I was reading through the latest issue of Bazaar magazine, and almost passed by reading this article ‘Why Red Lipstick Will Never Go Out of Style’. However, the theme and message was much deeper than the title suggests, and has really stuck with me since I read it this past weekend. The TLDR of it (although I encourage you to read it!) is throughout history, women have chosen red lipstick as a way to signal their power.
“Red lipstick means no more hiding, it’s about going after what you want and creating moments of action, impact, and courage.”
Funny enough, just last week at work one of my colleagues was wearing a beautiful coral shade of lipstick that lit up her face. I almost complimented her and then didn’t.
Another quote that struck me:
“The symbolism you attach to items like red lipstick can change how you experience the world. The act of putting it on penetrates your sense of confidence and competence. It changes how you feel, which can change how people react to you and thus reaffirms your choice.”
For many of us our clothing and style choices do the same. And that’s powerful, our individual style, impacting how we experience the world. A case supporting the idea that fashion isn’t vapid.
I was wearing a bright maxi dress the other day, just while working from home. When I got into the elevator at one point in the day, a man commented that I “looked like I was going to a party”. Nope. Just for home, just for me. For some it could be a certain hairdo, others a makeup item, or something else entirely that makes us feel like our best selves.
Red has also been noted as one of SS ‘23 ’colors’ – so if lipstick isn’t your thing, there are other ways to incorporate the color into your wardrobe and get that same bold feeling.