Can I Wear a Sheath Dress Without Looking Like a MAGA Woman? - The New York Times

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The Question

The article addresses a reader's concern about how to wear a sheath dress without looking like she adheres to a specific political aesthetic associated with the MAGA movement.

The MAGA Aesthetic

The article describes this aesthetic as involving flowing hair, false eyelashes, enhanced features (cheeks and lips), high heels, and sheath dresses. It suggests this look is a deliberate construction related to specific gender stereotypes. Several examples of women affiliated with the Trump administration are cited.

The Importance of Beauty Choices

The article highlights that, while the sheath dress is a part of the overall image, the emphasis on particular beauty choices (makeup, hair) carries more weight in conveying the political association. This is illustrated by examples of women, regardless of dress choice, who are still easily identified with the Trump aesthetic. This look is even given a name in the article: "Mar-a-Lago face".

Conclusion

The article concludes that while the sheath dress is one element, it is the specific beauty choices that contribute most significantly to the overall 'MAGA' look. Therefore, adjusting hair, makeup, and accessories will be more effective in altering the overall impression than simply avoiding the sheath dress itself.

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