The power suit, often associated with the movie Working Girl, was popularized during the time when more women entered the corporate workplace. It featured a long jacket with exaggerated padded shoulders, a straight skirt, and sometimes a floppy silk bow tie. The purpose of this suit was to prioritize mobility over emphasizing a woman’s shape, allowing her to navigate the corporate ladder. NPR spoke to two experts about how women on a budget can still project authority. They emphasized the importance of investing in alterations, even for inexpensive suits, as it adds perceived value. When it comes to accessories, a power handbag doesn’t need to be expensive. A bag with clean lines, good materials, and minimal metal work can work just fine. It doesn’t have to be black either; other colors like hunter green, burgundy, and navy are great alternatives. Cashmere used to be exclusively for the wealthy, but now there is affordable cashmere blended with angora, vicuna, or even spandex that takes color beautifully and looks expensive. Even in casual offices, one can stand out by wearing well-fitted clothes, such as jeans that still fit properly. Undergarments, especially the right bra, make a huge difference and contribute to the overall power look. Over the years, power dressing has evolved. In the 1980s, power suits with broad shoulders were popularized by designers like Giorgio Armani and Calvin Klein. By the ’90s, softer and more luxurious fabrics were favored, emphasizing exclusivity and elegance. However, with the rise of the casual workplace in the new millennium, telegraphing power became more challenging. The key is good tailoring, as even casual clothes can look authoritative if they fit well. In the TV series The Good Wife, the protagonist’s clothes evolve as she rises in her career. Her clothes become more expensive looking, reflecting her increased success and wealth. Additionally, her confidence is boosted by wearing clothes that fit her figure well. The importance of feeling confident and comfortable in what one wears cannot be understated when it comes to projecting power.
