Draya Michele and Kerry Washington both have clothing lines– extremely different by design but both marketed to empower women through dressing to impress.

Michele is a former reality TV star who created a clothing line called “FINEASSGIRLS”, a line selling beanies, T-shirts, lingerie, workout and lounge attire.

Scandal star Washington has a collaboration line with The Limited clothing store, selling formal and casual business attire based on her fictional character, Olivia Pope from ABC’s Scandal.

The marketing of both these lines are inherently flawed because they hinge on the idea that the clothes empower the woman, not the woman empowering the clothes.

Like all the characters on scandal, Pope is “multi-dimensional” and complicated beyond the bounds of reality. The show examines Pope in a multitude of disheveling situations, but appearing perfect – not a hair out of place or wrinkles ensued.

Washington’s Pope looks down right dangerous in her fancy suits and expensive handbags, but that’s because she is dangerous. She’s easy on the eyes, clever, cunning and smart as a whip.

Michele is semi-famous because she’s been characterized as a “fine ass girl”– who uses this notion to get ahead, but does that mean a girl who wears clothing from her line will do the same, or even be seen in the same light?

The question is: Do you as woman feel like a gladiator in your Scandal wear? Does the emblem saying “fine ass girl” make you feel fine? Or does this perpetuate an idea that woman should look the part instead of being the part?

These clothing lines are marketed to prey on the insecurities of women young and old. A manifestation of standards that being powerful or sexy is a ‘look’ a woman has, instead of traits they posses.

So many goods that target female consumers hinge on presentation: clothes, hair, makeup, jewelry all say look your best because this is going to determine your worthiness and others opinions of you.

The concept that what a woman wears single-handedly determines her status in her relationship, workplace and overall appeal sounds preposterous to most. It may even seem wrong to the creators of these clothing lines but is still continued in order to make profit.

When a line markets business or casual wear as clothing that will empower you by way of imitating the image of a knotty fictional character, the power has been taken from the woman because she will never be able to obtain the semblance of empowerment.

The same is true in the way FINEASSGIRLS is marketed: As a way to compliment other women on their “fineness” by way of wearing apparel that boldly states it. It’s like a secret clothing club, and the women who wear the clothing can empower each other.

The flaw is embedded in the message and takes the power from any woman who feels and looks less then the creator’s idea of a “fine ass” girl.

None of this is to say we should stop wearing pretty dresses and caking on the best makeup you can afford. Just make sure that when you do it, it’s a reflection of your own definition of empowerment.