Hot Tip: You Don't Need 31 Dresses for the Dressember Style Challenge
By Emmalee Oberg
Don’t have a closet full of dresses to participate in the Dressember Style Challenge? The good news is—you don’t need 31 dresses to make a meaningful impact in the fight against human trafficking. In fact, you can spark conversations about this injustice with just one dress or tie. With our sustainable fashion tips, you can confidently walk into December with a complete guide of ideas to make your dresses and ties last all month!
Tips for Participating in the Dressember Style Challenge With Only a Few Dresses
TIP #1: GET CREATIVE WITH STYLING YOUR DRESS
Fashion is all about creativity, and when you commit to wearing dresses for an entire month, it forces you to think outside the box—experiment by adding layers and accessories to create countless outfit possibilities. You'll be amazed by the unique looks you can create. Our founder, Blythe Hill, continuously discovers new ways to style her dresses, including adding fun scarves, hats, or statement necklaces. One year, she took on the Dressember Style Challenge with just one dress to prove that if she can do it, then you can too!
TIP #2: SWITCH IT UP—TRY A TIE
If you're not a fan of dresses or need some fresh inspiration from your wardrobe, consider incorporating ties into your daily outfits. Experiment with tying them creatively, pairing them with different shirts, and exploring a variety of colors and patterns. Whether you wear a dress or tie, the idea is to make unconventional fashion choices that spark conversations about human trafficking in your community.
TIP #3: REMEMBER IT’S BIGGER THAN A DRESS
While the Dressember campaign revolves around a 31-day style challenge, it's crucial to remember the greater purpose: raising awareness and funds to combat human trafficking. By participating in the Dressember Style Challenge, you're joining a global movement advocating for the end of this heinous crime. It doesn’t matter if your outfits are old, new, borrowed, or blue—though advocates who have worn their wedding dresses to work have gotten LOTS of attention!—your wardrobe choices are just one way to spark conversations and raise funds for this critical cause.
TIP #4: EMBRACE SUSTAINABLE FASHION
If you’re eager to freshen up your wardrobe, thrift stores and secondhand shops offer a wide variety of clothing at affordable prices. Not only will you find unique pieces, but you'll also reduce your carbon footprint! You can also attend or organize a clothing swap with your local community to add fun dresses or ties to your Dressember wardrobe. Additionally, Dressember provides an Ethical Fashion Directory to help you make responsible shopping choices that feel good, look good, and most importantly, do good.
To put these tips into practice this December, become an advocate for the Dressember 2023 campaign! We can’t wait to see all of the creative outfits and meaningful impact that your advocacy efforts will bring.
About the Author
Emmalee Oberg is a second-year advocate for Dressember because she believes in the inherent dignity of all people. She is a communications intern for Dressember and a student at the University of Northwestern, St. Paul where she studies Graphic Design and Marketing. In her free time, you can often find Emmalee working on her photography business, grabbing coffee with friends, dancing in musicals at her school, and enjoying summer weather. You can find her at @emmaleeoberg & @emmaleeobergphotography on Instagram.