What’s wrong with a sheer shirt and lipstick?

Several weeks ago, The New York Times published an article detailing the disparity between women’s recent academic and professional strides and their continued objectification in various social situations. This is not a new debate. People have addressed the perceived inconsistency of an intelligent woman who wears heels and a low-cut blouse since women started wearing pants.

For example, just last fall, Duke University women were outraged when an invitation to a fraternity Halloween party quipped, “Whether [you’re] dressing up as a slutty nurse, a slutty doctor, a slutty schoolgirl or just a total slut, we invite you,” yet many promiscuously dressed girls still attended the event.

The issues arise at Washington University too. Here, girls tear it up in the classroom, but more midriffs were seen at the “Heaven and Hell” party than on any summer day at the Millbrook Pool. Are these movements away from equality?

Growing up, a girl always hears that dressing a certain way (read: provocatively) does not lead to being taken seriously. However, no one ever questions a man’s ambitions or intelligence if he spends his weekend flirting and partying. Rarely is a man’s integrity jeopardized because of his fashion choices or dancing style. It is dangerous to conflate appearing available and attractive with wanton sexuality.

Feminists should not accuse a woman wearing a push-up bra of undermining the progress that has been made in eradicating sexism and achieving gender equality. Instead, feminists should address the double standard that exists regarding the behaviors permitted for men versus women. It is mystifying that some believe that there is an implied contradiction if a woman wants to wear a short skirt and then be taken seriously in an academic or professional setting. Maybe scrutiny should be directed at the individuals who are so distracted by the short skirt that they cannot focus in said academic or professional setting.

In truth, there is power in sexuality. Why should wearing makeup damage your intellect and acumen? Women should not be condemned for expressing their sexuality.

The New York Times article also declared that men still make the rules outside the classroom, where women are willing to dress provocatively and behave without inhibition. Although men, particularly in the Greek community, provide the space for many social gatherings, they are dependent on whether women are interested in their events. The idea that women behave in certain ways purely because that is what men expect is boorish. Women, too, have the ability to make autonomous choices.

I am an advocate for sophistication and confidence, and I recognize that sexuality should be exercised within reason—let’s leave some things for the imagination, of course. I just think it is important to pause a moment before doubting a woman’s self-worth because of what she is wearing.