Question
Are black skirts the uniform of orthodox women? Is there any particular reason why so many orthodox women wear black skirts and not skirts of any color or combination of colors? My daughter who became orthodox owns more than 20 identical long polyester black skirts. It is literally her entire wardrobe and she wears nothing else ever. Her tops vary, but it’s always the same long black skirt every single day. She just has older and newer ones in varying conditions for different occasions. She admitted to me it is the exact same skirt she bought many times, and she showed me where she gets them. And they are very cheap, even as she can afford better. She wears them just as much to weddings and while canoeing. She wears them to work and to work out. Seems like she is far from alone. Whenever I am around the orthodox community, I see so many women wearing long black skirts.

Question
After decades of going to a reformed temple for high holy day services, I am going to an orthodox synagogue this year. The orthodox synagogue does Birkat Cohanim. I went to an orthodox synagogue growing up. I am a Cohen and participated in it. As of today, I have lived with my gentile partner for almost 40 years, but never officially married her. She and I raised two kids together who are now fully grown. If this is the case, do I qualify to participate in the Birkat Cohanim ritual?