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Not OK: People Are Slut-Shaming Ariel Winter’s Graduation Party Dress

Not okay: People are slut-shaming Ariel Winter’s graduation party dress

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Ariel Winter just graduated high school and her family was kind enough to throw her a big bash. The 18-year-old actress posted a photo of herself in front of her celebratory spread, decorated with balloons, snacks, and a beautiful cake all done up in a black, white, and gold theme. Unfortunately, some Instagram commenters and even media outlets took it upon themselves to slut-shame the Modern Family star for her outfit, which was a light pink bodycon dress — similar to the one she wore to her graduation ceremony.

Couldn’t be more grateful to @shanelle_gray & @davidbarrygray for throwing me the most amazing graduation party ever last night…the amount of love and support they’ve shown me for the past four years has been life changing. My sister is my absolute best friend and my everything…❤️ Thank you so much. I couldn’t be luckier or more grateful. I was in awe last night and I still am that you guys love me that much to do all of that for me…I never would be where I am today without you two…you guys saved me and taught me to be the person I am today. Dad…I love you!!! Thank you for always being there to support and love me as well and always put a smile on my face no matter what :). I’m so grateful for the bond we now share. Alenah the song you put together with Shanelle and recorded for me was one of the most special gifts I’ve ever received. I’m still tearing up thinking about it. Thank you for that and for your beautiful, special performance. Also a big thank you so much to Geraldine for putting it all together and to @contemporarycatering @robpauerful for the most amazing food! A special thank you as well to Sharon who is probably the biggest reason I was able to get through high school and accepted into college…you pushed me to always do my best and encouraged me…not to mention you were always there for my 1am freak outs about late projects :) Anddddd thank you SO MUCH to all of my amazing family members and friends that flew in to celebrate with us- you guys are the absolute best. Thank you also to the ones who didn’t have to fly in…so much love was felt all around last night. Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!! Class of 2016…❤️ #uclabound

A photo posted by Ariel Winter (@arielwinter) on Jun 19, 2016 at 11:57pm PDT

Ariel looked happy and gorgeous, as any recent graduate and future college student should. In the caption, she expressed love and gratitude to each member of her family, including her sister who is her “absolute best friend and my everything,” and her father for “always being there to support and love me as well and always put a smile on my face no matter what.” It was a truly touching note and we are sure her family couldn’t be more proud.

#proud

A photo posted by Shanelle Gray (@shanelle_gray) on Jun 16, 2016 at 1:34am PDT

While many of Ariel’s fans sent their congratulations, other commenters focused on her dress, questioning whether or not it was an appropriate choice for a graduation party. “Who goes out in public like that!!,” wrote one commenter, while another said, “Gosh I hate to say it but do 18 years olds really dress like this? Lovely dress and body but it doesn’t give anything to the imagination.”

Twitter users were also critical.

Still, there were many who defended Ariel, applauding her confidence and body positivity.

On Instagram, a commenter wrote, “She’s entitled to dress however she wants. Every woman should have the right to wear whatever they want, with no discrimination or oppression.”

We couldn’t agree more. The notion that a woman should always dress “modestly” in order to be perceived as “classy” is a harmful, outdated, oppressing opinion that contributes to many of the problems associated with rape culture. The sad truth of the matter is, women are prone to sexual harassment and unfair judgment no matter WHAT they are wearing. Why should ANYONE have to adhere to another person’s perspective especially when it comes to something that is such a personal choice like fashion. Why should it matter to anyone else?

Unfortunately, Ariel is no stranger to trolls who have tried policing her clothing in the past. Last fall, she wrote a note on Instagram addressing this exact issue. “I typically never give power to the mean things people bravely say behind their computer screens on the Internet, but this is for the girls who are constantly bullied whether it be online or at school,” Ariel stated. “You are not asking for anything because of what you are wearing- you are expressing yourself and don’t you ever think you deserve the negativity as the consequence to what you are wearing — YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. Celebrate you and don’t let anyone’s comments allow you to think less of yourself.Us girls have to stick together!!!!!!”

Those words couldn’t be more true now. Ariel will attend UCLA in the fall, and we’ll sure she’ll be kicking ass while wearing whatever she wants there, too.

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