can I be a feminist and still want to look good?
Originally published June 2023
For this first Style AMA, I decided to just bite the bullet and go with the hardest question that was asked:
“I'm not sure how to dress myself/feel good about what I'm wearing if it doesn't seem to showcase my body in some way. Like I don't know how to view myself as looking ‘good’ or happy with how I appear, if it's not in some way related to some basic conceptions of what society says is good. Is it okay that I wear a tight fitting top that accentuates my breasts if it's only just for me? Am I capable of doing it only for me or is that secret internalized patriarchy?”
Such a tough question and so hard to untangle what is societal norms and what is personal preference. There are a few different ways to approach it.
First of all, we have to acknowlege the privilege inherent in being able to wear something you like, for any reason, and not being discriminated against for it. This is something I have to keep reminding mysel…