The Beginning of Power Dressing in Politics

The world of politics has long been dominated by men, with women often viewed as unsuitable or unqualified to lead. Throughout history, women striving to enter the political arena have faced immense challenges. From being denied the right to vote, to struggling to gain access to influential positions, they were conditioned to accept that power was not theirs to wield. The political sphere, traditionally a male-dominated domain, has seen little room for women to assert themselves—not just in terms of ideas, but in their appearance, too. Women were expected to conform to conventional roles and prescribed standards, both in their actions and in their presentation. In many parts of the world, this suppression of women’s rights has been entrenched by patriarchal systems, cultural biases, and deeply ingrained gender stereotypes.

However, despite this historical marginalization, women began to challenge these power structures, using every tool at their disposal to assert their place in the political sphere. As women fought to carve out space in this male-dominated world, they found that fashion—the very tool often used to restrict them—could also become a powerful means of resistance. What began as a quiet revolution through the act of dressing has grown into a movement that signals authority, confidence, and strength. This is the story of the emergence of power dressing in politics, a transformative shift that would enable women to assert their identities, break stereotypes, and redefine what it meant to be a leader.

The Rise of Power Dressing

The roots of power dressing can be traced back to the early 20th century, where fashion was beginning to shift toward a more practical and liberating approach for women. The introduction of the Chanel suit in the 1920s, designed by Coco Chanel, was a turning point. It was a sharp break from the restrictive fashions of the time where corsets, voluminous skirts, and uncomfortable garments were prevalent. The Chanel suit offered women both freedom of movement and understated elegance, becoming a symbol of liberation. With its clean lines, tailored fit, and no-nonsense style, it not only reflected a shift toward empowerment but also began to signal the possibility that women could occupy public and professional spaces with confidence and poise.

The idea of power dressing in politics took shape as women, particularly in the 1980s, sought to project authority while navigating the male-dominated environments of corporate offices and political arenas. For women who had spent years struggling to be taken seriously in male-dominated spaces, fashion became a form of armor. The tailored suit was and still is often combined with bold colors or sharp lines to create a uniform for the empowered woman. The structured blazer and matching skirt symbolized a woman who was strong, professional, and fully in control of her image. Power dressing wasn’t just about looking good; it was about reminding the world that women too belonged in spaces traditionally reserved for men.

At the same time, power dressing became a tool for challenging gender roles. While many of the early power dressing styles mirrored male fashion, such as the inclusion of tailored blazers and trousers, over time, this evolved. The idea was no longer about imitation; it became about creating a safe space where women could thrive in their own way. Designers began to introduce softer fabrics, vibrant color palettes, and more feminine touches, allowing women to express their individuality while maintaining a sense of authority. Power dressing, as it became known, was more than a sartorial choice. It has so much more meaning to it than just a style of dressing, it is a deliberate statement of a woman’s right to wield influence, to exist in spaces of power, and to do so on her own terms.

Symbol of Leadership

The transformation of power dressing from a symbol of professional authority to a political statement can be most clearly observed in the lives of the women who have risen to prominence in the political sphere. One of the first icons of power dressing in politics was Margaret Thatcher, the United Kingdom's first female Prime Minister. Known for her structured suits and impeccable style, Thatcher's wardrobe became synonymous with her political persona. Every suit, every handbag, was chosen with the intention of conveying a sense of authority and confidence. Thatcher’s fashion choices reflected her steely determination and her commitment to asserting herself in the political arena. Her style communicated not just competence but an unshakable resolve, one that stated boldly that she would not be undermined for her gender.

Other women political leaders, including Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris, have continued this legacy, using power dressing as a means of establishing their credibility and authority. Clinton, whose political journey spans decades, began her career wearing more bold and vibrant colors, signaling an energetic commitment to social change. Over time, however, as she grew into a more seasoned political figure, her clothing choices became more restrained and began opting for muted tones, tailored pantsuits, and elegant simplicity. This shift reflected her evolving role in the political world: the confident, professional leader who commanded respect in the political landscape.

