#women-and-appearance

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#body-image
Psychology
fromPsychology Today
1 month ago

Body Image Is Often About Belonging, Not Just How We Look

Body image concerns stem primarily from belonging and social acceptance rather than appearance alone, rooted in how bodies are culturally read and judged within broader social contexts.
fromTODAY.com
2 months ago
Parenting

An 8-Year-Old Had a Meltdown Because Her Jeans Didn't Fit. Her Mom Responded in the Best Way

Bodies naturally change through growth, puberty, and perimenopause; different body shapes are normal and parents should reassure children about those changes.
fromwww.theguardian.com
2 months ago
Mental health

Age brings an opportunity to escape the clutches of unattainable beauty standards it's liberating | Zoya Patel

Internalized beauty standards caused earlier shame, later self-acceptance revealed patriarchal influence and personal liberation from appearance anxiety.
Wellness
fromScary Mommy
7 hours ago

What To Say When Someone Comments On Your Body, According To Therapists

Body comments can impact self-worth and anxiety, regardless of intention, highlighting the need for mindful communication about appearance.
Psychology
fromPsychology Today
1 month ago

Body Image Is Often About Belonging, Not Just How We Look

Body image concerns stem primarily from belonging and social acceptance rather than appearance alone, rooted in how bodies are culturally read and judged within broader social contexts.
fromTODAY.com
2 months ago
Parenting

An 8-Year-Old Had a Meltdown Because Her Jeans Didn't Fit. Her Mom Responded in the Best Way

#gender-dynamics
Fashion & style
fromQueerty
3 hours ago

From the runway to OF, this men's fashion brand is serving lewks & lewds - Queerty

Louis Gabriel Nouchi's brand LGN combines sensual menswear with gender-fluid designs, recently launching an OF page to explore intimacy and desire.
Writing
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 day ago

A sad indictment that the young seek tradwife life | Letters

The tradwife ideal offers comfort but also poses dangers, as highlighted by past feminist struggles and the need for societal change.
Golden State Warriors
fromFast Company
18 hours ago

Sports merch that's cute? It exists

Danielle Snyder Shorenstein created DannijoPro, a fanwear brand that merges fashion with sports fandom, after finding inspiration at a Golden State Warriors game.
Relationships
fromSilicon Canals
19 hours ago

I'm 37 and I finally understand why I keep saying yes to things I want to say no to - psychology calls it "fawning" and once you see it you can't unsee it - Silicon Canals

Fawning behavior leads to difficulty in saying no, causing resentment despite self-awareness and understanding of its irrationality.
SF LGBT
fromQueerty
1 day ago

Honey Dijon on her proudest career moment: "I get to choose my day as a marginalized trans woman of color" - Queerty

Surviving as a marginalized trans woman of color, Honey Dijon emphasizes authenticity, cultural respect, and financial prudence in her successful music career.
Television
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 day ago

Women want to experience pleasure': how the female gaze caught the attention of film, TV and fiction

The female gaze in pop culture is increasingly prominent, showcasing women's inner worlds and desires across various media forms.
LGBT
fromJezebel
2 days ago

Girl Code, Interrupted

Breaking girl code for romance leads to public backlash and highlights societal pressures on women to prioritize relationships over friendships.
Graphic design
fromAxios
2 days ago

"Digital fantasy"; AI hair, makeup put perfection further out of reach

AI-generated content creates unrealistic beauty standards and challenges for artists in the beauty industry.
#womens-rights
Women
fromOpen Culture
1 week ago

9 Things a Woman Couldn't Do in 1971

Women in the U.S. have historically faced significant legal barriers, including credit access, pregnancy discrimination, and jury service.
Women
fromOpen Culture
1 week ago

9 Things a Woman Couldn't Do in 1971

Women in the U.S. have historically faced significant legal barriers, including credit access, pregnancy discrimination, and jury service.
Parenting
fromSlate Magazine
3 days ago

My Niece Desperately Wanted Something Controversial for a 16-Year-Old. My Brother Wouldn't Give It to Her, So I Did.

