White Dresses, Black Votes: Congresswomen’s Fashion Fight

Using clothing as a political tool

The idea began in 2017 when several Democrats wore white to honor women’s right to vote.
Since then, most have stuck with that color—except in 2018 when black was chosen to support #MeToo.
Last year’s speech featured a pink dress, signaling opposition to Trump’s policies.

The Democratic Women’s Caucus Perspective

• Color Significance:
• White signals that women’s voting rights are still under attack.

• The color reflects current battles, according to the caucus.

• Leadership:
  Teresa Leger Fernández says she will not attend the address, but other caucus members will be there in white.

Planned Protest Actions

• People’s State of the Union Rally
• Organized by MoveOn on the National Mall.

• Protest against the new voter‑ID bill, SAVE America Act.

• Bill Concerns
• Requires proof of U.S. citizenship and a photo ID showing citizenship to register or vote.

• Could deny millions of voters, especially women who change names after marriage.

• Caucus Stance
• The bill is a direct assault on democracy.
• White honors suffragists who fought for voting rights in 1920 and reminds that women’s votes still matter today.
• The bill attempts to silence women's voices; wearing white keeps the history alive and fuels continued activism.