Dress how you feel

What plus-sized makeup artist wants to share with society

Lacey Cohen, Binghamton, NY

Lacey Cohen, known online as @thelaceydanger, is a makeup artist based in Binghamton, New York. One of the reasons she began dressing the way she does stems from her experience as a mid- to plus-size person. People with these body types are often taught—explicitly or implicitly—to feel ashamed, to appear smaller, and to take up as little space as possible. This pressure shows up in expectations around clothing, such as wearing simple, muted designs that don’t draw attention. Lacey rejects this mindset. She believes everyone deserves to style themselves however they choose, regardless of body size.

Another key influence on her evolving style is her belief that society has become increasingly gray and monochromatic. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced people indoors, she became more aware of how essential color and visual joy are to our collective well-being. Her style now carries a subtle political message: showing up boldly, bringing joy into public spaces, and energizing communities—especially younger generations—through color, expression, and presence.

Lacey often emphasizes that the way you dress can influence how you feel. If someone feels their best in jeans and a sweater, that’s just as valid as dressing in bold patterns and colors. What matters is comfort, confidence, and self-expression. Looking ahead, Lacey’s goal is to work with a makeup brand as a stylist and to help launch a dynamic campaign that celebrates individuality and self-expression.