Aunt secretly funds niece's nose job to improve her self-esteem despite parents' disapproval.
Women
fromFast Company
3 days ago

Why work still sucks for women

Women face significant workplace challenges, including the gender pay gap, leadership barriers, harassment, and unpaid domestic work responsibilities.
France news
fromThe Local France
3 days ago

France makes reusable period products free for young women

France's social security will reimburse reusable menstrual products for women under 26 or in poverty, aiding 6.7 million people.
Growth hacking
fromHubspot
3 days ago

8 Ways to Elevate Your Brand as a Creator or Entrepreneur (& Close the Pay Gap)

The global creator economy is projected to reach $1.18 trillion by 2032, significantly impacting minority creators and entrepreneurs.
Marketing
fromMacon Telegraph
4 days ago

American Eagle and Sydney Sweeney Don't Need Liberals

American Eagle's new campaign with Sydney Sweeney embraces past controversy, suggesting that outrage does not always impact commercial success.
Mental health
fromSilicon Canals
3 days ago

Most men who grew up in the 1960s and 70s were taught that admitting you needed help was a character flaw. Finally, we are discovering that openness has its own kind of strength. - Silicon Canals

Men are taught to suppress emotions, leading to loneliness and health issues.
fromFuncheap
4 days ago

Women Crossing/ Liminality

E4TT explores women's immigration and identity in a multimedia chamber music concert featuring new works by Juhi Bansal, Vivian Fung, and Pamela Z, among others.
Berlin music
Social media marketing
fromMedium
4 days ago

I watched the manosphere documentary; here is how design is making things worse.

The manosphere thrives on toxic online communities that promote misogyny and anti-feminism, driven by algorithms rewarding controversial content.
fromSilicon Canals
4 days ago

The reason some men never move forward in life has nothing to do with motivation or discipline - it's that they built their entire identity around a version of themselves that stopped being true years ago, and starting over feels like admitting it was all wasted - Silicon Canals

The identity had become so central to who I thought I was that letting it go felt like admitting that entire chapter of my life had been pointless.
Bootstrapping
Medicine
fromwww.bbc.com
6 days ago

'I'm not being listened to' - new health plan launched as women say they are still ignored

Zoe Trafford's experience highlights ongoing issues in women's healthcare, particularly regarding endometriosis and the need for better listening by medical professionals.
History
fromPsychology Today
6 days ago

Mean Girls in History: Women Who Fought Tooth and Claw

Gender stereotypes about boys and girls are challenged by historical examples of women's complexity and darker traits.
Film
fromThe New Yorker
6 days ago

What Zendaya Leaves Unsaid

Zendaya's films often avoid focusing on race, raising questions about the impact on character development and emotional depth.
#art
Arts
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 week ago

Art, sex, nature: why is everything sold to us as a means to an end, rather than an end in itself?

Art should be valued for its own sake, not merely for its utilitarian benefits or health claims.
Arts
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 week ago

Art, sex, nature: why is everything sold to us as a means to an end, rather than an end in itself?

Art should be valued for its own sake, not merely for its utilitarian benefits or health claims.
Mindfulness
fromPsychology Today
1 week ago

Beyond Vanity: Feeling Attractive in Midlife

Midlife changes prompt self-reflection, leading to a desire for self-care and alignment with true self rather than mere vanity.
Health
fromwww.bbc.com
1 week ago

'It's empowering to show my birthmark in public'

Displaying her birthmark publicly empowers Helen Stroud to reduce stigma around visible skin differences and promote self-acceptance.
Exercise
fromSlate Magazine
1 week ago

I Spent Years Sculpting My Ripped, Muscular Body. I Love It. My Husband Does Not.

Prioritize your body autonomy and communicate boundaries regarding weight changes for a partner's fetish.
SF LGBT
fromwww.theguardian.com
3 days ago

Let's talk about sex in a world of porn | Letter

Straight male authors should embrace writing about sex, but the urgent conversation on sexual knowledge and pleasure is happening outside of literature.
#fashion
Fashion & style
fromElite Traveler
3 days ago

Tamu McPherson on Dressing for Joy and Traveling With Intention

Tamu McPherson blends fashion and activism, celebrating life through style while embracing her unique cultural background in Italy.
Fashion & style
fromwww.nytimes.com
3 days ago

The Garments That Altered the History of Clothing

Chanel revolutionized women's fashion by introducing comfort and confidence through her designs, particularly the little black dress.
Fashion & style
fromElite Traveler
3 days ago

Tamu McPherson on Dressing for Joy and Traveling With Intention

Tamu McPherson blends fashion and activism, celebrating life through style while embracing her unique cultural background in Italy.
Fashion & style
fromwww.nytimes.com
3 days ago

The Garments That Altered the History of Clothing

Chanel revolutionized women's fashion by introducing comfort and confidence through her designs, particularly the little black dress.
Writing
fromPsychology Today
3 days ago

Can We Claim a Glorious Matriarchal Reality?

