When women in power used fashion to shape change

The truth is, fashion is political. It always has been. It has served as a form of revolution for as long as we can remember—in history, mythology, and across boundaries. During the French Revolution, for example, the upper middle class adopted the clothing of the working class as a show of solidarity. At that time, during the Reign of Terror, people used their dressing to express their political beliefs—to reflect their personal ideals rather than their social status.

Similarly, Mahatma Gandhi's 'Swadeshi' movement popularised the use of khadi, a handwoven fabric, as a symbol of self-reliance and resistance to British colonial rule. Since then, it has been evident that these two ideals—personal beliefs and political expression—are closely intertwined.

Today, people in positions of power, such as politicians, vice presidents, singers, first ladies, and others, often choose to use their clothing as a form of self-expression and make statements through fashion that play a crucial role in how they communicate with the world. Think of Princess Diana's iconic "revenge dress," Hillary Clinton's red pantsuit, or even Michelle Obama's empowering fashion choices that often embodied strength and inclusivity. And then there are those who dress specifically to make a strong political statement. Take Kamala Harris’s looks during the presidential debates, or Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's "tax the rich" dress at the Met Gala, which sent a clear message about wealth inequality. Women in power . 

In this story, we have traced some of the most iconic fashion statements made by women in positions of power, showcasing how they have used clothing to influence and inspire the greater good.

Michelle Obama’s sleeveless dress 

Michelle Obama is as fierce a woman as one can be, and her actions continue to inspire belief in her strength. Among the many ceiling-shattering things she has done was wearing a black sleeveless dress during her husband, Barack Obama’s first address to Congress. The dress, a stunning purple piece designed by Narciso Rodriguez, showcased her toned arms—which apparently stirred controversy, as previous First Ladies were seen dressed more modestly. However, breaking from the norms quickly became her style, and she began to use her fashion choices as a voice to communicate with people—a practice she continues even now.

Wendy Davis and her sneakers 

A particularly powerful and unforgettable moment is that of Texas state senator Wendy Davis who captured national attention with her 13-hour filibuster to block Senate Bill 5, a controversial anti-abortion measure. Wearing her now-iconic pink Mizuno sneakers, Davis stood on the Senate floor, speaking nonstop—without food, water, or breaks—in an effort to run out the clock. Her stand drew massive support, with thousands flooding the Texas Capitol and millions tuning in online. Although the bill ultimately passed in a later session, Davis’s courageous effort became a defining moment in the fight for women’s rights, and her sneakers of choice continue to remain a lasting symbol of determination and defiance.

Hillary Clinton and her striking red pantsuit 

In 2016, Hillary Clinton wore a striking red pantsuit during her presidential campaign, a choice that sparked significant criticism from both the media and her political opponents. The outfit was seen as a bold departure from her usual attire, which often consisted of more subdued tones, and it was interpreted by some as a statement of defiance and strength. While critics focused on the brightness of the suit and its potential to distract from her message, Clinton's decision to wear it became a powerful fashion moment. The pantsuit, often associated with power and authority, was a clear assertion of her readiness to challenge gender norms and stereotypes. It also aligned with her broader campaign for women's rights and empowerment. 

Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the laced collars

Ruth Bader Ginsburg's lace collar, or "jabot," became one of her most recognizable trademarks, symbolizing both her individuality and her advocacy for gender equality. As a Supreme Court Justice, she often wore the jabot over her judicial robes, choosing different designs for various occasions, sometimes adding more intricate collars for important rulings or events. This accessory wasn't just a fashion choice—it became a symbol of her intelligence, strength, and determination. The jabot allowed Ginsburg to stand out in a male-dominated profession while expressing her personal style, and it became a lasting reminder of her trailblazing work for women's rights. 

Jackie Kennedy’s blood-stained pink suit 

Jackie Kennedy's Chanel pink suit, worn during her husband JFK’s assassination in 1963, became a powerful symbol of the day's devastation. After the tragic shooting, she chose to keep the suit on, even though it became blood-soaked from her husband's wounds. Historians have noted that she could have changed into another dress, but Jackie refused, showing incredible strength and dignity. The sight of her in the bloodstained suit has since become a poignant reminder of the tragedy, symbolising both her personal grief and her quiet resilience as she faced an unimaginable moment in history.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's red lipstick 

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's (AOC) signature look—hoop earrings and a bold red lip—became a powerful symbol of her unapologetic identity and approach to politics, but it also attracted criticism. Some critics tried to undermine her by focusing on her appearance, calling the hoop earrings and red lipstick "unprofessional" or "distracting." However, AOC turned these comments into a statement of defiance. The earrings represented her working-class roots and cultural pride, while the red lip reflected her confidence. She even tweeted, “Lip and hoops were inspired by Sonia Sotomayor, who was advised to wear neutral-coloured nail polish to her confirmation hearings to avoid scrutiny. She kept her red.” In this, AOC highlighted how she embraced her style with pride, despite the pushback. She added, “Next time someone tells Bronx girls to take off their hoops, they can just say they’re dressing like a Congresswoman.”

Indira Gandhi in handwoven sarees

Indira Gandhi's sarees were more than a clothing choice—they were a deliberate and powerful statement of identity, cultural pride, and political symbolism. As India’s first female Prime Minister, she often wore simple, yet elegant sarees, typically in solid colours or traditional handwoven fabrics like khadi, which reinforced her connection to India's roots and its Independence movement. Her wardrobe was a carefully crafted image that combined authority with approachability. The saree, a symbol of Indian femininity, helped her navigate the complexities of leadership while maintaining her connection to the people.

The revenge dress

Princess Diana’s “revenge dress” worn in 1994 became one of her most iconic fashion moments. She wore the black off-the-shoulder gown by designer Christina Stambolian to a party at the Serpentine Gallery in London, just hours after Prince Charles admitted to having an affair in a televised interview. The dress, bold, sexy, and sophisticated, was seen as a deliberate statement of independence and defiance. It was a powerful visual message, showing Diana reclaiming her confidence and control in the face of personal betrayal, sending the message that she was moving forward on her own terms.

Kamala Harris’s black suit and pussy bow

For her televised debate with Donald Trump, Kamala Harris wore a black power suit paired with a white pussy bow blouse, creating a striking contrast to Trump’s bright blue suit and red tie. The power suit, a traditionally male-dominated piece, was a bold statement of strength and confidence, while the blouse subtly referenced Trump's infamous "grab them by the p***y" comment, turning the phrase into a symbol of empowerment. This outfit was not only a fashion choice but also a powerful clapback. 

Sonia and Priyanka Gandhi

Priyanka Chopra and Sonia Gandhi’s fashion choices are a modern nod to Indira Gandhi’s legacy. Priyanka often mixes Indian sarees with Western styles, showing off her global identity while staying connected to her roots. The older Mrs. Gandhi, on the other hand, sticks to simple yet elegant sarees, reflecting her understated authority as a leader. Both women, like Indira Gandhi, use their clothes to project confidence and strength, balancing cultural pride with political presence. In their own ways, they continue the tradition of powerful women in Indian politics.

 

Lead image credits: Getty Images 
 

Also read: 8 designers who are leading the change through their fashion journeys

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