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Gloria Steinem's Enduring Style Legacy: From Aviators to Activism

other · 2026-09-03

Gloria Steinem, the renowned journalist, feminist, and activist, passed away at the age of 92. Celebrated for her memorable statements on equality, she viewed fashion as a means of political expression. In the 1970s, she faced criticism as "the miniskirted pinup girl of the intelligentsia," yet she proudly embraced her style, asserting in the 2011 documentary 'Gloria' that it symbolizes individuality. Her distinctive appearance featured aviator sunglasses and outfits reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn and Wonder Woman. In a 2015 interview, she referred to her "power outfit" as consisting of boots, pants, and a concha belt. Steinem's fashion was showcased in 'Mrs America' and 'The Glorias.' In 2017, she received the Director's Tribute at the CFDA Awards and utilized accessories for activism, including a bracelet given to Meghan Markle.

Key facts

  • Gloria Steinem died at age 92.
  • She was a journalist, feminist, and social movement organizer.
  • In the 1970s, she was criticized for her glamorous image, dubbed 'the miniskirted pinup girl of the intelligentsia' by Maxine Cheshire.
  • Steinem said in the 2011 documentary 'Gloria': 'Fashion in the past meant conforming and losing oneself. Fashion in the present means being unique and finding oneself.'
  • Her signature style included aviator sunglasses worn over her teased hair.
  • Her style inspirations included Audrey Hepburn and Wonder Woman.
  • In 2015, she told Lena Dunham her 'power outfit' consists of boots, pants, a sweater or T-shirt, and a concha belt.
  • She received the Director's Tribute at the 2017 CFDA Awards.
  • She was portrayed by Rose Byrne in 'Mrs America' and by Julianne Moore and Alicia Vikander in 'The Glorias'.
  • She gifted Meghan Markle a bracelet with the phrase 'Imagine we are linked, not ranked.'

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Ms. magazine
  • CFDA
  • Hulu
  • Waldorf Astoria
  • Plaza Hotel

Locations

  • California
  • New York
  • Toronto
  • Canada

Sources