I donned a pantsuit for my job interview when a panel of senior partners in a prestigious law firm remarked how pleased they were that I didn’t wear a wedding ring—implying my potential motherhood would detract from their investment in my training.
I wore a pantsuit when an elderly judge proudly recounted the accomplishments of his male law clerks while referring to his one female clerk as “adorable,” as if that were her only merit.
I chose a pantsuit for the Virginia bar exam, despite the dress code suggesting skirts were more appropriate.
I wore a pantsuit in court when a client declared his desire to terminate my services solely because I was a woman, and he believed I lacked the emotional fortitude to defend him against charges related to an attempted honor killing of his wife.
I wore a pantsuit daily during my tenure with the federal government, where I was compensated 20% less than my male peers, despite my qualifications.
I wore a pantsuit to work when a high-ranking official from the previous administration suggested that marrying well could have spared me the need to be in the workplace.
I wore a pantsuit when my supervisor stated he had never faced childcare challenges because his wife was wise enough to stay home with their children.
I wore a pantsuit every time I was mistaken for the court reporter, the secretary, or a social worker.
I wore a pantsuit every time someone asked me to fetch coffee during depositions or settlement conferences.
Now, I am heading to the library with my husband and our two daughters to vote for a woman who has faced similar trials while sporting her own pantsuit. We will cast our vote for her with joy, united as we are in the belief that our collective experiences matter.
Regardless of whether I wear a pantsuit or not, we embody #pantsuitnation and proudly stand #withher.
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Summary
This piece reflects on the author’s experiences while wearing a pantsuit in various professional settings, highlighting the challenges faced by women in the workplace and their determination to support female empowerment. The narrative underscores the importance of solidarity among women and their shared struggles in male-dominated environments.