Ladies, Step Right Up!

Power Dressing Photo/Hermes

The Rise of the Power Suit

A woman in a power suit isn’t just dressed—she’s armed. That crisp jacket? A breastplate. Those sharply creased pants? Strategic ground coverage. And that look in her eyes? That’s the warning shot. The modern power suit doesn’t whisper elegance. It shouts competence… then politely fires you via email while sipping a matcha.

Once upon a time (read: the 1980s), the power suit was born as women bulldozed their way into the boys' club known as corporate America. Think shoulder pads the size of couch cushions and pinstripes so bold they screamed, “Yes, I do own this conference room, Steve.” Back then, the suit was less about fashion and more about survival—a way to say, “Take me seriously, or I will literally become your boss by Q4.”

But oh, how the suit has evolved. Today’s versions are sleeker, sassier, and less “Wall Street Wolf” and more “CEO who moonlights as a Bond villain.” You’ve got velvet Tom Ford drama, Stella McCartney sustainability, and Gabriela Hearst whispering, “Yes, this wool was ethically sourced while I negotiated a merger.” Suits now come in pastel pink, electric blue, the oversized bulk of a designer logo belt worn on the outside and yes—even no shirt underneath at all, because cleavage and capitalism can coexist. (Note to power women- cleavage under a power jacket will win the TedTalk)

Let’s talk icons: Hillary Clinton, yes even her, in head-to-toe white Ralph Lauren gave us suffragette realness with a side of “I dare you to call this an outfit.” Zendaya’s red carpet tuxedo moment? Her stroll down 5^th Ave in a glen plaid killer?

Zendaya on 5th. (photo Bauer-Griffin)

A fashion mic drop. Janelle Monáe? Cate Blanchett? Tilda Swinton? The holy trinity of suit-wearing sorcery. These women didn’t just wear the suit—they dominated it, made eye contact, and raised one arched brow.

But the real power? It's psychological. A good suit can make you stand taller, speak louder, and resist replying to emails with “per my last message” because your buttons already said it for you. It’s structure with soul. It’s tailoring with teeth.

And the versatility? Chef’s kiss. Wear it with heels and you’re the boss. Pair it with sneakers and you’re the cool creative director who “doesn’t do email before 10.” Add a red lip, and you’ve become an HR violation fantasy. From boardroom to brunch to burning down the patriarchy, there’s no terrain a good power suit can’t navigate.

Also: collectibles. You better believe those vintage YSL Le Smoking jackets are treated like Fabergé eggs in fashion circles. And don’t even think about trying to thrift a ‘90s Armani blazer unless you’ve got the reflexes of a fashion ninja and an eBay alert set to “obsessive.” Many designers yearn for the collection that can recreate the power suit for women, but just as many are scared to try.

While there are still many that think its right telling women to smile more, sit less, and blend in, the power suit says, “Nah—I’ll stand out, thank you.” It’s not about dressing like a man. It’s about dressing like a woman who could buy and sell him before lunch.