Christina Rivera's 'MY OCEANS' expresses deep emotions about Earth's ecosystems and the importance of female creativity in a care-based society.
fromFast Company
4 days ago

Why workplaces need a gendered health approach

For decades, work was designed around a fiction, that of the 'neutral' worker, an abstract individual assumed to be fully available, consistent, rational, and unaffected by bodily constraints. But this neutrality was never real.
Women
Relationships
fromSlate Magazine
4 days ago

I'm About to Undergo a Dramatic Change in How I Look. The Nosy, Rich People I Work With Are Going to Have Some Words About It.

Navigating workplace inquiries about personal health can be managed with polite and firm responses.
Social media marketing
fromBustle
6 days ago

The Men Optimizing Their Faces - And Judging Yours

Looksmaxxing promotes extreme body image ideals, leading to toxic behaviors and attitudes towards self-worth and attraction.
fromLGBTQ Nation
5 days ago

Lesbian organization wins appeal in demand to ban trans & bi women from events - LGBTQ Nation

The court has not endorsed discrimination against trans women, and it has not decided whether the exemption should be granted. It has simply identified legal errors in the tribunal's reasoning, so the matter must now be reconsidered.
LGBT
Parenting
fromWIRED
6 days ago

The Moms Who Sponcon Their Daughters' First Periods

Momfluencers face immense pressure to present idealized motherhood while risking their children's safety and well-being online.
Women in technology
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 day ago

Are you a woman who makes life easier for everyone else? Beware you could endanger your health | Emma Beddington

Women are disproportionately affected by autoimmune diseases, with societal pressures complicating their health and well-being.
fromIndependent
1 week ago

Tanya Sweeney: I'll never be a size 8 again, and I don't care how I look naked - my desire to move more and eat well is now finally rooted in health, not looks

After a bumpy first couple of weeks, which shamefully involved a few tears on a rowing machine, I began to hit my stride.
Exercise
SF LGBT
fromwww.bbc.com
3 days ago

Trans woman leaves role with women's health charity

A trans woman resigned from a women's health charity amid criticism regarding her role and its implications for women's health advocacy.
Women
fromiRunFar
4 days ago

A Simple Fix: A Profile of Bras for Girls Founder Sarah Lesko

Providing sports bras to girls positively impacts their health and participation in sports more than traditional medical care.
fromwww.theguardian.com
6 days ago

My month in the tradwife world: I can't pretend I'm not enjoying myself at all ...'

No one I know wants to go spend their one wild and magical life being a shill for some billionaire tech asshole, says Shannon, a character in Yesteryear, the buzzy new novel about a tradwife influencer by Caro Claire Burke.
Writing
Medicine
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 week ago

From fat transplants to LED mittens: how the fear of old lady hands' mobilised the beauty industry

Hands reveal age and condition, often contrasting with facial appearance, leading to increased focus on hand care.
Women in technology
fromIndependent
1 day ago

The dangers of extreme exercise: 'Bodybuilding took over my life - but I still kept telling myself I looked fat'

Aly Dowling overcame body image struggles to embrace exercise for its own sake in the competitive bodybuilding world.
fromQueerty
6 days ago

Spectacle or support? The complicated visibility of trans youth in film & TV - Queerty

Since the 1990s, a largely underground upwelling of trans creativity has helped new trans identities, communities, and political movements come together. Trans Cinema provides an entryway to the wildly diverse and creative cinema made by trans creators, including those who are BIPOC.
LGBT
fromQueerty
1 week ago

What's your opinion on body hair? - Queerty

In the '70s, the 'Castro Clone' aesthetic pushed a hyper-masc look that involved snug Levis, tight T-shirts and plenty of mustaches and fur.
NYC LGBT
Fashion & style
fromwww.aljazeera.com
3 days ago

Young South Sudanese models take up space' in quest to showcase talent

Khloe Nyanda defies conservative norms in South Sudan to pursue a modeling career, inspired by successful figures like Adut Akech.
Relationships
fromSlate Magazine
6 days ago

My Husband Doesn't Exactly "Measure Up." A Group of Women Has Made Him Acutely Aware of That.

Restoring confidence in a partner after a negative experience requires understanding and support tailored to their emotional and psychological needs.
Women in technology
fromForbes
3 days ago

Working From Home Isn't Killing Women's Careers. But Corporate Culture Still Might Be.

