The INSIDER Summary:
- A senior named Hannah Whitley received a dress code violation for her Zendaya-inspired outfit.
- Zendaya responded to Whitley's Twitter post with a message of support.
- Whitley said she received the violation because her principal thought she wanted "to get attention from boys."
Senior Hannah Whitley started her last year of high school with a bang. Looking for a little style inspiration, she decided to go to school channeling 20-year-old Zendaya. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to do just that? The "Spiderman" actress is one of the most influential young stars, and it's not just because of how woke she is, or how easily she can switch up her hair— it's because she knows how to put together a look.
Whitley arrived at school dressed in a striped sleeveless shirt, pants with a paperbag waist, and flats. Sounds chic, right? It was. But, Whitley shared a side-by-side on Twitter, writing “When you just wanna look like @Zendaya but you get a dress code violation for being too provocative🤔,” adding the hashtag #senioryearblues.
When you just wanna look like @Zendaya but you get a dress code violation for being too provocative🤔 #senioryearbluespic.twitter.com/qrrLmUONfe
— hannah whitley (@hannahwhitley11) August 17, 2017Understandably, Twitter couldn’t believe she got in trouble for her outfit, and users were quick to offer up support. Even Zendaya saw the tweet and replied, “Provocative....where??? You look amazing.”
Provocative....where??? You look amazing♥️♥️ https://t.co/8jmMO4qCHa
— Zendaya (@Zendaya) August 17, 2017
School systems kill me with some of the dress codes. How exactly are shoulders a "distraction"? She looks great!
— Renny (@KurrenR) August 17, 2017
Twirl on em sis!! You look amazing and they're just mad baby girl. Have a great school year. Finish strong. pic.twitter.com/bRMyIwCStx
— Ebony Combs (@BrandMeEbony) August 17, 2017
Provocative where? You're covered from neck to ankle! Your school is stupid & you are gorgeous! 😍
— Lainey (@LaineyisQueen) August 17, 2017
Provocative? Where? Girl, you look amazing! pic.twitter.com/jSyTHyAhxv
— miris. 🦁 (@tammidias_) August 17, 2017
Your principal was hating because she wanted your shoes!But you do look like Zendaya!!Well done Niece https://t.co/jGRNby2yKe
— Kym Whitley (@kymwhitley) August 17, 2017Comedian Kym Whitley (who happens to be Hannah's aunt) wrote: “Your principal was hating because she wanted your shoes! But you do look like Zendaya!! Well done Niece”
When asked what the actual problem was, Whitley replied: “No, I actually broke no official rules. My principle was insinuating I wore that outfit to get attention from boys, when I only wanted to look sophisticated and cute.” Sigh.
Did they get you for the sleeves?
— grace mystique (@MagicMadeGrace) August 17, 2017
when I only wanted to look sophisticated and cute
— hannah whitley (@hannahwhitley11) August 17, 2017Whitley seems like Zendaya in more ways than one: Like the actress said in her "Vogue" cover story: “A lot of people don't realize their power. I have so many friends who say yes to everything or feel like they can't stand up for themselves in a situation... No: You have the power.
@Zendaya thank you so much for helping me to turn lemons into lemonade🍋💕
— hannah whitley (@hannahwhitley11) August 17, 2017She then thanked Zendaya for, what she described as, “helping me to turn lemons into lemonade.” And while we appreciate her optimism, isn't it about time we call it quits with the ridiculous (and frankly, sexist) school dress codes?
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