The term Power Suit was a reference to a highly tailored impeccably fitting suit in wool, cashmere or high-end cotton, structured with defined shoulders and typically wider lapels, in a commanding color palette like navy, black or charcoal, or patterned with subtle pinstripes. The overall appeal felt classic yet professional. But most importantly those who dressed this way cut a powerful figure. It was an overt way to display your strength, confidence and authority.
While early versions from the 1980s featured exaggerated shoulder pads, modern power suits are more refined, using high-quality fabrics and a sharper silhouette to create a commanding presence. They are often worn for high-stakes professional events where photo opps memorialize the outfit indefinitely.
Power in organizations is sometimes represented by a pin while lack of power in some groups, like fraternities, is marked by a pledge pin. (ON YOUR UNIFORM!) In a court of law, a robe designates the high acting official while on the court it could be custom sneakers, a colorful jersey, or a pricey tennis racket. Our military recognizes stripes and pins and the more you’ve earned, the heavier your uniform. Even the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts earn honor badges after accomplishing tasks. And we all know that the devil wore Prada, among other designers.
Iron Man literally wore a power packed suit because without it he was just a rich guy. Gordon Gekko favored suspenders, monogrammed shirts, a slicked back ‘do, and a cell phone. He spoke slowly and carefully. His confidence was evident. Wonder Woman on the other hand wore her bullet deflecting bracelets as a symbol of her power.
But we all know that times have most certainly evolved from the Gordon Gekko slicked back ‘do. The uber rich sometimes favor dressing down, a la Mark Zuckerberg wearing a hoodie and t-shirt to board meetings because, well… he can. (He who has the most money dictates the dresscode at Facebook obviously. But have you seen him recently? Total glow up.) And then there is quiet luxury also known as “stealth wealth” like the cast of Succession where the Loro Piana cashmere logoless hats for Kendall Roy were a total vibe. They oozed power.
All of this made me reflect on my own form of power dressing. I remember interviewing for a bank job in my 20s in a black, single breasted skirt suit with seriously high black suede platform shoes. The boost from those shoes put me at eye level of the manager interviewing me. The extra height was enough to boost my confidence, too. I literally dressed for the part and yeah, I got the job.
My initial few months as a first time C-suite executive I decided that a designer work tote was vital to pull off the I’m in charge look. So when I commuted, I felt like a serious person who stepped into a serious job. But, no… of course I didn’t take myself too seriously!
Back in 2015 I was working in finance and I closed the biggest deal of my career. To stick a pin in the accomplishment, I decided to buy myself a gold watch; one I had been coveting for a few years. It was a simple, clean, classic design from a high end watch manufacturer. But it boasted an oversized face. And it was heavy. And symbolically for me it echoed the strength of Wonder Woman’s bracelets. A piece of glamorous armor so to speak. I still wear the watch. I still love the watch. I marvel at its weight. And it still gives me a sense of power.
These days for me the best power travel uniform? Definitely comfortable, refined, and classic with some sort of remarkable footwear, cool carryall and impressive bling. And if I find myself going into corporate battle I start with a confident smile, firm handshake and a really good manicure.
So what would you do if you really embraced your power? Believe it or not, sometimes the power move is to be silent. Sometimes it’s walking away. Power can also be banging the table and ending negotiations. Or being the first one to clap when a big deal closes.
But the universal truth about power is that we all have it. Learning to harness that power is way more than dressing for the part. It’s a life skill that sets us up for success. Managing that success takes practice and finesse. But don’t wait! Life is meant to be lived. To take chances, bet on yourself and leap forward with conviction… no matter what you’re wearing. So don’t be afraid to break a sweat. Your suit can be always be drycleaned.
When you learn to accept your power, you can be humble. You no longer have to be the loudest voice in the crowd or wear all of your flashy jewelry at once. You can be generous with your time. And your wisdom. You can spot the posers a mile away, trying so hard to be impressive. Real power comes from confidence, the ability to be genuine and sincere and accept your vulnerabilities. But if you’re feeling shaky or having a hard day, damn… those black suede platform heels can certainly give you a boost!
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