While all the live performances and heartfelt speeches are something to look forward to, the main attraction at the Grammys, for many of us, is the red carpet. And while it's fun to nom on popcorn and watch the parade of dresses, there's a body positive reason to watch the Grammys red carpet. While a lot of stars will be wearing the hottest new trends, a handful of musicians and songwriters will bring something extra to the table: The lesson that you can wear whatever you want as long as you feel fabulous in it. No matter your body type, your age, or the fashion laws and restrictions that we're taught in magazines, watching these stars strut their stuff in outfits that go against what we're taught is "appropriate" is inspiring. And most importantly, it has the potential to give us the confidence (or at least the idea) to do the same.
Body positivity, after all, isn't just about learning to embrace the curve of your thighs or the shape of your body. It's about learning to love yourself, no matter what beauty standards try to tell you. That could mean not "dressing your age," not feeling scandalous when flaunting your cleavage or going sans bra, not hiding your baby bump, and kicking ideas of "dressing skinnier" to the side.
And over the years, we've seen many examples of this on the carpet. Let's take a gander at Jane Fonda's 2015 Grammys outfit.
How many times have you heard the phrase "dress your age"? That usually means that by age 50 or so, you're to retire to sensible outfits that let you blend into the background. Fonda showed up rocking a silky jumpsuit that accentuated her body, with accessories that said nothing less than "look at me." Yassss.
Or how about Miranda Lambert's 2013 Grammy performance? She rocked a mini dress that showed off the curve of her thighs, rather than opting for something long and billowy, as most "how to dress for your body type" advice articles would probably suggest women do. Instead, she proved that any body in a tight mini is a hot body.
On top of that, we also saw MIA's sheer outfit at the 2009 Grammys, when she opted to show off her baby bump like a proud mama, rather than hide it underneath yards of fabric. She sported a teeny mini and a sheer top that highlighted her belly with a polka dot accent, and showed expecting mothers everywhere that you can wear what you want and flaunt your body, no matter what trimester you're in.
Or how about J. Lo's iconic Versace dress from the 2000 Grammys? While some women struggle with the idea of showing off their cleavage or dressing provocatively because of the negative social connotations that are linked with that (ahem, slut shaming), J. Lo went all in and rocked a neckline that fell way past her belly button.
Inspiration: Achieved. So when you watch the Grammys red carpet tomorrow, keep an eye out for these flashes of body positivity. You might just end the night thinking you can wear whatever damn well you please.
