As a woman, I know that how I present myself matters. The way people first see me, how I speak, smile, walk, and dress, are all important. For men, these aspects of impression are not so necessary. However, I do not see why this should be the case. During the presidential race, Hillary Clinton was questioned and ridiculed for her outfits. Male candidates Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump were not similarly questioned about what they wore. I think they should have been. Too many times women are reduced to what they wear, and what they wear is criticized and used to dismiss them. Michelle Obama, who presently graces the cover of Vogue, spoke about what she was wearing throughout the first campaign and then in the White House, from J.Crew and Moschino to her other favorite designers. She explained that what she wears says something about her. Her style helps convey to the American people who she is and what she is all about.

What I wear helps me be more confident. Often times I hear girls around my school lamenting that they don’t feel that they can change their style. Somehow they feel trapped in a certain category of person and feel expected to dress accordingly. Perhaps because I have been labeled the “fashion girl,” I feel comfortable wearing the more “out-there” outfits to my high school classes. However, I don’t think this is the whole truth. I have always felt that I could wear whatever I please, and wearing what pleases me makes me feel more confident. Maybe this is fashion’s best purpose: to help you walk and talk with confidence, to encourage you to speak out and contribute.

Good design highlights your better qualities. Better design brings out your best. Whether it be the go-to basics that Stella McCartney provides or the Lanvin dress created for the red carpet, each piece never outshines the wearer. Clothing, like makeup, should emphasize an individual’s unique features and so make her look and feel beautiful.

Alber Elbaz of Lanvin:

I want to see the women. I want to understand who they are. I respect them for the work that they have done. I respect them for months and months and months of anxiety and hard work… I appreciate them, I respect them, I love them for that fragility and vulnerability… Now I have to make a piece that in the end the piece will disappear. All I want to see is the face of that woman.

xoxo,

Cecilia Roses

My Look: KTZ top, J. brand x Simone Rochas shorts, Comme des Garçons play sneakers, Victoria’s Secret bra, and Gucci rings