Johanna Kajson - Weddings, graduations, and parties: how to use the same dress all summer, year after year

Pure Passion. Knowledge from people who know their craft.

Do you have a dress you love, but are hesitant to wear again because it's already been worn to a wedding or party? We spoke with Johanna Kajson, who has planned weddings for many years for both well-known personalities and private individuals, about how to wear the same garment throughout the summer, and over several years, without it feeling either overdone or boring.

Can you really wear the same dress on repeat?

Oh YES, in my wardrobe hang dresses that are 5-10-15 and 20 years old that come out again and again. I also wear my mother's and my grandmother's old clothes; it always feels so lovely to bring out garments that have been used for generations, and my nieces wear my old party dresses. I love it! And yes, in my profession I wear dresses OFTEN and have many favorites that come along to dance again and again.

How do you make the same dress feel fun and stylish every time?

I usually try different hairstyles like slicked-back, curls, high ponytail, low bun or high bun, and vary earrings and shoes so the same dress can have a different style. One time maybe a leather jacket is draped over the shoulders and another time a blazer.

Doesn't it get boring to wear the same garment often?

No, I don't think so. My most common answer to my followers when they ask "WHEEEERE IS THE DRESS FROM" is that it's "old". Haha. They don't even remember what I've worn before, and it's a strange idea in today's society that you could never wear the same outfit again – I GLADLY wear my top 3 favorite outfits over and over again. Safecards are the best we have! (And everyone else is so busy thinking about what THEY should wear that they don't even remember if you wear the same thing again and again 😊)

Do you have to wash the dress after every wear?

No – I almost never wash my dresses, honestly. I air them out, maybe spray them with your spray if needed, and then they're ready to await the next party!

How do clothes relate to the atmosphere at a wedding or party?

Oh, it definitely creates a certain mood with a dress code and all the guests wearing the same genre – it clearly provides a sense of community and a common thread among all guests! For the guest, the most important thing is to feel beautiful and comfortable in what they have chosen to wear; that gives a greater opportunity to let loose, be yourself, and enjoy the party!

How do you choose the right dress from the start if you want to wear it for a long time?

I look for what fits my body well; if it has a nice cut and is comfortable, I know it will move into my wardrobe forever. I have several favorites from Swedish brands that I like to buy in the same model but different patterns, because when I know it fits perfectly, I know I'll be comfortable in it! 

Does it have to be so complicated to make clothes last longer?

No, I don't understand this at all. Regardless of whether I buy clothes from chain stores (which I honestly do 90% of the time) or a designer brand, I expect the garment to last a long time. Air them out, keep the dresses hanging, and wear them as often as possible. 

Using the same dress and party clothes multiple times is perhaps less about rules and more about feeling. With small changes in styling, a little care between wears, and less focus on perfection, favorite garments can accompany us through many summers, parties, and memories. If Kajson can do it, anyone can! :)