Sparkle and shine for a purpose.
I know the “No Kings” protest this Saturday isn’t about fashion. It’s not about selfies or impressing people or drawing attention to ourselves.
It’s about democracy, fairness, equality, sustainability, and goddamn common decency. It’s about liberty and justice for all.
But it’s also true that most of us are going to wear clothes to the protest. And there’s no reason why those clothes shouldn’t be intentional, empowering, and fun.
Yes, there are practical considerations when attending a protest—most of which have nothing to do with your outfit. For that kind of guidance, check out Protesting Tips: What to Bring, How to Act, How to Stay Safe from Wired.
This post, on the other hand, is about magical protest fashion. It’s about feeling like yourself while standing up for what you believe.
By the way, I’d love for you to add your own ideas in the comments.
(Not sure where your closest “No Kings” protest is going to be? Search your zip code here.)
(There are Amazon affiliate links in this post.)
Do-It-Yourself Trump Sucks Tee
Photo by Jan Whitehurst
Some of you may remember that for the Hands Off protest back in April, I wore this shirt.
Well, I made it myself, and it was super easy and fun.
I paid a visit to my local craft store and bought a sky blue T-shirt and a cheerful assortment of sparkly and colorful letters that spelled out TRUMP SUCKS. Then I ironed those babies on.
Feel free to steal this idea and make it your own. Make one for just yourself, or surprise your friends. Or make it a craft party!
Ready-Made Trump Sucks Tee
I’m just remembering now that the whole reason I made that shirt you see me wearing in the above photo was because I saw this perfect shirt on Amazon and there wasn’t time to get it before the April protest.
So if you see this in time, you can grab it here.
Bonus: perfect for Pride Month!
THE WILD WITCH ORACLE is coming soon. Check it out and pre-order here.
American Flag Glasses
I know I’m not alone in my conviction that we’ve got to reclaim the American flag. Why, for example, are the folks most enthusiastic about the Stars and Stripes the same folks who are least enthusiastic about liberty and justice for all? This has got to change. It’s too nonsensical.
I, for my part, will be wearing American flag sunglasses this Saturday. Snag my idea or wear some other patriotic gear. Let’s show our love for democracy, freedom, and the (actual) American way.
Electric Rainbow Flower Crown
You know what’s going to go great with my American flag glasses? This electric rainbow flower crown.
At least I hope it will. Because I just ordered it like a minute ago.
It’s flower power. It’s late 90s rave vibes. It’s Pride Month.
It’s all like, Hey MAGA bitches, doesn’t it look like we’re having more fun than you? That’s because we are. Don’t you want to ditch the cult and join us? SO DO IT!!!
Temporary Tattoos with a Message
Not ready to commit to a real tattoo that says “Smash the Patriarchy”? Me neither.
But temporary tattoos with powerful symbols— like for Juneteenth, LGBTQ+ Pride, feminism, etc.—can speak volumes and wash off with soap and time. Also great for sharing with fellow demonstrators.
Also, hey: body paint! And glitter.
Empowered Jewelry
Magically speaking, jewelry can be both armor and amplifier. Wear a necklace that’s been charged under the full moon, a carnelian bracelet for courage, or earrings shaped like lightning bolts. Layer on your power.
You might choose black tourmaline for protection, labradorite for psychic strength, or rose quartz to blast haters with sweetness and light. (Mwah ha ha.) Even a simple pendant or ring can act as a talisman—especially if you’ve blessed it with your intention.
Let your accessories bolster your light. Let them help hold your energy steady. Let them remind you of what you came for.
Signs That Double as Capes
Here’s another fun one: a protest sign or banner you can wear.
A lightweight banner can serve as a cape, shawl, or poncho. Try wearing a flag or painting your message on a square of fabric, safety-pinning it to your jacket, or sewing loops into the corners to sling over your shoulders like the magical superhero you are.
It’s hands-free, wind-friendly, and dramatic in the best possible way. Plus, on a hot summer day, a cape sign can double as sun protection. Practical and fabulous.
So how about it? What are you going with? And do you have some other ideas to share? I want to know! Please chime in below.
If you like this post, you will love my book, MAGICAL FASHIONISTA: DRESS FOR THE LIFE YOU WANT.
Discover more from Tess Whitehurst
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You know we’re always saying that what we focus on becomes our reality and always think positively. Why is the hatred for one man what this collective is focusing on? Why not put that energy into the change we want to see and the change we want to be instead of promoting such hatred? Just saying… We ought to practice what we preach we’re all we’re going to get is more of the same and it’s going to get worse and worse.
Hatred is different than pointing out that a dictator is a dictator, is hurting people, and sucks at the job we are paying him to do. There are times when it is wrong not to speak out about what is harmful to our world.
Rock on, Tess.
I like how these ideas take the piss out of the all of the pissers, but let’s not forget that even if 47 were gone, the 2025 project is now embedded in our nation’s institutions. There’s no going back and that system was broken anyway. It would help if 47 was gone for good, but the oligarchs own us.
On the third hand, singling out 47 right now is a necessary step in holding off the worst of it’s plans at this moment. Any action is a good action, unless it is rioting. (Or self-immolation!) In that way lies madness and is exactly what the fucker wants so that on the 14th he can conveniently take his military farce and turn them on us. Martial law. All to say, keep the bigger picture in mind and address all of the layers in this as well as the layers of clothing.
On a side note, I’ve noticed that many pagans are overwhelmed with politics, as are most of us I think, and they don’t want to deal with it. Maybe start a section for just the politically active pagans to post? We all have our limits and that is to be understood and respected. Tess and the rest of us got ya covered.
Yeah, they can come on over to my site and hang out. Although I don’t post about politics often, it feels important to me to do so sometimes. And that is a good reminder for mindfulness, Ron – thank you.
🤘🏼🤘🏼
What a stupid, stupid person you must be. UNSUBSCRIBE! I want nothing to do with this ignorance!
Happy to unsubscribe you, but since you chose to engage with this thing you want nothing to do with, I will leave you with a quote from Google’s AI response to the search “signs you might be in a cult” – “Several indicators can suggest someone is in a cult-like environment, including excessive loyalty to the leader, isolation from outside influences, and suppression of critical thinking or questioning.” Just some food for thought on your way out.
Thank you for this post. As a GSA advisor, and parent to a lesbian daughter, I’m appalled by this administration and their cruelty and intolerance toward anyone outside their very narrow narrative. I appreciate you bring color, light and love to my inbox.
Lisa Beth, thank you for your kind words, and for reading!