Chic at 60ish!

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

PRETTY & POWERFUL AT ONCE: Sarah Jessica Parker in Carolina Herrera, on her way to the opening of the NYC 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 signature turtleneck, 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 long pendant? She called it her “power outfit.” And it became iconic. Hillary’s pantsuits. Nancy Pelosi’s bright colors. Melania Trump’s big-shouldered severe jackets. All making a clear visual statement, putting clothes into context with a message.

SENDING A MESSAGE: Hillary Clinton in a “suffragette white” pantsuit, accepting the nomination as the first woman to run for President; Kim Kardashian & Naomi Watts as top divorce lawyers in “All’s Fair” on Hulu, the updated power suit for a new generation, still making a statement, saying “I’m in control!”

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

MY PERSONAL “POWER LOOK!” I always wear a round neck when I speak behind a podium, flattering & it doesn’t slide around like a blouse or jacket—Silvia Tcherassi sequin pants & black cashmere sweater, Adam Lippes plaid sheath dress, all from Boyds in Philadelphia & Wayne

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

FIERCE & FEMININE AT ONCE: Claude Jacket & pants and Jessup jacket, from veronicabeard.com; burgundy jumpsuit & jacket from maxmara.com; embossed leather jacket from gucci.com

Recently, 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. Whatever your politics may be, fashionistas will love “The Look,” a new coffee table book by Michelle Obama & her stylist Meredith Koop. A fascinating “look” into not only the former First Lady’s clothes, but also the meaning & significance behind each outfit. Thoughtful, insightful, beautiful—my go-to gift for every hostess this season!