I just discovered The Uniform Project, a year-long challenge/fundraiser, where Sheena, the face of the project, has pledged to wear one black dress (designed by her friend) for 365 days to raise funds for the Akanksha Foundation––a non-profit organization dedicated to funding uniforms and other educational expenses for children living in Indian slums. Sadly, they don't sell their own super-practical dress (I've suggested the idea, so fingers crossed!), but this simple jersey v-back dress would be a solid plan B to dress up, over, around, and down.

I wore a (fugly) uniform all the way through school, and much as I felt repressed at the time, I also remember how much fun my friends and I had getting creative with it. I don't have to wear a uniform now, but I kind of like the idea of self-imposed restraints––be they budget, environmental, or creative, and forcing myself to stretch wardrobe basics. This seven-ways dress (available in several colors) would be an excellent addition to a practical wardrobe; it can be made in sweatshirt-fabric or jersey to suit climate constraints, wrapped seven different ways to make seven different dresses, and accessorized a million additional ways!

The Uniform Project is daily evidence that accessories like shoes, jewelry, hats, stockings, leggings, and slips can completely transform a basic dress. I love to use big statement necklaces to switch up an outfit, and I'm a huge fan of Necklush; they make hand-printed half-scarf, half-necklace creations with multiple freeform loops to allow you to get creative with how you wear it. Very modern, very stylish, and very practical, too!