Women’s power suits may seem like a product of the late-20th century. But they’ve been a part of mainstream fashion since the 1930s, when Marcel Rochas released the ready-to-wear trouser suit, already a favorite of Golden Age Hollywood stars like Katharine Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich.

But it wasn’t until the ’70s and ’80s that the women’s power suit really took hold, thanks in large part to Italian design maverick Giorgio Armani’s innovative hybridization of traditional womenswear with men's suiting silhouettes. Today, fashion's most famous luxury labels are putting their own spins on designer suits for women. From two-piece wool suits to plaid pantsuits to trendy velvet blazers, there’s a female suit option for every occasion.

WHAT IS A POWER SUIT?

In the late 1800s, long before Dietrich wowed cinemagoers with her on-screen tuxedo in the 1930s film “Morocco,” French actress Sarah Bernhardt broke boundaries — and the law — by wearing trousers in public. Over time, the look evolved to include suiting pants, blazers, jacket-and-skirt sets, and pantsuits, all tailored to the bodies of the bold women who wore them. The Chanel suit became a symbol of feminism, embraced by fashion icons like Jackie Kennedy and Princess Diana.

Long embraced by women who shirk societal norms, power suits have played an important role in leveling the playing field between his and hers. A central character in the “power dressing” movement of the ’70s and ’80s, power suits were the uniform of choice for women who knew what they wanted and went after it.

But while many of the suit’s masculine characteristics still remain, the look’s emphasis on conservative, de-sexed professionalism has faded, making way for more playful (and often sexy) color palettes and silhouettes. 

5 SUITS FOR WOMEN

In the realm of luxury fashion, women's power suits are as much about making a statement in the office as at a formal event or a night out — any occasion where empowerment is the goal. Here are some of the best women's business suits:

1. TOM FORD

TOM FORD has long been synonymous with evening wear, with tailored suits as the label’s hallmark piece. The Tuxedo Fluid Suit Jacket is a form-fitting blazer constructed with virgin wool and silk with darted front peak lapels for dramatic effect. Pair it with a matching pair of pleated suit pants.

2. Veronica Beard

Look to Veronica Beard's Miller Dickey Jacket to inject a bold splash of color into any work outfit. The label's double-breasted blazer sports gold-embossed buttons, notched lapels, front welt pockets, and a vented back. Finish off the look with Veronica Beard's coordinating high-waist Renzo pants.

3. Saint Laurent

Saint Laurent is regarded for transforming conventional staples into boundary-pushing pieces. Own the boardroom in this chic wool-blend blazer jumpsuit. The one-button blazer top connects to a sleek pant bottom that flares from the knee down. Standout features include bracelet sleeves, gold-tone buttons, and side slip pockets.

4. Michael Kors

Michael Kors gets in on the baggy boyfriend trend with its exaggerated oversized blazer. The double-breasted blazer features notched peak lapels, button cuffs, a front chest welt pocket, and side flap pockets. A pair of matching chocolate brown slim trousers perfectly rounds out this sophisticated look.

5. Stella McCartney 

Stella McCartney has made a name for herself by doing things her way. Her label embodies that trailblazing spirit in its navy blue wool blazer, but its main point of difference lies in the ribbed-waist detail. Other standout traits include notch lapels, button cuffs, and a chest welt pocket. The label also offers above-cut ankle trousers in a corresponding blue.

HOW TO WEAR A POWER SUIT

Wearing a suit has nuances that go far beyond the garment itself. Here are some tips for putting together the perfect look:

Dress for your body type

High-waisted trousers work well on an hourglass figure, where the bust and hips are fuller than the waist. For those with a straighter body type, long-line jackets help disguise a streamlined shape. Pear-shaped physiques are well suited for cropped blazers and wide-leg trousers, which give leniency to a smaller upper body while highlighting the shape of the lower half.

Experiment with shoes

Pairing pumps with a power suit is as classic as it gets. But it's now easier than ever to experiment with looks once deemed taboo. Combining a pair of rustic brogues or chunky heeled loafers is a great way to informalize the structure of a suit. To really dress down the look, wear a pair of activeweartrainers with a clean two-piece suit.

Mix and match separates

Teaming a button-down shirt or dressy blouse with a women's suit is a quintessential combo that will always have a place in contemporary womenswear. Consider shaking things up with a T-shirt, tank top, or turtleneck tucked beneath the blazer.

Accessorize

Accessories are where the fun really starts — some would even call accessorizing an art form. It’s an opportunity for the wearer to express their true personality. Don’t be afraid to play around with layers, shapes, and textures. Consider teaming a sophisticated suit with oversized hoop earrings, bangle bracelets, and a crossbody bag.

A lot has changed since women’s power suits first made their mark on the fashion scene. But they still represent power, authority, and, above all, confidence. Make the look yours with Bergdorf Goodman’s selection of complementary designer pieces, from handbags and wallets to fine jewelry and fragrances. Book an appointment with a Bergdorf Goodman style specialist who can offer expert advice in putting together looks to fit your lifestyle.