On National Dress Day March 6, we celebrate the most versatile and fun article of clothing there is — the dress! Fashion designer Ashley Lauren founded the day to help pay homage to dresses and the magical moments that happen when we wear them. “I remember the dresses I wore to my prom, first job interview, first date, competing in a pageant, my first red carpet event, the list goes on,” she says. “This is a fun day to cherish and celebrate those memories.”
NATIONAL DRESS DAY TIMELINE
11th century
The Beginning of the Dress
Towards the end of the century, women start to wear form-fitting and shapely dresses.
1926
The Little Black Dress
A Chanel dress featured on the cover of the October issue of “Vogue” popularizes the ‘Little Black Dress.’
February 2000
Green With Envy
The iconic green Versace dress made from silk chiffon is worn by Jennifer Lopez at the Grammys.
2011
The Power of a Dress
Ashley Lauren Kerr, the creator of National Dress Day, launches her formal dress line ASHLEYlauren.
NATIONAL DRESS DAY ACTIVITIES
Remember your dresses
The day was founded as an occasion to remember and appreciate the dresses in our lives. Take the opportunity to look through your closet and old photos and remember the dresses you wore on your most memorable occasions. Maybe make a list of your favorite dresses, or post a collage on Facebook.
Wear a dress
The simplest way to celebrate National Dress Day is to wear a dress! Because the day falls during March, it may be cold where you live, and maybe you’ve been wearing pants for months. Use the day as an excuse to get out your favorite dress — no matter how springy — put on some leggings or tights, and make new memories in your favorite garment.
Ask a friend or family about her favorite dresses
Asking a friend or family member about her own favorite dresses is a great way to get to know someone better. Call your grandma to ask about the favorite dresses of her youth, or ask your mom if she remembers what is like shopping for her high school graduation dress. Get your friends in on the fun, too! Ask friends on Facebook to share memories of their favorite dresses.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL DRESS DAY
Dresses are comfortable
Is there anything more comfortable to wear than a dress? The answer is no — and you just have to look to fashion throughout history and around the world to be assured that dresses are the best! Men, women, and children have worn versions of the dress throughout history, and it many warm countries, men wear dresses, also called tunics, as a way to stay cool.
Dresses are versatile
There are so many different kinds of dresses that there is one for every occasion! There are dresses for sleeping, dresses for lounging around the house, dresses for playing sports in, dresses for work, dresses for play, and of course, dresses for the most special occasions in our lives, like prom dresses, wedding dresses, and red carpet dresses.
Dresses are beautiful
Dresses can be pragmatic of course, but they can also be beautiful. Designer dresses can be works of art, and some of the world’s best museums have had dresses on exhibit to highlight their beauty and craftsmanship. They can be embroidered, hand-beaded, hand-stitched and made of the finest materials.
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