Women members of the Missouri House of Representatives will now have a strict dress code.

On the first day of the new session, the Republican majority pushed through a cardigan and blazer requirement.

The new rule stipulates that women's arms must be covered in the hemicycle to "maintain a formal and professional atmosphere at all times".

Republican Rep. Ann Kelley spearheaded the breach.

Democratic MPs called the new dress code "ridiculous."

The Washington Post quoted Rep. Brenda Shields defending the stricter dress code as saying, "All we're trying to do today is take the same rules that we have and make them clearer."

According to the report, the men also have to adhere to a dress code in the plenary hall, for which no changes were proposed on Wednesday.

It states that "proper attire for men should be business attire, including a coat, tie, dress trousers and dress shoes or boots".

She spent a lot of money on a new outfit, according to Democrat Raychel Proudie, who was outraged that she can't wear it "because someone who doesn't know anything about fashion tells me it's inappropriate".

Other Democrats have slammed the new rule as "sexist" and accused Republicans of "hypocrisy."

During the corona pandemic, they would have rejected the obligation to wear a mask, but are now telling women how to dress.