the 80’s power suit
We’ve all seen the infamous trends from the 1980s. Bold colours, shoulder pads, and sharp lines are all characteristics reminiscent of a time my parents would know more about than me. The one ‘80s fashion staple that seemed to carry over and endure into my lifetime was the power suit.
When I would visit banks or business offices, I’d see women decked out in their smartest suits. When I visited cities in the evening, I would meet a stream of polished professionals (again all in suits) making their way home for the night. I associated women in suits with offices and professionalism. The tailoring may not have been as dramatic, but the spirit and influence of the 80s power suit was like a thread woven through the fabric of every single suit.
Of course, when I saw these women in suits, they were less of a copy of the iconic ‘80s suit and more of an adaptation. To me, they looked as if they had been designed with more practical and comfortable elements in mind: the dramatic and somewhat imposing shoulder pads had been replaced with a softer and more elegant shape, while the bold tailoring had been swapped for a more streamlined silhouette, which to me seemed much more practical for the working woman. I truly thought these changes would have been enough to propel the power suit (in its new and perhaps slightly more understated format) into the late 2010s and even the 2020s and beyond.
From power suits to separate suits
It seems that my younger self was somewhat mistaken. You see, these days, when I walk into an office, I’m more likely to see a more relaxed and comfortable style. Women seem to go for separates, which can be mixed and matched with numerous different pieces, and worn time and time again. I can see why this kind of capsule wardrobe dressing is so popular: it simplifies choice, it’s more environmentally friendly to rewear than to buy new clothes all the time, and of course, it is a more frugal way to look smart and polished (without having to buy multiple pieces which are not so versatile).
The cost of living crisis has meant that versatility and durability have become some of the most important factors for a lot of people when buying clothes. The climate crisis has also pushed people to reconsider their impact on the environment, and to realise that wearing something once is not really the flex that it used to be.
So, women seem to be choosing versatile separates: blouses, tailored trousers, smart skirts, and blazers in a variety of neutrals make up the majority of the working woman’s wardrobe. The capsule wardrobe trend really flourishes here, allowing us to mix and match numerous times without ever looking boring or dull. The bold and dramatic suits of the ‘80s that evolved into more streamlined and practical suits, are now morphing into rewearable separates.
does the power suit still have a place today?
So, is there a place for the power suit in modern society? Yes, and there probably always will be. The suit is still incredibly prevalent on catwalks and in high street stores. However, instead of being the outfit you wear as you stride into the boardroom, ready to take on all the potential challenges of business, the suit is more often seen as you waltz into brunch with your friends, or even on a night out.
Driving through cities now, I see more suits worn by girls on nights out, paired with sparkling heels and dramatic makeup, than on the polished professionals of the business world. From what I can see, suits are more of a fashion choice these days than the strategic business tool they once were. That’s not to say suits have no use in the workplace, it’s just that the perspective has shifted with the changing times.
Fashion trends change and evolve just as quickly (if not more) as any other sector, but the one thing the fashion industry seems to be great at is a throwback trend. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if we see an epic comeback for the power suit in the office in the future. Let’s be honest, there are loads of trends from the early 2000s which are back in style right now: think low-rise jeans, Uggs, and much to my dismay, capris. Trends making a comeback are about as likely as bumping into someone you know on Market Street — that being basically inevitable!