Here’s a fun thing to do when you have a moment: scroll through these images of Hillary Clinton and study her image. What does it communicate? How?
I identify some of the following:
Lots of jackets provide structure and convey authority: notice how much less powerful she appears in a simple blouse.
Textured, nubby fabrics provide a sense of warmth to the jackets. That balances the authority and structure.
Rich strands of pearls convey traditional values, class privilege, and femininity in a classical and non-threatening way.
Cameo brooch: direct reference to tradition, Victorian femininity (distinctly non-sexualized, connects with older generation). Her accessories are very “old sorority girl or society matron,” which doesn’t seem entirely authentic to her background. I would love to see her introduce more non-Euro influences in her accessories. I love the one thick strand of carnelian beads paired with the little necklace with the gold pendant on it. She’s got a fluffy little animal print pocket square with it, and it’s all interesting and less generically Rich White American Woman. She represents a culture that is rich in diversity and if I was her stylist I would encourage her to reflect some of that in her jewelry.
She hasn’t had a bit of work done, allowing us to see her aging process and how her face has taken on the lines and furrows of profound experience. Her face is marvelously expressive and powerful.
Her hair is generally worn down and highlighted with bright blondes. Softening.
She doesn’t shy away from strong make-up. Red lips on the Secretary of State! Sexy! Bold!
She looks frikkin’ fabulous in aqua and white in #26, doesn’t she?
She is buttoned up almost to the neck on many occasions. I read this as both protective and defensive, but not in a weak way. It says to me, “I want you to focus on my face, not my chest. LOOK UP HERE. What’s coming out of my mouth is where the action is, fellas.”
She has a little pocket hankie on one photo: saucy reference to a man’s pocket square. Women don’t usually wear them.
Oh, and sorry if I sucked you into a vortex with BuzzFeed! It’s a bit addictive, I must admit.
Photos were interesting. But I wish she’d occasionally wear something besides pant suits. They seem to be the power woman go to outfit. I hated Michelle Bachmann’s politics but I loved her sense of style with the skirts etc –
I kinda wish Secretary Clinton would hire a stylist for her hair, but I imagine she probably thinks it’s frivolous and unnecessary. She is one of the most important people in the government; I doubt she has much time to spend doing her hair, which I totally understand.
I think all her outfits are great. They are varied and convey authority. I don’t mind pantsuits because that’s exactly what I would be wearing if I had to wear suits to work every day.
I love the suits. Especially the ones with a shell that matches the jacket like 24. I remember her legs which were large and didn’t have distinguishable calves or ankles. She took some heat in the media. If the pantsuits make her feel comfortable, fine with me.
After all the CRAP that woman has put up with from the press and the public about “not looking right” — remember the bitchiness about her velvet headband phase? — I say she deserves to let her hair down, stick to the clothing that makes her feel strong (and comfortable… would YOU want to go on all those airplanes in nylons? Ugh.), and jewelry that she likes. And I totally agree about the red lipstick. She gets better every year.
Isn’t it wonderful to be a woman of a certain age?! I too think she might cut her hair a bit shorter, but she seems to like the ease of wearing it long. I love her expressive face–no Botox there!
I used to wish she’d get a better hair stylist then I heard her say that she has stopped worrying about that sort of thing and I thought, well then good for her. I don’t know I guess her hair bothered me more if I thought she was trying and getting bad hair advice. But if she’s intentional about not caring, okay then.
As well as being a fantastic, encouraging must-read for any 40+ woman wondering if her life is over, Madeleine Albright’s biography has some interesting stuff about the whole public image thing. (Dr Albright got her first paid job in her mid-40s and went on to become SecState. So yeah, its never too late.)
I still wish she’d find a better hairstyle, in the spirit of “Because you’re in the public eye, and God knows you need to look good.”
Actually, she did have some work done, just before leaving the Whitehouse and before her first Senate run. Had a friend who worked at 1600. Saw the pix. But it’s been 12 years, right?
It’s been twelve HARD years, and you’re right: I do remember that.
I also loved the #18 outfit and hair. She is anything but frumpy because it’s about how you feel and present yourself, not whether you’ve had a facelift, or your hair colored or cut short. A strong role model for our daughters and young women. I’ve always thought so.
Another vote for Madeleine Albright’s biography and follow it up with “Read My Pins”.
That’s one reason why I enjoy BTFM so much; we can be professional and stylish without apology.
I haven’t been paying attention and was impressed by how pulled-together she looks. I agree the pearls are kind of generic. I like the long straight hair,especially after so many other looks. I don’t like the headband, though. I have very short hair, so it may just be accessory envy.
I LOVE the fact that she uses LARGE gestures! So many women, even those in leadership, tend to try and make themselves small and take of the least amount of space possible.