“She looks like a feminist,” a friend said after a quickly scanning her Instagram feed.

It wasn’t meant as a compliment. But what does a feminist look like then? In this girl’s case, that meant loose jeans, chunky black boots, and a shoulder-length haircut partially hidden under a dark green beanie. Can you tell what she’s thinking, just by how she presents herself?

Do I look like a feminist? Judging by my skinny jeans and the huggies on my ears, I do not. But ideologically, I consider myself a feminist in every possible way. I never shy away from opportunities because I feel intimidated by men, nor do I let my voice be drowned out in group settings. Though I may not dress the part, my feminist mindset speaks far louder than my wardrobe.

Why do so many of us get this idea in our heads that being a woman feminist means hanging up your heels and sliding into a pair of Doc Martins? Somehow, believing women deserve equal rights to men has become synonymous with believing women need to abandon all the feminine aspects many of us grew up with.

Feminism exists to promote the idea that all genders deserve equal rights and opportunities in both written law and real life. That’s it. Nothing about the concept says you have to stop shaving your legs and throw away your lipstick. So long as it is your choice and not a societal expectation set upon you, your feminine aspects should never be discredited or looked down upon. It’s not unreasonable to feel your most powerful with a fresh blowout or wearing a flattering dress—sure, it might sound materialistic, but if it adds to your confidence, there’s no need to leave them behind. A fresh French manicure for an ambitious and empowered woman? Unstoppable. Embracing your womanhood in whichever way you choose is, in fact, the most feminist way to express yourself. Defining yourself and others by appearance is a step in the wrong direction and only reinforces stereotypes.

The foundation of feminism goes far beyond how one presents herself. Rather, it is the fight for equal pay in the workforce; it’s supporting Planned Parenthood and the right to choose; it’s standing up to sexual harassment and demeaning language; and it’s standing behind other women as they embark on their own pledge for power. Looking at it as a purely aesthetic aspect is a mistake — it entirely dismisses the work and commitment women have put into the fight for equality.

This is not to say that women who cut their hair short and take on their day commando are doing it wrong — there is no such thing and they’re doing it absolutely right. Feminism can be expressed in any way a woman chooses, even if that means romanticizing rom-coms and keeping up with Kim K on Instagram. There’s no need to change who you are and what you like to qualify as a feminist. Whether your female icon be Bella Thorne, Angela Merkle, Kylie Jenner, Cardi B or RBG, you’re still looking up to powerful, unapologetic females who have embraced every aspect of themselves.

The stomp of any woman should always be admired (dare I say feared?), whether it be in combat boots or sky-high stilettos.

By Celine Macura

Northwestern Student, the human form of a French Bulldog. 

Photography by Holly Fairgrieve