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Don’t just save your shoulder pads for that dreaded 80s fancy dress party, because suits are back and better than ever, but feel free to ditch the curly wig and sweatbands.

 

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A matching suit is the perfect ensemble to make you feel liberated and like you own the room, from this feeling the term ‘power-suit’ was born. Power dressing was introduced in the late 70s for women who oozed confidence and power in a male- dominated society. Colour was a significant component, as the darker the fabric the higher the authority, so most working women went for a navy or classic black. Nowadays, women can stride out in any shade, texture or pattern imaginable. Single or double-breasted blazers, flared trousers or a pleated mini skirt and maybe even a headband to match. The suit encompassed the feeling of liberation and still does today, as Donatella Versace said: “A woman is much more powerful in a suit than in a gown these days”. The over-sized structure of blazers in the 70s/80s was predominantly paired with tailored trousers or a pencil skirt, but today designers are creating a kaleidoscope of combinations to fulfil your suiting dreams.

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Suits were not just all the rage in the 80s, during the 1920s women adorned a more androgynous look, given the title ‘La Garçonne’, by styling garments that created a boyish silhouette. Coco Chanel took inspiration from men's sportswear at the time and created the classic Chanel suit in 1914. It would be unlikely that the average working women at the time could afford a Chanel suit (still relatable), but department stores created similar fashions for a fraction of the price, so anyone could get their hands on one. Chanel used fabrics like jersey and tweed and finalised with gorgeous buttons to create the famous suits, creating a trend that has lived on through to today.

 

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Despite suits being an empowering outfit for females we have to give some credit to the men, it’s only fair considering they started the trend. Men’s suits date all the way back to the 17th century, but it wasn’t until the 1900s that the suits took the modern form that is commonly seen today. When women began strutting around in two pieces in the 20s, men decorated their suits with tie pins and explored more colourful options. The suit was a symbol of power for men as well as women, as a personally tailored suit paired with a luxurious silk tie and beautifully decorative cufflinks to match was a noticeable sign of wealth.

 

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In 1966, Yves Saint Laurent, now Saint Laurent, designed a tuxedo for women named ‘Le Smoking’, made iconic by the photographer Helmut Newton. This sultry and crisp black tuxedo became an iconic look for the rebellious females and even became banned in certain restaurants and hotels for being too scandalous (if there is such a thing). In his debut show for Saint Laurent, Spring 2013, Hedi Slimane re-embodied the classic suit, highlighting the significance of the original and altering it for the modern day woman. Pairing tailored black tuxedos with floppy felt hats and mesh neck scarves tied in elaborate bows. Slimane recognised the powerful aesthetic of a woman in a suit and reflected this into every show. This recognition for the power suit has now advanced into his role as creative director for Celine, as during his debut show this year we saw the beloved black suit return once again.

Over previous years the suit trend has rapidly increased in popularity. Two pieces have been worn by many celebrities on the red carpets to stand out from the swarm of elaborate gowns that we expect. Lady Gaga stunned at our ‘Women in Hollywood’ event late last year in an oversized power suit, courtesy of Marc Jacobs, stating the ensemble enabled her to “take the power back”. Gaga wore the suit with nothing underneath creating an assertive look and a common styling for this trend from designers like Off-White, Yohji Yamamoto and Alexander McQueen. For a more casual look, style your suit with a plain t-shirt underneath or a graphic tee and some chunky dad trainers. One of the best things about investing in a two- piece is the versatility of the items. If you don’t fancy wearing the full suit, just wear the blazer with your favourite pair of jeans or just wear the trousers with a classic cashmere jumper. The possibilities are endless.

 

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Power suits are the trend you simply cannot miss this season, you can’t even scroll through your Instagram without seeing an influencer or celebrity posing in city streets wearing a Chanel suit that you’d sell your left arm for. Thankfully to pull off this look you don’t have to spend over £7000 on a Chanel, high street stores have the answers to our prayers, for a much smaller price tag. Brands are selling dreamy and affordable options in any style, shape, and colour you can imagine. If you want to dive head first into suiting, Topshop’s garish houndstooth two-piece could be the one for you, but for a more classic look, ASOS are selling black tuxedo’s for as reasonable as £48. A black suit will always be a classic look, but many brands are adding more colour to your suiting experience with spring/summer colours like a daring marigold yellow.

 

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The power suit is a capsule outfit that will never fail to look elegant and will continue to empower and make you feel liberated. No matter what colour or style, this trend is a must-have this season to make you feel unstoppable.