Remote work is essential for many women, but proximity to the office often leads to better advancement opportunities.
#beauty-standards
fromIndependent
2 weeks ago
Television

How we ALL bought into looksmaxxing: There's nothing new about the extreme pursuit of physical perfection - just ask the contestants of The Swan

fromIndependent
2 weeks ago
Television

How we ALL bought into looksmaxxing: There's nothing new about the extreme pursuit of physical perfection - just ask the contestants of The Swan

fromwww.dw.com
5 days ago

Women's workwear: When proper fit becomes a safety issue

"The clothing works with me, like another colleague," wrote the shunting attendant on the blog of the Cologne-based workwear manufacturer Bierbaum-Proenen.
Fashion & style
Mental health
fromSilicon Canals
2 weeks ago

You know a woman has lost her joy in life when she describes her days accurately and without feeling - when the words are all correct and the tone is completely flat and the account of her own life sounds like something being reported rather than lived, and she doesn't notice the flatness because she has been inside it long enough that it just sounds like how things are - Silicon Canals

Emotional flatness can creep in, making life feel like a series of tasks rather than meaningful experiences.
Women in technology
fromwww.theguardian.com
2 days ago

Online abuse is silencing women on a staggering scale it's a democratic crisis | Sharon Kechula

Susan Kihika faced severe online abuse after maternity leave, highlighting gender-based violence and double standards in political scrutiny against women.
Fashion & style
fromwww.theguardian.com
5 days ago

The 45 stylist-approved spring fashion essentials for women, all under $200

Spring fashion revamp involves thoughtful choices, not impulsive buys, with a focus on layering and investing in wardrobe staples.
fromwww.theguardian.com
3 days ago

Media coverage of violence against women reaches dismal' low, report finds

The proportion of articles that include terms relating to misogynistic abuse dropped to a dismal 1.3% of all global online news in 2025, the lowest level in that period.
Women in technology
Women
fromwww.theguardian.com
2 weeks ago

Female athletes' fertility is still a blind spot | Letter

Changes to insurance for female athletes are positive, but fertility support remains a critical issue that needs addressing.
Women in technology
fromFast Company
3 days ago

'We don't want to be left behind': Reese Witherspoon says using AI is feminist and women need to catch up

Reese Witherspoon emphasizes the importance of women understanding AI to avoid being left behind in the workforce.
Women in technology
fromFast Company
6 days ago

There's a curious phenomenon happening in the marketing industry. Is it a sign of 'masculinization'?

Marketing is experiencing a rebranding trend to attract more men, with traditional roles being given technical titles.
Women
fromSilicon Canals
2 weeks ago

9 quiet signs a woman has class that have nothing to do with money or appearance - Silicon Canals

Real class is characterized by respect, quiet confidence, and self-awareness, rather than wealth or appearance.
Relationships
fromBuzzFeed
3 weeks ago

Women Are Sharing The Moment They Realized Their Partner Didn't See Them As An Equal

Imbalances in relationships often manifest in subtle ways, affecting women's self-worth and equality.
Women in technology
fromFast Company
6 days ago

Emma Grede says caring about money doesn't make you selfish

Women should openly discuss money and embrace being well compensated for meaningful work, challenging societal biases around wealth conversations.
Fashion & style
fromwww.theguardian.com
3 weeks ago

My petty gripe: Using pink to denote HARK, THIS BE A WOMAN' is beyond the power of my lady brain to comprehend

The prevalence of pink in women's motorcycle gear and workwear is frustrating and limiting for those seeking classic styles.
Women in technology
fromFast Company
2 weeks ago

The cosmetic surgery industry is mainly built for women. So why is it run by men?

Leadership in the aesthetics industry is predominantly male, despite women being the primary consumers and decision-makers.
Women
fromwww.theguardian.com
3 weeks ago

Molly Miller, pretty privilege' and women's basketball's beauty trap

Molly Miller transformed Arizona State women's basketball, leading them to their first NCAA Tournament in six years amid discussions focused on her appearance.
Women in technology
fromInsideHook
2 weeks ago

Why Wanting a Pilates Woman May Be a Bad Thing

Pilates popularity has surged, influencing men's preferences for women who practice it, linked to the manosphere's misogynistic ideals.
fromSilicon Canals
1 month ago

If a woman who always wore makeup suddenly stops - not on a bad day, not when she's ill, but permanently - most people assume she's let herself go. What's actually happening is almost always one of these 7 shifts, and the last one is the one her family should pay attention to. - Silicon Canals

According to Mary Duh, a Physician Assistant in Dermatology at Mayo Clinic Health System, 'Makeup can be infected with bacteria after only one use.' Every time we reapply that favorite lipstick or dip back into our foundation, we're potentially spreading bacteria all over our faces. By avoiding foundation and blush, the skin is allowed to return to its natural oil balance and hydration.
Health
Women
fromPsychology Today
1 month ago

Feminism in Film and the Impact on Women's Self-Perception

Feminist films enhance self-perception by portraying women as complex and human, challenging stereotypes and expanding possibilities for identity and ambition.
Social media marketing
fromBuzzFeed
1 month ago

