fashion IS a luxury

Being passionate about beauty and feminism at the same time can be difficult. In graduate school, I studied media effects on women's feelings about their bodies. I've looked at the statistics and know for a fact that women's negative attitudes about their appearance are related to their media use. It makes sense, doesn't it? Popular media represents a beautiful women as having a slim physique. So if I want to be considered beautiful, I need a slim physique.

But I am not slim. Thankfully, I have the presence of mind to know that I am fabulous and beautiful in my own way. I get appreciative glances from men. Truckers honk at me on the freeway. Women compliment my outfits, hairstyles and makeup. Yet, I still have that voice inside of me that says, "you would be happier/prettier/better if you looked good in a pair of size 28 Diesel jeans." I KNOW that isn't true, but the voice is still there.

So what does one do? I tried cutting back on my media use, but I love fashion. I think people can use clothing as a means of expression. Fashion is art. Am I to deny that form of expression and my joy in viewing that artistry in others? That doesn't seem right to me. However, I think fashion should be more accessible and inclusive.

SJP's claim that "fashion is not a luxury, it is a right" is not correct. Technically, fashion began when a middle class emerged that had enough money to purchase the styles that royalty wore. However, fashion is no longer in the hands of the elite. Using New York Magazine's Look Book and the grunge trend of the 1990's as examples, fashion can be influenced by artists with little money. But money helps.

Beyond money, I say that fashion isn't accessible to all because great clothes do not come in all shapes and sizes. A 5'6", size-6 woman is able to find clothes in almost any store that fit her. She can pick and choose items according to her personal style. A 5'6", size-20 woman has very limited options in terms of clothing. The clothing that fits her is likely to be bland. Fashionable zaftig women must be creative to inject style into their outfits.

I'm up to the challenge. I'm bright, sassy and creative. I make do with what the stores offer, but how daft are they to ignore this growing (pun not intended) market? How hard is it for designers to understand that cap sleeves are not flattering on a lot of women? Or that plus-sizes do not require elastic waists?

I am all for promoting fit and healthy lifestyles, but I do not think that means larger-sized people shouldn't be able to dress themselves attractively. Fashion IS a luxury, but it should be more accesible.