Final answer:
Suffragists wore white clothing to symbolize purity and virtue, countering stereotypes and conveying the seriousness of their cause, while maintaining a respectable appearance to garner support for women's suffrage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The suffragists decided to wear white clothing for public events to symbolize purity and virtue, which were highly valued traits in women of that era. White clothing became a way to communicate an image of moral righteousness and to align with societal expectations of women’s morality. Since the suffrage movement often faced backlash and prejudice, wearing white also served as a visual tool to counteract negative stereotypes and to convey the solemnity and earnestness of their cause. It was vital for suffragists to maintain a respectable appearance to attract supporters, especially in the face of accusations aimed at undermining their character. Moreover, the color white was widely available and inexpensive, making it accessible for many women joining the cause.