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There are many reasons to love Netflix's "Orange is the New Black," chief among them for us: Dascha Polanco.
Polanco is soft spoken but powerful in her role as Dayanara on OITNB. (I mean, did you SEE the season four finale?) And in her real life, she's a style icon and body positive inspiration for Latinas and curvy women everywhere.
She flaunts her curves unapologetically and isn't afraid to take risks. Check out her fashion evolution, from virtual unknown in 2013 to Fashion Week darling in 2016.
2013
Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if there was an #EffYourBeautyStandards hashtag on Polanco's birth certificate.
Though she was born in DR, Polanco is also a Brooklyn babe.
Her personal style has never been subtle.
(And we wouldn't have it any other way)
B R O O K L Y N
Like any Dominican, she isn't afraid of bright colors. This is what she wore to OITNB's season one wrap party.
She wasn't a major style star back then, but she had the attitude nailed.
2014
Then, all of a sudden, BOOM: a star is born.
She was the belle of the ball at the 2014 Emmys.
Sidebar: She's also a beauty risk-taker.
She loves white and ivory shades, because #FuckFlattering!
2015
At New York Fashion Week last year, she slayed our lives as an IRL Carmen Sandiego.
Here she is at a Knicks game, serving major J.Lo vibes, circa "Get Right."
You can tell she likes to have fun with her look, and that's what makes her so alluring.
Who could forget this Michael Costello moment at the SAG Awards?
She stepped up her high fashion game in a major way in 2015.
2016
This year she's been all about separates and skin-tight jumpsuits.
But she's still rocking crisp white and ivory tones.
Naked jumpsuit alert! This VH1 Hip Hop Honors look put her style on the map.
And a few weeks afterward, she wore another sexy bodysuit.
Her MTV Video Awards look also got tons of PR play.
Much to our delight, Polanco has been all over New York Fashion Week this season.
The 33-year-old skipped pants for The Blonds show...
Check out the Virgin Mary embroidery on the back of her jacket! #Blessed
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