Gloria Steinem: Fashion as Activism's Trojan Horse

Pioneering feminist Gloria Steinem, who passed away at 92, strategically used her distinctive style as a powerful tool for activism. Her iconic glasses, often worn over her hair, became instantly recognizable, akin to Ruth Bader Ginsburg's jabots. Steinem's choice of oversized men's aviators in the late 1960s stemmed from practicality, as she found women's frames too small. She also used them to overcome anxiety as a public speaker, hiding behind them.

Steinem's overall look, featuring bell-bottoms and ribbed polo necks, served as aesthetic armor, disarming critics and making her relatable. She viewed controlling one's image and choosing one's clothing as fundamental to a woman's right to choose. This approach was a 'Trojan horse,' drawing attention to her appearance before she delivered her core messages on reproductive rights and systemic sexism.

Her bohemian-influenced wardrobe mirrored the fashion of the women's lib era, challenging the mainstream stereotype of feminists as unattractive. Steinem understood the media's power and used her personal image to combat patriarchal assumptions. Despite scrutiny, even by other women, her style prioritized practicality for her work with Ms. magazine, including high-waisted jeans for convention tasks.

Steinem's influence on fashion is cultural, inspiring designers and Gen Z alike. She believed fashion should be about uniqueness and self-discovery, not conformity. Later in life, she adopted an all-black wardrobe for simplicity. Accessories like waist-grazing necklaces and activism pins were integrated, but her belts held special resonance, symbolizing agency and a pre-patriarchal past. Her 'I had an abortion' t-shirt at age 70 was a profound statement.