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Jenna Wortham On Her Body-Positive, Diana Ross-Influenced Style

by BUST Magazine

 

Jenna Wortham
Journalist
Brooklyn, NY

Tell me about this outfit.
I’m wearing silk pajama pants from ASOS, with an old shell top from Forever 21, and a jacket from & Other Stories. I’m not a big spender on clothes—at least not yet! The shoes are from the “New Look” on ASOS. The earrings I got from The Wrap Life, the choker is a vintage piece, all the rings are from Local Eclectic—which is where I get most of my jewelry— and my glasses are from BonLook.

How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style is whatever leads me to feeling best with my body. I struggled for a long time in my early 20s with body acceptance. I’d read magazines that told me to dress a certain way to hide my pear shape, and then I thought, Actually no, I love my body. I’m not dressing for camouflage or optical illusion. Now, I’m really just trying to listen to myself about how I want to dress. I’m finding I love sequins and patterns with lots of color—I like to look different.

Are there icons who have influenced ?your fashion?
Diana Ross—she always looks amazing. I also love Rihanna because she does whatever she wants. I like that she’s not afraid to wear things that other people might think are outdated or not cool. I also love everything Willow and Jaden Smith wear. They are totally inspirational icons.

Do you have a power outfit that you wear for big interviews?
I wear pieces that are evocative of power. I like clothes with clean lines and right angles that feel regal, even presidential. I recently had an interview at the White House and I was looking to Oprah and Michelle Obama for inspiration for my fashion aesthetic.

Do you have any advice for women who are trying to build a stylish, professional wardrobe?
It’s really important to be authentic. Clothes are the fullest expression of who you are and also who you’re trying to be. The little things matter, like taking care of yourself, or doing your hair the way you want to do it. Even just a cool outfit can go a long way toward boosting your sense of empowerment and capability. Clothes embody confidence—if you look good, you feel good. And don’t forget to have fun with it! ?

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By Patricia Affriol
Photographed by Victoria Stevens

 

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Founded in 1993, BUST is the inclusive feminist lifestyle trailblazer offering a unique mix of humor, female-focused entertainment, uncensored personal stories, and candid reporting that tells the truth about women’s lives.

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