Starting in the 1890s, women’s clothing style changed from being historically constricted to a greater freedom of movement when the new look of the shirtwaist was paired with a more loose-fitting skirt.  The look was modern and updated and soon adopted by Suffragists who were pursuing voting rights, with white becoming a favorite and symbolic color.  To show solidarity, women who are elected officials today choose to wear white whenever an important milestone event takes place or vote is cast in Congress. 

Soon to follow in the 1920s is the knee length flapper dress that allowed women to more freely drive, play sports and dance.  Women professionals in the 1970s Trousers and pantsuits became popular in the 1970s for women professionals, symbolizing empowerment and economic confidence, not to mention real freedom of movement. Katharine Hepburn began to wear wide-legged slacks and an oversized white shirt in the 1930s and 1940s, she was way ahead of her time, her style still looks fresh today.  After her death in 2003, Hepburn’s wardrobe was donated to the Kent State University Museum in Ohio where her clothing is presented in special exhibitions every few years!