Frugalista Fashions: One dress, many styles

by Andrea Hermitt | More from this Blogger

19 Aug 2009 12:41 AM

Who would have ever thought that buying a single top that matches nothing being considered as a gamble? It used to be an excuse to go out and buy a skirt or slacks. Now, in this tight economy, if a dress can't be worn at least three ways, you have seriously wasted your money.

Chron.com presents one dress, five ways in which the writer discusses a challenge by 20 coworkers to wear the same dress for one week. Each day the dress was accessorized to make it is original as possible. The dress was cleaned or freshened in between wears.

If you think that is extreme, check out The Uniform Project where Matheikan of the Akanksha Foundation is wearing one dress for 365 days straight. Actually she has seven identical black dresses that button down the front of back depending on how she decides to wear it.

From browsing through the photos it is plain to see how she uses the dress as the part of her wardrobe, but not as the main piece everyday. Some days it is a dress, others, a jacket, and sometimes a shirt. She adds colors and scarves to it. She has worn another skirt on top of it, she has added a multitude of scarves. It is plain to see that with the right investments piece, your wardrobe choices can be endless.

The purpose of this clothing experiment is to raise funds "for the Akanksha Foundation, a grassroots movement that is revolutionizing education in India. At the end of the year, all contributions will go toward Akanksha's School Project to fund uniforms and other educational expenses for children living in Indian slums."

So what's the point of discussing these exercises in extreme fashion? They are also examples of extreme frugality. Of you can wear one outfit several different ways, you don't have to purchase nearly as much. If you have a standard uniform, you won't fret about what to wear and by adding accessories you already own or can get cheaply, you can still manage to look great each day.

Frugalista Fashions: Get Your Maxi Dress for Less

Frugalista Fashions: Have you done your winter shopping yet?

Frugalista fashions: Five Fashion Musts for Light Travel

Learn more about Andrea Hermitt

Andrea Hermitt is a native New Yorker currently residing in GA. She has been married for over 16 years and has two teenage children.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger