She was well on her way from Edwardian and Victorian principles, and the need to shake off those stuffy 1800s ideals and gender roles was reflected in her clothing. In the early 20th century, someone called the "New Woman" started taking over the scene: A woman who "was bolder, more active, more out-and-about in the world, more outspoken than her mother's generation," according to the Smithsonian. Below is the evolution of the power suit, and what that evolution means. So while the suits our moms wore yesterday might make us slightly cringe, they have a rich, exciting history that deserves some exploration. But across a century of shifting lapel sizes and trouser silhouettes ran one common thread: The evolution of the power suit mirrored the status of female emancipation and empowerment. Although shoulder pads and three-piece pinstripes definitely give off an, "I'm about to lineback through this Glass Ceiling with my Armani," type of feeling, the power suit has evolved and shifted over the last century in ways that didn't necessarily revolve around the nine to five grind.įrom helping Suffragettes get their point across just as loudly as their banners in the 1910s to helping Mexican American women craft an identity with the help of pinstripes and watch chains in the 1940s, there were many exciting twists and turns to get to the versions of Donna Karan's and Anne Klein's we see hanging on T.J. But power dressing has so many more variations than the caricature that's become the '80s executive woman. That’s the way I dress at the office, and I always feel like I’m on top of things.When you think of the evolution of the power suit, chances are you might conjure up anything between Melanie Griffith's Working Girl white bow ties and Diane Keaton's Baby Boom shoulder armor. Lastly, pinstripes always say “power” to me. It should be a pants suit because skirts are too feminine, in my opinion. The blouse should show no cleavage and be a strong color, like deep purple or green. To me, a woman’s power suit should be dark – black, deep navy, or deep gray – with squared shoulders. That’s odd, because light colors usually don’t symbolize power in western cultures like ours. Light colored suits - like beige or white – can also be considered power suits. Somehow, I just don’t think of corporate power when I look at today’s feminine suits with their curvy lines and airy fabrics. They looked really silly, but I think they did project more of a powerful image than today’s power suits. I remember that women’s power suits in the 1980s had ridiculously huge shoulder pads at one time. What is the best, most versatile color or style of power suit? What color of power suit should I get? I am just starting to put together a work wardrobe, but I sort of need to do it piece by piece, so I want to get one that's pretty versatile. A hint of red like this adds a level of passion necessary without going over the top. I think that power suits should also be conservative colors like black, grey, or navy and a man can wear a bold red tie to really make a powerful statement. The suit should not be too tight or too big because that does not portray a powerful image. The suit needs to fit properly and it should look like the suit was tailored for that specific person. I just wanted to say that I think that whether it is a men’s power suit or a power suit for women, the most important aspect is the fit. July 3, - Wow that really is the meaning of a power suit. And I'm sick of Ann Taylor, and it hasn't had pinstripes in a long time. Any suggestions? The couture brands are too trendy/not conservative enough usually. I can never find a quality pinstripe suit for women anymore. What Should I Wear for a Job Interview?.
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