Who Wears the Pants?

MODEL MIA MURPHY

AS WOMEN, OUR POTENTIAL IS ENDLESS. THERE’S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO EMBRACE WHAT IS AUTHENTIC TO US AND TAKE THE WORLD BY STORM.

Graphics Donna Hellberg

The world is changing, and as of late, it’s in favor of those who choose to take all that it has to offer. This shift has been especially encouraging to women–a demographic that, in the past, has been warned against wearing the metaphorical “pants” that society had labeled as only for men. The beauty in this recent change is that the phrase, “who wears the pants,” has steered away from concerning power dynamics or control, and has grown into an ideal that emphasizes the bravery, boldness, and inspiration of being a woman.

Pants are ever-changing. The evolution of pants, not only in fashion but as a symbol of equality for women, has been a long time coming. This evolution, however, would mean very little without the courageous “pants-wearing” women who are moving the world forward.

Although this evolution has changed the world for the better, unfortunately, women still find themselves fighting against misogynistic beliefs and ancient stereotypes. These ideas stem from centuries ago when the very notion of pants weren’t seen as appropriate for women, and they fought to, quite literally, put a pair on.

Stepping out from their movie premiers, Hollywood icons, Katherine Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich, both rebelliously dressed in full pantsuits to raise a few eyebrows. “I put on pants 50 years ago and declared a sort of middle road,” Hepburn said in a 1981 interview after wearing her brother’s clothing.

Women have come a long way since these times. “Wearing the pants” is both a metaphor and a way of being. There is beauty surrounding the individuality of women and their ability to be true to who they are, while in the pursuit of changing the world. By being exactly who they are and who they are striving to be, this is where they find their real power.

Today’s world finds itself looking towards some of these remarkable women. Women like Malala Yousafzai, the youngest Nobel laureate who also started a nonprofit for Pakistan girls’ education; Ava DuVernay, who makes life-changing documentaries focused on justice; Lizzie Valesquez, a motivational speaker against bullying; and Samira Nasr, who is the first woman of color in Harper Bazaar’s history to be appointed editor in chief, to name a few.

As these women, and many others, continue to lead the way and pave the path to what is possible, it’s recognizable that all of their strengths and achievements have become a beacon of hope for other women to follow in their footsteps.

In the simplest of terms, however, women themselves are truly just… inspiring. Their raw beauty, seen in so many forms, impassioned, complex nature, mysterious aura, true grit, and overall ethereal temperament are unparalleled. Put them in some pants? They’ll show you how unstoppable they can really be.

Truthfully, it takes a lot of gut and soul to be a woman in this world. Another of the many reasons that women truly are so enchanting. The opportunities are endless with who and what women can now be. It’s an invigorating time to create a beautiful life that serves and truly fulfills them. A time where pants come cropped, ripped, colorful, and even flared. And the best part? They’re no longer worn only by men.

Sheer by Payton Bierk