The Women's Power Suit...

I chose the women's power suit because of how much it's meaning has evolved over time. Initially, the power suit was a symbol of achievement and stature in the 80's. It has undergone a makeover today as it has become more of a symbol of style and femininity depending on the wearer. 

I am going to give a brief history of the women's suit and then show how it has changed through the years. 

The picture below is of the first women's suit, the Chanel Tweed Suit. This suit was designed with the feminine woman in mind for acceptable afternoon or evening wear. This picture is of Shirley McClain in Chanel, playing Coco Chanel in what I assume was around the 1920's.

The suit has morphed into several different variations as many women throughout the years have worn them. Katherine Hepburn donned a men's suit in the 1938 movie Bringing Up Baby. She was a pioneer of in the revolution of women's clothing and how it was worn. As one of the first women to wear trousers in public, she set the tone for women everywhere to let them know that women in men's clothing was and will always be acceptable. 

This picture of Katherine Hepburn is a good representation of the women's powersuit as we know it. 

The picture below is of the cast of LA Law. As you ca

n see fit of the suits on the women is a little more tailored and the ever popular shoulder pads have made their appearance. These cuts are from the mid 80's. This look was worn with pearls and a silk or polyester shirt. It was still feminine with a more profession twist. 

The picture below is of the cast of Lios & Clark in a much more modern (for that time) suit. As a journalist, she had to maintain a certain amount of professionalism however, the cut and color of the suit, as well as the detail are still feminine. 

The picture below is of a very authentic power suit from the late 90's. The cast is of the practice and actually, all of the actors and the actress are wearing power suits. While the shoulder pads aren't there, the cuts are very straight, accentuating nothing and the lines are more masculine and strong than feminine and delicate. 

Finally, this picture is from the early part of the millennium. Cynthia Nixon is pictured here with the rest of the cast of Sex & the City in a very modern day powersuit. The difference you'll notice here is that the suit is worn with a skirt but that the skirt itself doesn't take away from the power of the suit. The cut is very tailored, coming in at the waist and bustline however, it is clear that this suit is all about business!