Fashion: A Paradox of Dress

The fashion industry is one dominated mostly by men but created for women. The general philosophy is that if you look good, you feel good. In a way, clothing, accessories and makeup form a kind of armor that empowers the wearer. It's offensive in that it boosts confidence and defensive because it deters negative judgment. In fact, Audrey Hepburn once said to her friend Hubert Givenchy, "When I wear something from you, I feel secure, I feel protected." However, there is also a complicated sexuality running through the industry. It's there in the bias cuts, peek-a-boo chiffons and swinging skirts. A strong sense of style might be a magnet for degrading catcalls or slimy leers, making a million-dollar outfit feel like a penny in mere seconds. Is fashion something that empowers a woman or sexualizes and therefore objectifies her?

It's a fine line and walking it requires balance. It's possible to be both chic and unsexy though. There are certain styles of clothing that are "man-repelling." In fact, there is a humorous blog called The Manrepeller about such fashion items, featuring suspenders and jackets with shoulder feathers. However, for those of us who do not want to invest money into repulsing the opposite sex, here's my two cents.

The important thing to remember is to keep it classy. Nowadays, there is a misconception that baring skin equals sexy — this is not true; in fact, it is more seductive to cover up. Select clothes that flatter your body type, which you also feel comfortable wearing (this is not to say wear only comfortable clothes). Be classy, be confident and that will allow you to be sexy. If someone still wants to put you down, fight back and a million-dollar dress will suddenly feel like a billion.

So what's the answer to our question — does being fashionable make you an alpha or an Aphrodite? Well, like all good questions, this one doesn't have a straight answer. My conjecture is that taking command of your sensuality is empowering, like Gina Torres's role on Suits; however, going overboard, say Christina Hendricks's character from Mad Men, would be inadvisable. Seriously, Hendricks, keep those curves in line!