Among the topics that drew the most attention at the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia in July 2016 was the outfit Hillary Clinton wore to her acceptance speech. Dressed in an allwhite pantsuit and a crewneck white shirt underneath, nude kitten heels, adorned with a golden pendant necklace and earrings, Clinton's appearance did not only convey a presidential demure but was also— as many in the media were quick to acknowledge—filled with symbolism regarding women's long struggle for equal rights and a fair share in politics. Designed by Ralph Lauren, one of Clinton's favorite designers, the white suit served both as a reference to the outfit Geraldine Ferraro (the first female major-party vice presidential candidate) wore to her acceptance speech in 1984, and perhaps more importantly, to the outfits worn by suffragists in the early twentieth century.

Capitalizing on what has become her signature silhouette, Clinton used the white pantsuit as an effective means to promote her political message, situating herself as the successor of the suffrage cause and as the new model of the female politician. Her appearance, which conveyed both strength and femininity, unity and pride, served to amplify the agenda she set in her speech. Commenting that “standing here as my mother's daughter, and my daughter's mother, I’m so happy this day has come,” Clinton framed her nomination not only as a personal achievement, but as a feminist one, situating herself as part of a matriarchal lineage of strong women. “Let's keep going, until every one of the 161 million women and girls across America has the opportunity she deserves,” Clinton called from the convention stage, “because even more important than the history we make tonight, is the history we will write together in the years ahead.”

And history indeed played an important role for Clinton in her effort to rally supporters. While Clinton's convention speech was very much geared toward the future, her appearance was an important acknowledgment of the past, and of the crucial role women played in enabling her to reach this achievement.