Dressember: A Nine-Year Tradition of Advocacy and Style Evolution

For nearly a decade, my participation in Dressember has evolved from a mere style challenge into an annual tradition intertwined with fundraising and advocacy. What initially began as a means to connect and engage with others while residing in California has seamlessly transformed into an longterm commitment.

Setting a fundraising goal has always been a crucial aspect of my Dressember journey. However, what truly pushes me is the challenge of utilizing the garments already in my wardrobe. Over time, I've tweaked the rules to align more closely with my lifestyle. One significant modification has been the inclusion of skirts, particularly warm wool skirts that alleviate the challenge of dressing on colder days. The magic of wool tights paired with a woolen skirt has proven to be a savior, especially when the temperature barely climbs above 20 degrees outside. In years past, I have purchased a new (to me) dress for the challenge. Having been apart of this challenge for so many years now I don’t buy a dress every year now. I do often buy new or thrifted sweaters or tights as these often become the pieces I swap out throughout the month.

This year, admittedly, I've fallen short in capturing photos each day. Yet, the absence of photos doesn't deter me from embracing the challenge. In fact, the act of taking photos often motivates me to dress up each day.

Living in Colorado poses its own set of unique challenges during Dressember, primarily due to the fluctuating weather. Mornings might begin at 30 degrees and get to a mild 60 degrees, while on other days, temperatures struggle to surpass freezing. Oddly enough, dressing for the freezing days offers a sense of consistency, while the variability of warmer days poses a dilemma - should I dress myself for the coldest or warmest part of the day?

Reflecting on my Dressember experiences over the past nine years, I've donned dresses while engaging in an array of activities. From hiking and cycling to running errands, attending church, participating in parades, exploring museums, gathering for holidays, scaling mountain peaks, wandering through quaint mountain towns, going on runs, traveling, and visiting loved ones - the dress has been my steadfast companion through diverse ventures.

While initially challenging, by the time Christmas arrives, navigating the daily dress code becomes effortless. So much so that transitioning back to jeans in January proves to be a struggle.

This year, I've set a modest fundraising goal, one that I'm determined to achieve. My fundraiser page [https://dressember2023.funraise.org/fundraiser/shelby-clarke] stands as a testament to this commitment.

So what is Dressember?

Dressember is a movement inviting advocates worldwide to don dresses or ties throughout December. From meticulously planned outfits to the challenge of wearing the same attire for an entire month, or the joy of mixing and matching daily, the beauty lies in making the challenge one's own.

At its core, Dressember is a response to the staggering reality of human trafficking, a $150 billion industry, according to the International Labour Organization. The mission is to disrupt this industry and advocate for change.

What might appear as a lighthearted style challenge has collectively raised over $18 million to combat human trafficking globally. Dressember transcends mere awareness; it's a vibrant social movement advocating for the freedom of all individuals. By amplifying our voices and standing united, we aim to send a resounding message to traffickers: we are unwavering in our commitment to bring about change.

Donate to my Dressember Page, Here