The Rise of Power Dressing in the 80s

The 1980s was an era of excess and extravagance. From the music to the fashion, everything was big, bold, and dramatic. One of the most significant fashion trends of the decade was power dressing, a style that emphasized assertiveness, confidence, and success in the workplace. The rise of power dressing in the 80s was a reflection of the changing social and economic landscape of the time.

Power dressing was a response to the growing number of women entering the workforce in the 80s. With more women taking on high-powered jobs in fields like finance, law, and politics, there was a need for a new kind of fashion that conveyed professionalism, authority, and ambition. Power dressing was a way for women to assert themselves in a male-dominated workplace and to break through the glass ceiling.

The key elements of power dressing were sharp tailoring, bold colors, and statement accessories. Women wore tailored suits with padded shoulders, wide lapels, and tapered pants. The suits were often in bright colors like red, fuchsia, and royal blue, which made a bold statement and helped women stand out in a sea of grey and black suits. Accessories like chunky gold chains, oversized earrings, and statement brooches added to the sense of power and authority.

One of the most iconic power dressers of the 80s was Joan Collins, who played the powerful and glamorous Alexis Carrington on the hit TV show “Dynasty.” Collins’ character was the epitome of power dressing, with her sharp suits, big hair, and bold makeup. She was a role model for women who wanted to project confidence and success in their careers.

Another influential figure in the rise of power dressing was Margaret Thatcher, the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Thatcher was known for her conservative suits, pearls, and handbags, which conveyed a sense of authority and seriousness. She was a trailblazer for women in politics and showed that women could be just as tough and effective as men.

The popularity of power dressing in the 80s was also fueled by the rise of the corporate culture. With the growth of multinational corporations and the emphasis on business and finance, there was a need for a new kind of fashion that reflected the values of the workplace. Power dressing was a way for women to fit in and succeed in this new world of business.

In conclusion, the rise of power dressing in the 80s was a reflection of the changing social and economic landscape of the time. Women were entering the workforce in greater numbers and needed a new kind of fashion that conveyed professionalism, authority, and ambition. Power dressing was a way for women to assert themselves in a male-dominated workplace and to break through the glass ceiling. The trend was epitomized by figures like Joan Collins and Margaret Thatcher, who showed that women could be just as powerful and successful as men.