How Women Representatives Marked a Historic Transition in Congress With Fashion
January 3, 2019, marked the start of the 116th Congress of the United States. It was a historic day for women in politics as Congress gained its most women members ever (over 100), its first Muslim women, Native American women, Palestinian-American woman, and youngest woman. For the swearing-in ceremony, which is largely about optics with photographers everywhere capturing the moments, many of these women used their clothing to help tell the story and highlight the significance of the day.
Throughout history, clothing worn by women in the political sphere has been subject to scrutiny and praise. From First Ladies to women in power, fashion has been used as both a weapon and as a tool. While Michelle Obama famously represented young American artists with her clothing during her time as the First Lady, she also endured scrutiny over things like wearing sleeveless dresses in her official portraits. Hilary Clinton was often criticized for wearing pantsuits instead of choosing glamorous dresses and gowns like former First Ladies, but those very same pantsuits became an iconic symbol for women in power.
On day 1 of the 116th Congress, the new women in power are using their clothing to mark a new era in the United States Congress.
Getty Images1/5Rep. Deb Haaland (D-NM)
Rep. Deb Haaland (D-NM) is one of the first two indigenous women elected to the United States Congress (Rep. Sharice Davids (D-Kan.) was also sworn in on Jan. 3). For the ceremony, she wore a traditional Pueblo dress, moccassins, and a squash blossom necklace.
Haaland is a 35th generation New Mexican and her generational homeland is from Chaco Canyon.
Getty Images2/5Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI)
In early December, Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), the first Palestinian-American elected to Congress, announced that she would wear a traditional Palestinian thobe for the swearing-in ceremony. In a post that highlighted the dress, she said she would do it for her "Yama," which means mother in Arabic.
Getty Images3/5Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN)
Prior to taking her seat in the House of Representatives, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) proposed a new bill that would allow her to wear her Hijab on the house floor. The outdated rule hadn't been challenged or changed in over 181 years. As one of the first Muslim women elected to Congress, she wore an orange and red hijab, the first one ever seen on the House floor. She also donned a Suffragette white suit, similar to her peers.
Getty Images4/5Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY)
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is the youngest woman ever elected to Congress. For the historical occasion, she wore white, a color that's been used to mark historical moments for women in politics. On Twitter, she explained, "I wore all-white today to honor the women who paved the path before me and for all the women yet to come. From suffragettes to Shirley Chisholm, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the mothers of the movement."
Getty Images5/5Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ)
Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) is the second LGBTQ person to be elected to Senate. For her swearing-in, she broke traditions of wearing a muted suit and wore something colorful that represented her personal style. It's a stark and welcome contrast to what women in political positions have worn in the past.
