You neednt look beyond Hillary Clinton s presidential campaign to understand this paradox: the more powerful a woman is, the more we pay attention to her outfits.

In January, The New York Times wrote that Clinton ended the clothing conversation by opting for practical, inoffensive looks: black slacks, thigh-length blazers, scoop-necked blouses, and nearly flat shoes. The fact that the piece was considered newsworthy at all indicates that the conversation had not ended, and indeed it hasnt; pantsuit digs and pantsuit think pieces are slung in equal measure. Meanwhile, Bernie Sanders s unremarkable sartorial decisions remain, well, un-remarked upon.

Although her shoes arent the topic of as much discussion as the rest of her wardrobe, Clintons choice to wear flats is a bold assertion of her unbending confidence. The decision to don practical footwear may seem like common sense for someone whose job demands thinking on her feet, but its a step away from the rules outlined by power women in pop culture, and on the covers of magazines -- that is, the women who are often perceived of as role models.

If Clinton followed the lead of the power women portrayed in political dramas and sitcoms like House of Cards or Veep, she would know that elevated heels are still linked with elevated status, comfort be damned.