The right time

Timing is everything in the fashion industry. We celebrate with clothing when things are going well and, as we saw in fall of 2003, our clothing can reflect the state of our economy and the mood of the nation. Now it is 2004, and the look for the season is a lady-like, modest montage of 1940s glamour without the overt sexuality that existed in the past. The days of low-rise jeans, high ponytails and cleavage-baring tank tops are long gone, and I happily say farewell. \nThis year the lady is back and at the perfect time. I was reading an article in Harper's Bazaar titled "Democrats vs. Republicans: Who Dresses Best." The article was filled with photos of John Kerry's daughters, Teresa Heinz-Kerry, the Bush twins, first lady Laura Bush and other female political leaders. Though the article was entertaining, I think it missed a valid point. \nIt wasn't that the ladies didn't dress well. The fact is they are either the wives and daughters of political leaders or political leaders themselves. They can't stray too far from the conservative clothing path. They have to find other ways to gain attention. As I began to peruse the article, I thought of something: these women are strong, confident and sexy -- and they cover up. Even the Watson's girl from the pool commercials has gotten conservative. \nIs it their affiliation with politics? Of course. These are women, who, for the most part, cannot use their sexuality to get what they want or to obtain respect from male counterparts and voters. These women have to use their brains. At any given moment, they have to be sharp as a tack.\nThen, I began to think about the look for fall. It is A-line skirts that fall below the knee, straight tweed skirts, lace camisoles under corduroy blazers, cuffed jeans, pumps, ballerina flats, broaches, animal prints, heavily decorated coats and herringbone hats. The perfect uniform for political debates and conversatives -- modest but attractive. \nNow, when a presidential election looms upon us, it is important for women to exercise their right to vote. This presidential election is surrounded by controversy, desperation and political issues that skin alone cannot tackle. We, as women will have to step up to the plate and show this world a thing or two or three. We will have to use our brains and wear the outfit to match. Important decisions have to be made, and it's important we dress the part for such a solemn occasion. We will look much better at the polls in a blazer, A-line skirt and hat than in a pair of low-rise jeans, flip-flops and a tank top with the word "Glitter" on the front.\nWhen women received the right to vote in 1923, dressing like a lady was still en vogue. Being able to act your age and accept the responsibility that comes with it was a big part in gaining the right to vote. When black women were trying to gain the right to vote, they were encouraged to look respectable and lady-like -- not like today's Britney Spears, who has worn a snake around her neck. \nTo me this year's collections of ponchos, wide leg pants and coats are a symbol of the times. Today's fashion trends show the need to act and look like ladies and not sex objects. This will mean that when we get into the political debates about why women rock and why they should rule the world, men won't be distracted by the butts and breasts that hung out in the past. They will agree because we women will be using our minds and not our bodies. Maybe then men will follow our lead, and campus will be filled with men wearing argyle sweaters, loafers, hats and wool coats instead of baseball hats and sagging pants. Hopefully, our sexy confidence and intellect will help them rise to the occasion.