Celebrate Women’s History Month 2022: Shoes and Accessories Inspired by Iconic Women
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Written in collaboration with Wendy Escobar
In 1980, President Jimmy Carter put forth a presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8th—International Women’s Day—as National Women’s History Week. After several years of presidents designating a National Women’s History Week each March, Congress ruled that March 1987 would be known as Women’s History Month. Congress later passed rulings that permitted the President to make this proclamation every March. Presidents have been consistently designating March as Women’s History Month since 1995.
Women’s History Month offers an opportunity to celebrate the women who have made significant contributions to history, culture, and our present-day society. To celebrate this historic month, we have compiled a list of iconic women—from celebrities to politicians to artists—and selected some of our favorite shoes and accessories inspired by them.
Rihanna
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In addition to being a fashion icon and one of the best-selling musicians of all time, Rihanna is a businesswoman who devotes herself to humanitarian causes. She's the founder of The Clara Lionel Foundation, a nonprofit organization, and the cosmetics brand Fenty Beauty. She even has an acting career. Seriously, is there anything this woman can’t do?
Rihanna also recently announced that she is expecting her first baby. Inspired by Rihanna’s iconic fashion and new maternity, we’ve selected some of our chicest and most comfortable sandals to rock this spring and summer.
NAOT ODYSSEY SANDAL
Naot’s anatomic cork and latex footbed makes the Odyssey sandal lightweight and comfortable while providing plenty of arch support. It’s the perfect complement to any spring/summer outfit and ensures comfortability for all wearers, not just Rihanna!
SHOP ODYSSEY SANDAL TODAY - $164.95 - 3 COLOR OPTIONS
FLY LONDON YENT WEDGE SANDAL
The design of the Yent sandal is unique and sophisticated, yet the leather padded insole is just plain comfortable. With this sandal, you’re sure to “shine bright like a diamond.”
SHOP YENT WEDGE SANDAL TODAY - $230.00
Ruth Bader Ginsberg
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Ruth Bader Ginsberg was the first Jewish woman and the second woman ever to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. As a lawyer, she advocated for women’s rights and gender equality. RBG continued to call attention to various aspects of gender discrimination during her time as an Associate Justice. She even helped to inspire the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009. She has become an icon in popular culture.
For this notorious historical figure, we’ve selected one of the most classic shoe styles out there—the Mary Jane.
NAOT KIREI MARY JANE FLAT
The Kirei Mary Jane is a sensible but cute shoe perfect for formal or business attire—even if you don’t work in a courtroom! Channel RBG's iconic energy with this stylish flat.
SHOP KIREI MARY JANE FLAT TODAY - $179.95 - 3 COLOR OPTIONS
Frida Kahlo
Image source: Alla Diachenko / Shutterstock.com
Mexican painter Frida Kahlo is well known for her surrealist paintings from the 1930s to the early 50s. Over the past few decades, she has become regarded as an icon in feminism. She was open in her paintings about women’s experiences, painting hardships that were not commonly depicted at the time. She is also praised for breaking the social conventions expected of women during her time.
Inspired by the style and colors used in Kahlo’s paintings, we’ve selected a shoe and bag with beautiful, artistic designs.
PIKOLINOS LA MARINA SHOE
The intricate design and muted gold tone on this loafer resemble parts of Kahlo’s art, like the leaves in the backgrounds of some of her self-portraits.
SHOP LA MARINA SHOE TODAY - $179.95
CONSUELA CHA CHA GRAB N GO BAG
The fruit design on this bag is very reminiscent of Kahlo’s famous Viva la Vida, Watermelon, the last painting she did before her death in 1954. The bright colors and vibrant style make this bag the perfect accessory to wear when channeling your inner artist.
SHOP CHA CHA GRAB N GO BAG TODAY - $45.00
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
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Politician and activist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made history when she assumed office as the U.S. representative for New York's 14th congressional district in 2019. She is the youngest woman to serve in the U.S. Congress ever. She has been outspoken about women’s rights and gender equality and is paving the way for women in the male-dominated political space.
Not one to shy away from making a fashion statement, AOC has become a style icon with her bold blazers and power suits. We’ve picked some stylish pumps and a business-chic bag inspired by AOC.
ARA KENDALL PUMP
The Kendall pump can be worn with almost anything, but it’s the perfect shoe for a bold power suit or formal blazer-skirt-combo in any color.
SHOP KENDALL PUMP TODAY - $179.90 - 2 COLOR OPTIONS
PIXIE MOOD CLARA TOTE
The Clara tote is a great everyday bag, and its removable crossbody pouch insert makes it two bags in one. It can be paired with casual clothing but also makes a perfect complement to your AOC-style business outfits.
SHOP CLARA TOTE TODAY - $94.95 - 6 COLOR OPTIONS
Sandra Oh
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Actress Sandra Oh has held starring roles in many iconic television shows, such as Grey’s Anatomy and Killing Eve. She was the first woman of Asian descent to host the Golden Globe Awards and win two Golden Globes. Oh was also the first Asian-Canadian woman to host Saturday Night Live. She is an iconic actress who uses her acting career as an opportunity to take on a role as an activist. She has frequently spoken out against the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes in recent years.
Sandra Oh has rocked many iconic looks on the red carpet. But, she has also been spotted wearing boots suspiciously similar to Blundstones with her more casual outfits.
BLUNDSTONE 585 LEATHER BOOT SHOE
The Blundstone 585 is cute, comfortable, and goes well with most everyday outfits. Also, its Shock Protection System reduces stress on the feet. Sandra Oh totally has the right idea, and we don’t blame her for wearing boots like these.
SHOP 585 LEATHER BOOT TODAY - $199.95
Kamala Harris
Image source: Kim Wilson / Shutterstock.com
Vice President Kamala Harris needs no introduction. She made history when she became the first female vice president and highest-ranking female political official in American history. Recognizing her impact on women’s history is definitely relevant this month.
Vice President Harris is known for wearing sneakers on the campaign trail. Her unique style garnered attention from the media during the presidential campaign. Some say she has disrupted the expectation that women in politics must wear a specific type of shoe, such as a heel or sandal. We’ve selected one of our favorite sneakers as our shoe inspired by Vice President Harris.
SUPERGA COTU CLASSIC SNEAKER
Vice President Harris is commonly seen wearing black or white low-top canvas sneakers. This Classic sneaker from Superga retains that style. Plus, its cushioned footbed offers all-day comfort, perfect for the campaign trail—or any other job that requires you to be on your feet.
SHOP CLASSIC SNEAKER TODAY - $66.95 - 3 COLOR OPTIONS