Your Body Your Business
Two weeks ago, singer-songwriter Billie Eilish shared photos on her Instagram from a photoshoot she did with British Vogue. The edition of British Vogue is set to release next month, but the photos of Eilish have already sparked debate.
As a woman who typically dressed in clothing that shielded her body and figure, Eilish’s participation in a sultry photoshoot took many people by surprise.
Fortunately, that doesn’t matter.
Nobody’s perception of Billie Eilish or her body matters, except for hers. In an interview with British Vogue, Eilish explained that her idea of confidence is not restrictive, “It’s all about what makes you feel good.” Different things make different people feel good. For Eilish, feeling fully comfortable and confident everyday meant wearing baggy clothing. Now at this point in her life, she is fully comfortable figuring out what else makes her feel confident, and her photoshoot was an opportunity to explore that further.
While the shoot was exciting, Eilish was still doing something out of her comfort zone by participating. And like everyone else, she carries insecurities about her body—insecurities that may have been especially sensitive during such a vulnerable experience. In order to combat her body insecurities, Eilish chose to wear corsets during her shoot.
Corsets create a slimming effect, and they can be uncomfortable, and even damaging to your body, if worn for extended periods. Many celebrities have also promoted corset-like garments, called waist trainers, as a means of slimming one's waist (Note: waist trainers are dangerous and do not work). In this sense, Eilish knew she would likely receive criticism for wearing the garment in her shoot.
Being body positive means learning to appreciate your body for the things it does for you and the way it looks. That does not mean you will love the appearance of your body every single day. Our relationships with our bodies are intricate, and it is necessary to do what makes us feel confident—within reason.
If Eilish were wearing a corset for hours a day with the intention of making her waist appear smaller, that would not be healthy. Harming our bodies in an attempt to make them “better” is not healthy.
But dressing up in glamorous clothes to feel pretty and powerful? That is absolutely ok. And encouraged!
Corsets may or may not be included in your outfit of choice, and either works just fine. The important part is that we take care of and appreciate our bodies even on our toughest days.