Similarly, Kamala Harris, the first female Vice President of the United States, has embraced power dressing as a tool of both expression and influence. With her signature blazers and tailored trousers, Harris’s wardrobe communicates strength, professionalism, and determination. By staying true to her roots and her cultural identity, she  proved that power dressing can be flexible and representative of a leader’s personal journey.

Power Dressing Beyond the West

Power dressings isn’t just a western phenomenon, it has spread to women across the globe, adapting to regional and cultural contexts. In Asia, for example, Taiwan stands out as a leader in terms of female political representation. In 2023, the country’s parliament was 41.6% women, a figure that surpassed a wide majority of the Western nations. Women in Taiwan’s political sphere have embraced power dressing as a reflection of their strength and capability. President Tsai Ing-Wen’s wardrobe is a testament to how power dressing can be both professional and personal. Her sleek, well-tailored suits and blouses showcase the sophisticated and strategic choices that female politicians worldwide are making.

In countries like Indonesia, women’s political representation has grown due to gender quotas that have pushed female representation in parliament from less than 10% to 20%. However, while these quotas have been instrumental in advancing women's rights in politics, challenges remain. Many women, especially younger or working-class candidates, still struggle to gain the same representation as their more educated and affluent counterparts. Nevertheless, the power-dressing trend has become a global conversation, with women in politics using their clothing choices as a vehicle for both personal expression and political power.

The connection between fashion and politics is perhaps most visible in Europe, where leaders like Angela Merkel and Ursula von der Leyen have made significant contributions. Merkel’s pragmatic and modest three-button blazers embodied her reliable, no-nonsense leadership style. Von der Leyen, the first female president of the European Commission, has often worn well-fitted blazers in soft colors, a style that represents both authority and approachability. Their fashion choices are far from mere aesthetics, they are in fact conscious decisions made to convey authority, responsibility, and approachability in the global political arena.

In contrast to many other nations where Western attire, such as the suit and tie, has become the norm for politicians, symbolizing a shift towards globalization and Western influence in formal settings India continues remains one of the few countries where politicians continue to dress in their cultural heritage, proudly donning traditional attire like the saree for women and the kurta-pajama for men, even in the modern political sphere.While Western attire has certainly made its way into India’s corporate and social settings, Indian politicians have retained their cultural heritage as a symbol of national pride, inclusivity and authenticity. Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and more recently Narendra Modi have embraced variations of traditional clothing, making it an enduring feature of Indian political identity.

Power dressing in India has mainly consisted of the traditional outfits of the nation. Especially the six yard saree that has been our form of power dressings through the decades. Indian female politicians especially in the post independence era embraced the saree as a form of both empowerment and tradition. Leaders like Indira Gandhi, often wore the saree as a formal and authoritative outfit and confidently demonstrated how the garment can serve as a tool for expressing national identity while also marking their authority in the political sphere. Over time, women in politics began experimenting with different draping styles and fabric choices, adapting the saree to suit their modern, progressive roles while staying connected to cultural heritage. This blend of tradition and modernity continues to define the way Indian female politicians use the saree today.

The Power of Dressing in Politics

Power dressing in politics is no longer just about following trends or conforming to traditional ideas of what a woman should look like in the workplace. It is a powerful tool for women to assert their identities, challenge societal norms, and rise to positions of leadership.

In conclusion, the emergence of power dressing in politics is not simply about clothing—it is about identity, representation, and breaking down barriers. As women continue to rise through the ranks in politics, their fashion choices will continue to serve as potent symbols of empowerment, challenging traditional gender roles and reshaping the future of leadership. By harnessing the power of clothing, women are not just making a statement, we are making history. Through every tailored suit, every bold blazer, every carefully chosen accessory, they assert their rightful place at the table of power. And with each passing day, they inspire future generations of women to follow suit.