An Ode to the '80s Power Suit

It’s all about the drama

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'80s power suit trend
IMDb/Nils Jorgensen/Iammeysam/BACKGRID/Christopher Peterson/Luis Yllanes/Shutterstock

If being alive teaches me anything, it’s that history always comes around. Sometimes to bite, but oftentimes to play. And right now, I think we’re living through our own version of the Roaring ‘20s. The world is feeling pretty Gatsby-esque, after all. Bobs might be back, but instead of cloche hats and flapper dresses, we’re going for a reference that feels a little less in the distant past—the ‘80s.

Indeed, one of Pinterest’s top predictions for 2026 was the rise of “Glamoratti.” The report cited trends like chunky belts, high-collar jackets and gold cuffs, all tied together by the 225 percent increase in search for ‘80s luxury. This was the age—the peak—of couturiers like Armani, Versace and Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel. And the biggest trend to emerge is undeniably the power suit, where there is only one rule: Bigger is better. Pinterest’s report explicitly writes, “Tailored suits with sculpted shoulders will grow three sizes.” It’s all about the shoulder pads, the huge lapels and exaggerated silhouettes.

'80s power suit trend: princess diana and diane keaton in baby boom
Nils Jorgensen/Shutterstock/IMDb

Starting in the ‘70s, John T. Molly’s The Woman’s Dress for Success Book recommended ladies take a page from menswear. The excess of the ‘80s just saw the silhouettes get big. Women’s power suits were probably best illustrated by Princess Diana and Margaret Thatcher, with the former’s bright, boxy skirt suits and the latter’s tailored uniform always accented by a pussybow blouse.

In pop culture, Wall Street embodied the decade’s opulence and commitment to workwear that packed a punch. But there were also the women of Dynasty, Dianne Keaton in Baby Boom and Melanie Griffith in Working Girl, who showed the gals how to translate masculine cuts for their frames.

'80s power suit trend: sydney sweeney and jenna ortega
Christopher Peterson/Luis Yllanes/Shutterstock

Today, the power suit is getting fresh twists. It received special treatment at the 2025 Met Gala, whose theme was the Black Dandy and celebrated the art of tailoring in Black style. And since then, I’ve noticed numerous celebrities giving it their own spin. Jenna Ortega and Jamie Bower in edgy Ann Demeulemeester ensembles. Sydney Sweeney trying a pantless iteration and then styling one as a tutu. Tracee Ellis Ross turned heads in a decidedly oversized Willy Chavarria outfit that featured the biggest tie the planet had ever seen. On the runways, undisputed king of the suit Thom Browne showed an outlandish spring 2026 collection with shoulder pads that indeed appeared as though they had grown like the Grinch’s heart. 

I’m personally thrilled that the power suit is back. After all, it isn’t just a statement. It screams confidence. It screams style. It commands presence. It might even say you know how to have a little fun.

Tips for Styling the Power Suit

  • Make it proportionate to your body. Yes, we want our suits (and hearts) to grow three sizes, but the proportion of those three sizes matter. At the end of the day, you’re still looking for a good fit. If you’re feeling unreasonably dwarfed, consider sizing down.
  • Sculpted fabric will instantly elevate. As shown in Thom Browne’s collection, sculpted shapes instantly read “couture” instead of “business.” If you’re trying to find a good power suit for an event, going with a sculpted blazer transforms this professional staple into a party-ready, eye-catching look.
  • Don’t be afraid of unconventional pairings. A major theme I’ve noticed is that pants are optional. And by that I mean, all bottoms are optional. Celebrities favored the pantless look, instead opting for bodysuits or transforming the blazer into a (mini) dress. You can also run the opposite way and go for a three-piece.

Shop the Trend

While the shoulder pads are rather…slim, to me, a power suit only needs to command a room. After buying this two years ago, that’s exactly what’s happened to me every time I wear it. The cut is slightly oversized and relaxed, with two pockets that always end up full, no matter how hard I try to use my handbag. I like styling it with matching pants and a blouse if I want full pedal-to-the-metal. Otherwise, a button-up or sweater have served me just fine.

Out of all the power suit iterations, the blazer dress is the one I’m most keen to try. This one ticks all the boxes: Structured, sculptural design, big shoulders and an itty-bitty mini skirt. (There are also four colors to choose from.) It feels like something you’d find off the runway—but it’s under $65.

I mean, if Lady Victoria Beckham says I need a tuxedo jacket in my wardrobe, I need a tuxedo jacket in my wardrobe. This satin number from Mango caught my eye—the large, dramatic lapels could command a room themselves. Pair it with matching trousers and shoes, and you’re ready to stride into Zero Bond and make a million-dollar deal.


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Editor, SEO and Audience Development

  • Writes across all verticals, including beauty, fashion, wellness, travel and entertainment, with a focus on SEO and evergreen content
  • Has previously worked at Popular Photography and Southern Living, with words in Martha Stewart and Forbes Vetted
  • Has a B.S. in journalism from Boston University