Iconic Beauty and Fashion Moments from Badass Women in Politics
Photo Credit: Harper’s Bazaar
By : Hayden Ginder
It’s election season, and a historical one at that. Not only is there the first Black woman and Asian American on a major party ticket, but 2020 also marks 100 years since the 19th amendment, which certified that no states could discriminate voters based on sex, was ratified in 1920. Although this extension of voting rights was a huge win for women across the country, Black women still faced restrictions at the polls for decades after the 19th amendment was ratified until the Voting Rights Act of 1965. While we recognize the lack of inclusion that took place during the fight for women’s suffrage, we wanted to recognize a group of the most diverse, badass women in politics and the looks that helped empower a “feel good, do good” mentality.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
A strong woman needs a strong lip color and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is living proof. In her get ready with me video for Vogue, the congresswoman explained that she wears red lipstick when she needs a little extra “oomph” for the day ahead. Not only does the boldness of AOC’s red lip reflect her confidence in her work, but it’s a signal that she is a powerful woman who is not afraid to speak her mind.
Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama’s fashion choices were especially notable during her time as First Lady because of the effort she made to wear a diverse range of designers. From Tracy Reese to Narcisco Rodriguez, Michelle Obama’s wardrobe emphasized inclusivity and acceptance among the places she visited and the nation she served.
Rashida Tlaib
Another powerful woman from the 2018 midterm election class, Rashida Tlaib, not only made history by becoming the first Palestinian-American woman in Congress, but also with her fashion choices. The Michigan congresswoman wore her mother’s beautifully embroidered, traditional Palestinian thobe while she was sworn in to Congress. Thobes are often worn in Palestinian culture to mark major milestones in a woman’s life, and we can’t think of a more fitting occasion for Tlaib to wear hers.
Nancy Reagan
We all know that red is the signature color of the Republican party, but who you may not know is the woman who started the trend. In a 2007 interview with W Magazine, former First Lady Nancy Reagan expressed that she had always liked the color red because “It’s a picker-upper,” but never expected that the Republican Party would adopt “Reagan Red” as a mark of their party.
Jacqueline Kennedy
When you think of a fashion-forward first lady, your mind probably goes straight to Jacqueline Kennedy. Jackie Kennedy’s iconic Chanel skirt-suits and pearl necklaces showed the American people that style and professionalism could coexist. These tailored suits were the epitome of elegance as was the beloved First Lady. Who says chic sensibility and power aren’t a combination to be reckoned with?
Wendy Davis
In her famous 11-hour filibuster, Texas Senator Wendy Davis proved that fashion serves as a form of function. In bright pink Mizuno sneakers, a floral dress, and white-striped overcoat covering her back brace, Senator Davis stood up for what she believed in and looked stylish while doing it.
Keisha Lance Bottoms
As the current 60th mayor of Atlanta during a global pandemic, Keisha Lance Bottoms has a lot on her plate, but still manages to put sincere thought into her outfit and accessory choices. In her DNC address last August, Mayor Bottoms wore an elaborate, colorful necklace, which she later explained in an interview with Elle, that she wore in honor of the female South African student who gave it to her. The student took the necklace off of her own neck to give to Mayor Bottoms after telling her about an experience the group had with Nelson Mandela where he encouraged them to be gracious and generous.
Women in Congress
When words may not be enough, fashion is always there to speak for itself. Women of Congress wore white to the 2019 State of the Union address in honor of the suffragettes who fought for women’s right to vote. This bold statement sent a message that Congresswomen from across the country stood in solidarity with the early 20th century movement that had finally gained success almost 100 years prior.
Much like back in 1920, racial injustice is still at the forefront of our society today, and one of the ways that you can help make positive change is by voting. Whether in person or by mail, we can’t think of a better way to honor the suffragists who came before us and fought not only for the right to vote for white women, but for everyone included in our diverse nation.
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