How Wearing a Dress Can Change the World

What if something as simple as a dress could change the world? Dressember is an organization that challenges women to wear a dress, and men to wear a tie, for all 31 days of December. The purpose of Dressember is to raise awareness about human trafficking by starting a conversation. The simple act of wearing a dress (or tie) is an effective conversation starter that will help educate others about the harsh reality of modern-day slavery. This cause is something that is very near and dear to my heart, and one that I believe in strongly. For those of you who are not as familiar with the cause, here is how the simple act of wearing a dress can save thousands of women.

The Style Challenge

Dressember has an annual Dressember campaign that lasts for the 31 days of December. During this challenge, you are challenged to wear a dress or tie every single day. While you may be thinking that wearing a dress every day doesn’t really sound like it could change the world, but the reality is that your attire will become a conversation starter.

Here are some pictures from my Dressember Style Challenge:

My Dressember Style Challenge

In case you weren’t aware, it is extremely cold in December and I don’t exactly own an entire closet full of dresses. This means that in order to wear a dress every single day of the month, I have to get a little creative! You don’t have to go out and buy 31 dresses, but there are some things you can do to stretch your dresses through the month! You can share dresses with others you know, or add a jacket or cardigan to change up your look on the same dress. Wear a pair of leggings if you are getting too cold, but stick with it! Remember that being slightly cold is a drop in the bucket compared to what those affected by human trafficking have gone through.

Fundraising

If you aren’t really the kind of person who enjoys asking people for money, or you get nervous asking for donations, Dressember gives you all the tools to make it happen! They provide you with weekly emails, blog posts, and resources to not only help educate you about modern-day slavery but help you reach out to others as well!

My fundraising goal is $1,000. By setting up my own campaign page I’m able to direct people to it and encourage them to donate.

How to raise money

Are you fresh out of ideas on how you can raise money for this amazing cause? Here are some ideas to help you get started:

Have a clothing swap or dress auction
Host a bake sale
Have a yard sale
Ask for people to donate on your behalf as a Christmas gift

Your donation can be tax deductible! This is great for those looking to make charitable donations by the end of the year.

Becoming an advocate

Dressember is an international movement that has raised over $5 million. It not only helps increase awareness of human trafficking, but helps victims around the world rebuild their lives. By becoming an advocate, you help raise money for this amazing cause, and help spread awareness about this issue.

If you want to know more about this challenge, click here to learn more. Click here to join and get involved if you are interested in joining me in the Dressember challenge!

Lea Bodie