sweater over a dress or a dress over jeans. Ten Thousand Villages is a company that sells ethically made winter wear that will keep you warm, and their accessories allow you to express yourself through your fashion.
4. Support high-quality companies that treat their employees fairly.
Living in a cooler climate, it is necessary to have shoes, leggings and coats that are of the highest quality. There is no room for thin or cheap material when you are in the middle of a northeast winter. With that being said, there are ways to ensure that the clothes you have are going to last. For some winter items, you can support companies like A.BCH by purchasing an ethical, high-quality sweater.
5. Wear tights and leggings as often as possible.
LA Relaxed and Girlfriend Collective are two more ethical companies you can support this winter by shopping for cozy leggings to wear under your dresses! Another option is to go to a secondhand store for winter goods such as fleece-lined tights.
For more ethical companies to support as you prepare for this winter, you can visit the Dressember Ethical Fashion Directory. As you advocate this year, you are sure to stay warm through layering, tights, sweaters and accessories. You really can do anything in a dress, and the style challenge is an avenue for expressing your creativity through fashion for a cause. Together, we can stay warm and fight human trafficking.
About the Author
Shannon Haupert is originally from the West Coast and is now navigating life in New York City. You can find her anywhere with a journal in one hand and snacks in the other. She is passionate about sustainability, human rights, and creativity. When she's not writing, she spends her time working as a nanny, exploring the city, and drinking far too much coffee along the way.