Jeanette Rankin: The Power Suit Pioneer

Fashion is often an outward manifestation of one’s inner self. One individual who exemplified this principle to its fullest was Jeanette Rankin, a woman of substance and style whose influence resonates through the years. Beyond her pivotal role as a catalyst for change in women’s suffrage, Rankin’s style conveyed the power of femininity combined with the importance of function, and in this sense, she was a pioneer in her own right.

Born on 11th June, 1880 in rural Montana, Jeanette Rankin‘s influence reached far beyond her rustic beginnings. A determined advocate for women’s rights, Rankin broke through the glass ceiling in the world of politics, becoming the first woman ever elected to the U.S. Congress in 1916 – four years before women were given the right to vote nationwide. Her trailblazing spirit and courage undoubtedly extended to her style and wardrobe. For Rankin, fashion was her vehicle for self-expression and her armour.

Power Suit Pioneer

We often think of the power suit as being synonymous with the 1980s. But Rankin’s fashion choices echoed the ‘power suit’ ethos long before it became popular. Her tailored skirts, crisp blouses, and sharp jackets were a striking mix of femininity and power, each outfit serving a purpose – to command respect.

Jeanette Rankin’s elegant choices mirrored her values: strength, simplicity, and determination. Rankin’s style was a clear message to her peers and constituents in an era when women were largely restricted to domestic roles. She was not there to blend into the background but to stand out and make a difference.

Rankin personified the notion that clothing could be a tool for empowerment. Today, every woman who dons a power suit can trace back a part of its history to the halls of Congress where Rankin stood resolute, clad in her own version of power dressing. Jeanette Rankin, the power suit pioneer, was a true fashion icon in her own unconventional way.

The combination of style and practicality of Candis Creations undies resonates with Rankin’s sense of style. I like to think that she’d have appreciated the Candis combination of feminine lace lingerie with practical cotton briefs. Rankin teaches us that we shouldn’t be afraid to show our femininity. Whether it’s through your outwear or women’s underwear.