Throughout history, fashion has been a consistent form of silent protest. When being open and outward about your political values was not an option, having a silent protest in the form of clothes or makeup was. In support of, or in revolt against, fashion and makeup has given women and people of all ages an outlet to come together and peacefully protest towards a goal while looking amazing.
Recently, this protest came again, in the form of pink suits during Donald Trump’s State of the Union address. The color was used to protest against Trump’s many statements about his blatant sexism towards women. Statements include referring to professional journalists and reports as “that woman.” “such a nasty woman” and saying that there was “blood coming out of her eyes,” when discussing Fox anchor Megan Kelly. This protest was not alone in the silent fight, focusing on fashion statements. 
During the Nazi era, red lipstick was a symbol of revolt against the government. Bold makeup statements, such as the red lip, were considered to be immoral and related to Jewish identity. This protest was for Women, Jews, and those who chose to be different. It emphasized resistance against the power that was holding them down. While it did not go without punishment, it made its impact as one of the most powerful silent protests in history.
In the well-known Supreme Court case Tinker v. Des Moines (1965), students wore black armbands to protest the Vietnam War. This protest sparked a court case about students’ right to protest in schools. Their right to silently wear their armbands was withheld as their protest didn’t affect the learning environment they were a part of. Their ability to protest for what they believed was right was left to those wearing black armbands.
The 1998 Black Power protest at the Olympics saw U.S. athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos support the Civil Rights movement through gloved fists and black socks. It was a silent presentation for the entire world to see on the global podium, showing that the movement was greater than just the United States. It was an epidemic of empathy as they fought for the one thing everyone should have access to: human rights.
All black attire at the 2018 Golden Globes supports the #MeToo movement. Celebrities wore all black to this awards show to protest against sexual assault and abuse within the film industry and our nation. The protest ultimately gained traction and helped thousands of women come out about the abuse that they endured, and gave attention to a subject that had not been talked about enough.
After President Trump’s first inauguration, during the 2017 Women’s March, women wore pink, knitted hats to represent their anger about Trump’s repetitive comments about gender inequalities and his vulgar comments about women, including his daughter.
These are just a few of the many protests of this fashion, literally. These protests have changed how society functions, and as a result, protests have evolved to be more adaptable to the ways people can gain traction now. Everyone can wear a color or a pin. When protest mixes with confidence, we can welcome a fashion revolution.
