The Important Role Fashion Plays In The Feminist Movement

With the purpose of uniting those who desire equality and social change, the world came together this weekend to empower women and all of those in marginalized communities. Females and males gathered in solidarity in cities across the nation and beyond the seas to participate in sister marches for female rights following the lead of the Women’s March on Washington.

While it is no surprise that this weekend’s Women’s Marches were historic (girl power is the strongest power there is, after all); what might surprise you was fashion’s huge supporting role in it. With crowds proudly wearing pink, “cat” hats, and feminist statement shirts, female empowerment was a fashion statement everyone was wearing.

Often described as frivolous and materialistic, fashion has long been criticized as a superficial concept dominated by feminine interests. If the Women’s March on Washington wasn’t clear enough on disproving all of the false assumptions made on gender roles, it also demonstrated the power of the often dismissed role of fashion. Fashion broke the rules, social constructs, and walls set up by the oppressors of equality in unison with the women that marched along.

I was able to get ahold of some of the Style Gurus who attended marches across the nation. Here is a closer look at the meanings behind what they wore:

“The Women’s March was the most empowering event of my life. I wore my Flawless shirt because it’s from the Beyoncé song that opens up with the definition of feminism. I felt that it was important to represent that song and it’s message at the march.”

Photo via @chastity_diane

“I wore jeans, a colorful vintage patterned button-up, and a pink hat that read ‘Ladies is pimps, too.’ The hat is a symbol for women’s rights. It was a march solely supporting love and encouragement, and I wanted to wear bold colors to support that.”

Photo via @sammymandich

“I wore 11-inch high-rise flares that close with four buttons instead of a zip, embracing my femininity. They have a raw hem which symbolizes being a fighter and being rough around the edges. I had to wear my Nasty Woman shirt. Wearing this shirt supported Planned Parenthood since all of the proceeds for the shirt went to the organization. I wanted my outfit to be feminine because I think a woman can, and should be taken seriously even if she isn’t wearing a masculine outfit.”Photo via @isabellaleclair

“When I woke up the day of the Women’s March, I had never felt more American. So, I wore one of the most American fabrics there is, and put on an all-denim ensemble, right up to my ball cap with the welcoming message of “hello” embroidered on it. I opted for small pins instead of making signs. My pins included fun, sassy, and witty feminist sayings and calls for justice. Oh, and I, of course, wore my war paint, red lipstick.”Photo via @daniellesmodernlife

“For the Women’s March, comfort was a priority. I wore leggings, a casual sweatshirt, and my Chelsea-style rainboots. We ended up walking over 12 miles and standing for 11 hours. My statement piece was my military style coat. I pinned a patch to the back that read “Love Trumps Hate.” I always want to spread the message that love overcomes hate, so this phrase really struck a chord with me. I also sported a pussy hat that my cousin knit for me. What better way to show the power of women than through hand-made pink hats? I can’t thank my mom enough for encouraging me to be a part of the march and showing me that you are never too old or too young to fight for a just cause.”Photo via @annmarieebalan