Imagine this: the year is 1985, Bret Easton Ellis has published his seminal work – Less Than Zero – and shoulder pads are as tall as the ambition that fills the air. The corporate jungle is no place for the faint-hearted, yuppie is the unofficial word of the decade, and wardrobes? They’re a battleground of their own. Blazers with skyscraper shoulder pads, sharp lapels, and unapologetic silhouettes marched through glass doors and onto trading floors. Power became something to be worn. And in a world where image is everything, looking formidable is half the battle.
Fast-forward to now, and – wait – here we are again. Shoulders are broad, postures strong, and fashion makes subtle yet very loud statements instead of whispers. The power dressing of the 80s never really left. It just paused for a moment, adjusting its cuffs, waiting for the world to remember that clothes don’t just cover – they declare. And today, the declaration is back, tailored but still unmistakably bold.
Why have the 80s made a comeback?
In recent years, we’ve seen the unmistakable return of big hair, bigger suits, and fashion that could knock over a small table with its attitude alone. Marc Jacobs, Versace, and Saint Laurent have been throwing 80s silhouettes back into the spotlight, an 80s fashion revival with a twist.
As this fascinating New York Times article pointed out, this whole 80s-were-the-absolute-best-decade thing is a reclamation of what it means to be unapologetically confident. Okay, but why now? Why, amidst our sleek, minimalist modernity, do we suddenly want the loudness, the brashness, the too-sharp-to-handle armor of 80s power fashion? The world today has its uncertainties, and just as in the Reagan era, people are turning to clothing to signal: I’m still in control. We’ve seen a rise in demand for boldness, for a declaration. Subtlety? You might as well save it for Sundays.
Exploring 80s fashion: Bold power dressing
Power dressing was born from a need to stand out and, paradoxically, to fit in – it’s basically like walking into a room both to own it and to reassure everyone you belong there. It was a way for women to carve a place for themselves in boardrooms long dominated by men without sacrificing the edge needed to compete.
But don’t get us wrong, men joined the club, too, with suits that made them look like Wall Street titans. Shoulder pads became the symbol of authority – an architecture of the body itself. It was less about fashion and more about the message. Power dressing was the suit of armor for a modern warrior in a capitalist jungle, where negotiation often started before anyone uttered a single word.
Power dressing and 80s fashion
In the 1980s, the walls were beige, but the wardrobes were alive. Bold, structured, and aggressive in its elegance, power dressing was about presence – about walking into a room and shifting its dynamics with nothing more than your outfit. Exaggerated silhouettes, high waistlines, and low tolerance for mediocrity. And the colors? A retro 80s color palette splashed in neons, primary brights, and stark contrasts, underlining the theme: you can see me and should listen.
Dresses were just as audacious as blazers, with angular cuts and waist-cinching belts – accessories that were an essential part of the declaration. And what exactly did they declare? Dominance. Self-confidence. It is as if to warn the bystander to look but not to linger too long.
How to wear power dressing of the 80s today
Let’s get something clear: the modern take on 80s power dressing doesn’t require that you empty your bank account on vintage finds or walk into a meeting with shoulder pads so wide they knock over a colleague’s coffee and make everyone laugh. Today’s power dressing keeps the essence but updates the execution. Here’s how you can rock it today.
Example 1: The modernized blazer
The blazer remains the linchpin of any power dressing ensemble, but today, it’s sleeker, with softer lines. You want structure without looking like you’re auditioning for an 80s soap opera. Pair an oversized blazer with high-waisted jeans for a look that says you’re ready for both brunch and the boardroom. The shoulder pads? Still there – but now they’re less Dynasty and more refined authority.
Think monochrome, maybe even muted tones, with a sharp lapel. Don’t shy away from layering – a statement blouse underneath can inject a contemporary twist that ties your outfit together in a way that feels deliberate, not dated.
Example 2: Power accessories
Accessories in the 80s were big – think really big. But today, the volume’s turned down a notch. Rather than going full-on 80s with gigantic earrings or clunky jewelry, opt for statement pieces with cleaner designs. A bold cuff bracelet can evoke that sense of power without screaming for attention. Leather belts with large buckles are still a thing, and yes, they still exude control, just a tad subtler now.
Example 3: Shoes strut with confidence
Shoes in the 80s could be pretty wild and outrageous, but you don’t need to hunt down vintage platform pumps to capture the vibe. Nowadays, power dressing allows for modern, preferably block, heels that provide comfort and style. We’re talking about dress shoes that make you feel grounded, like you could run a meeting and then sprint across the city to your next big thing without wobbling. The trick is in the stance – make sure your shoes hold you up like a good foundation holds a skyscraper.
Conclusion
The power dressing of the 80s is an attitude. It is a timeless declaration that says: I’m here, I’m strong, I’m making my moves. The fashion might have been born decades ago, but the concept of dressing for power is as relevant today as it ever was. The trick to making it work now is finding that delicate balance between then and now, between bold and overdone, between the 80s and our 21st century. Remember, the clothes you wear should give you confidence. Not just because they’re bold but because they reflect the boldness that’s already in you.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
P.S. We want to hear from you! Do you like the 80s style? What do you like about it most? Who was the best-dressed “influencer” of the era? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, X or Instagram!