Why Voters Wore Pantsuits and White Outfits to the Polls

Hillary Clinton isn’t the only woman who wore a pantsuit to the polls on Tuesday. The Democratic presidential nominee’s supporters also came out in her signature look as a sign of solidarity.

This mass sartorial statement wasn’t a coincidence. A Facebook group called Pantsuit Nation, which was created a few weeks ago, called on its more than 2 million members to “wear a pantsuit on November 8. You know why.”

Founder Libby Chamberlain started the social media movement because it "seemed like a fit," she told Vox. The group, which is set to private and accessible by invite only, offers Clinton fans a safe space to voice their emotions and opinions regarding their favored candidate. "We share stories about our grandparents, our children, and our families," Chamberlain said. "We support each other during this highly contentious election season and have created a refuge from the vitriol that is sweeping the nation."

On election day, women — and plenty of men — are sharing images of their outfits. While most are in pantsuits as a nod to the former Secretary of State’s preferred style, others are wearing white, the official color of the suffrage moment.

Clinton wanted to thank the participants directly, so she sent a message to all the members through Jenna Lowenstein, who runs digital for Hillary for America. “This election hasn’t been easy: It’s been long, hard-fought, and at times it made us question who we are as Americans. For some of you, it’s been difficult to feel like you could wear your support on your sleeve — and that’s why this community has been such a special place,” Clinton shared. “Your stories and photos of family members and friends are wonderful to see, but what truly warms my heart is the thousands of comments of support and love you all send to each other. I’m honored and humbled to have all of you with me, but I’m even prouder to see this community represent the best of America: people of all backgrounds and beliefs who share a vision for a brighter future for our children, and who have each other’s backs.” Clinton added that that she hopes to “finally break through that highest, hardest glass ceiling together, and use those pantsuits for the best occasion of all — celebrating!”

Julie Fredrickson would’ve worn a white pantsuit but doesn’t own one and had to make it work. But, she tells Yahoo Style, “I wore red, white and blue makeup — blue smokey eye with white full liner, scarlet lipstick for the woman that fought before me — and a pinstripe three-piece suit. Because it is only called a “pantsuit” because I’m a woman.”

“I’m wearing [a pantsuit] because I was told that female lawyers should always interview in skirts,” Valerie Sussman of Boston, Mass., tells Yahoo Style. “I got my first job out of law school wearing a pantsuit and I’m proud of it. Plus, even though my daughter isn’t old enough to appreciate the significance of this day, I know she will want to look back someday and see what this day meant to me.”

Chamberlain also organized professional photographers across the country to shoot voters’ ensembles. Click through above for some of the best.

Additional reporting by Jennifer Gerson Uffalussy.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day.