Chic at 60ish!

Can you be a feminist & still love fashion? It’s a complicated question. Or is it?  A great jacket & pretty lip gloss feels harmless, but what about a full face of make-up, stilettos & shapewear? Are we concealing our flaws or empowering our bodies to be our “best selves?”

POWERFUL & PRETTY AT ONCE: Sarah Jessica Parker in NYC in Carolina Herrera, on her way to opening night at the ballet

It’s in your point of view. If you know me, you know I won’t walk out my front door without lipstick, mascara & Spanx. For me, it’s not a mask but a confidence-builder, allowing me to literally put “my best face forward” as I go through the day. I brush my teeth, put on my make-up & decide what I’m wearing; how I’ve started my day since I’m 14 years old.

ICONIC OUTFIT: Gloria Steinem in her “power outfit;” turtleneck, low-slung jeans & pendant

That’s my choice—and that’s what feminism is about. Remember Gloria Steinem’s signature look? Turtleneck, jeans belted at the hip & a pendant? She called it her “power outfit.” And it became iconic. Hillary’s pantsuits. Nancy Pelosi’s bright colors. Michelle Obama’s cardigans over a sheath dress. All pretty powerful, no? All made a clear visual statement, putting clothes into context with a message.

THE POWER OF THE PANTSUIT: Hillary Clinton, wearing white to honor the suffragettes, accepting the Democratic nomination for president at the Democratic National Convention

The important thing is that you dress to please yourself, rather than someone else. That you wear bright red lipstick or a special dress because you want to, making you feel secure & confident as you face the world.

When people tell me they never think about fashion, they often say loving clothes & accessories feels frivolous. Beautiful clothes, shoes & handbags are omnipresent items in our world—not giving a thought to them at all feels almost forced. Non-feminist. Not taking control.

FIERCE & FEMININE AT ONCE: Michelle Obama in her signature style; her A-line dress is by Christian Siriano, who was an unknown at the time–not after that night!

And that’s the message. There is no blanket rule, other than your own gut & preferences. And that—especially at 60ish—whatever you choose should not cause pain. (Pointy killer heels come to mind!)

MY PERSONAL “POWER LOOK,” speaking at a Jewish Federation event in a “very Ellyn” look of sheath dress & bold necklace; dress is Adam Lippes from Boyds Philadelphia

Last week I wrote about “having a look.” Once you’re happy with that look, it’s a cinch to shop & reach for the right—most flattering—outfit every time. When you walk out the door, do you feel confident, comfortable & strong? In those feelings lies true beauty—and true feminism!!! Can you be a feminist & love fashion? Of course you can! Enjoy every strong, empowered moment~ Ellyn Golder Saft

ps. Looking for a fabulous coffee table book or holiday or hostess gift? Every fashionista must have “LINDA EVANGELISTA,” a most exquisite collection of photographs of the supermodel, by her dear friend & award-winning photographer Steven Meisel. Worth the splurge!