The return of the female power suit

Something young professionals and financial types have spent years trying to escape, the power suit has returned to the fashion fold. As the autumn/winter collections ensued, it became clear that designers were ready to embrace the stuffy shoulder pads and clean-cut boardroom blazers of yesteryear, albeit with a high-fashion twist.

Proof that there’s so much more to the conservative two-piece than the parody of a 1980s executive woman, double-breasted blazers and a pair of crisp, tailored trousers is an ensemble that commands attention. Now, they’re neat, androgynous and statement-making.

Perhaps the most striking of the bunch came, unsurprisingly, from Celine where suits were kept straightforward, boxy, mannish and seriously edgy. Here, tuxedo tailoring was paired with slim trousers while stark-white shirt collars came oversized and unyielding.

Elsewhere, a woman that spent her early career as part of an all-star girl band continued her pursuit for female empowerment with a refined collection of suits. Victoria Beckham zoned in on the idea of femininity and strength with soft, oversized blazers, baggy trousers and organza shirts in shades of oxblood, navy and grey.

It was at Dries Van Noten though, where perhaps the most intriguing two-pieces came to fruition. Here, tired of dressing 16-year-old girls, the brand crossed traditional masculine and feminine elements using models from the old guard.

Taking to the runway, models who walked in his first Paris show, in 1992, wore well-cut trousers, tailored jackets, and louche and oversized shoulders in a mix of patterns and metal-spun fabrics.

Victoria Beckham rolled out a refined collection of suits

A piece that every woman should own, finding the right one for you isn’t always simple but for longevity and ultimate style points, you’d do well to stay away from cheap fabrics and poor fits.

Whether you wear yours with a shirt and classic courts or a simple tee and tennis shoes, there’s no doubt that the right trouser suit guarantees to make you both look and feel like the business.

(THE INDEPENDENT)