17 "Normal" Things Women Quit Doing After They Realized They Were Exhausting

Constant social media posting driven by appearance management creates mental exhaustion that diminishes when motivation shifts from impression management to authentic sharing.
Running
fromIndependent
1 month ago

'Social media often shows athletes as the leanest version of themselves, but that's not always the best'

Emma Moore, a Galway 800m runner, overcame RED syndrome caused by unintentional under-fuelling during her first year at DCU and is now rebuilding her competitive form.
Right-wing politics
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 month ago

There is no shame in being vain': the relentless rise of impossible male beauty standards

Male political and cultural figures increasingly perform militaristic authority through carefully curated facial presentation and appearance, while men's faces face unprecedented public scrutiny previously reserved for women.
#body-positivity
Women in technology
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 month ago

Nicola Coughlan is right: body positivity' traps us in the same old conversations | Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett

Nicola Coughlan rejects body positivity discourse, frustrated that her acting work is reduced to discussions of her appearance rather than her talent and craft.
Women in technology
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 month ago

Nicola Coughlan is right: body positivity' traps us in the same old conversations | Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett

Nicola Coughlan rejects body positivity discourse, frustrated that her acting work is reduced to discussions of her appearance rather than her talent and craft.
Women in technology
fromPsychology Today
4 weeks ago

What Makeup Really Says About You (and What It Doesn't)

Makeup trends on social media suggest personality insights, but research shows these links are minimal and largely influenced by observers rather than wearers.
Marketing
fromPhys
1 month ago

Prove it or lose her: The new rules for advertising to women

Women distinguish authentic gender-equality advertising from performative messaging through six key factors: authenticity, real commitment, genuine empowerment, diverse representation, transformative potential, and consistent ethical standards.
LGBT
fromLGBTQ Nation
1 month ago

Supermodel says only women can be bisexual: "Double standards exist for us all" - LGBTQ Nation

Jessica White's statement that bisexuality is acceptable for women but not men sparked controversy and amplified biphobic attitudes, with experts attributing such stigma to toxic masculinity and rigid gender expectations.
fromwww.mercurynews.com
2 months ago

What to watch: Beautiful people keep blowing up in Beauty'

Like those, it scours our culture's incessant preoccupation with physical beauty, both the lusting for it and the lengths we will go to get and keep it. But The Beauty possess a mind of its own as it expounds on rich themes that Murphy's been interested in, mixing humor with black humor while he comments on sinfully glamorous lifestyles and the dark side of human nature and desire.
Television
Women in technology
fromSilicon Canals
1 month ago

Women over 60 who say they've never been more confident didn't suddenly find self-esteem-they all stopped performing these 7 things that most women are taught to maintain from adolescence onward - Silicon Canals

Women who develop confidence later in life unlearn ingrained behaviors of self-diminishment, particularly excessive apologizing, seeking permission, and minimizing their presence and opinions.
Parenting
fromwww.theguardian.com
2 months ago

A moment that changed me: I shaved off my hair and immediately became an invisible woman

Postpartum exhaustion triggered radical simplification, including shaving the head to reclaim time, resist maternal idealisation, and regain personal autonomy.
Mental health
fromwww.bbc.com
2 months ago

I used to hate my appearance. Here's how I learned to accept it

Body Dysmorphic Disorder can severely disrupt daily life through obsessive preoccupation with perceived physical flaws, leading to isolation, compulsive behaviors, and significant emotional distress.
fromwww.theguardian.com
2 months ago

This is how we do it: I'd compare myself with other women and end up having panic attacks'

I had some messed up ideas around a woman's role and the influence of porn on that Jake was my first. I was 17 and he was 18. I lost my virginity way later than all my friends; sex had been so far out of my comfort zone. For me it was like social currency and I put a lot of pressure on myself to get it done.
Relationships
fromFlowingData
1 month ago

Mysteries of women's clothing sizes

Women face significant challenges finding properly fitting clothes due to two interconnected problems: natural variation in women's body shapes and sizes, and inconsistent sizing standards across different stores. The analysis demonstrates that no single size standard accommodates the diversity of women's bodies, while retailers further complicate matters by using different sizing systems.
Fashion & style
fromBuzzFeed
1 month ago

26 Social Burdens Women Shoulder That Are Completely Exhausting

Putting on makeup. Like, we're supposed to disguise ourselves; otherwise, people think we didn't take this outing seriously, didn't care enough, or didn't act professionally. In some ways, beauty standards are social obligations. Keeping up with nails, clothes, hair, etc., that's almost an expectation in some relationships.
Women
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