power suit
Boardroom confidence uniform
A power suit is a tailored, formal business suit—typically with structured shoulders and clean lines—worn to project authority and professionalism.
The term emerged in the 1980s as women entered corporate leadership and adopted sharp, masculine-styled suits as armor for the boardroom: She put on her power suit for the negotiation.
The style emphasizes confidence and command.
Semiformal tailored jacket
- tailoredAdjusted to fit exactly
- pinstripeThin parallel lines on fabric
- lapelsFolded jacket front extensions
- double-breastedTwo-column button closure
jacket · trousers · slacks · shoulder pads · wool · bespoke · dress shirt · cufflinks
Corporate decision venue
- executiveSenior organizational leader
- CEOTop corporate officer
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
- leadershipAbility to direct others
management · corner office · promotion · presentation · deal-making · networking · client meeting · interview
Graceful, unshakable calm
- assertivenessConfident self-expression quality
- authorityPower to enforce obedience
- composureEmotional self-control
- self-assuranceConfidence in one's abilities
commanding · polished · intimidating · gravitas · presence · credibility · impression · ambition
Unacknowledged limit blocking advancement
- trailblazerFirst to forge ahead
- advancementForward movement or promotion
- agencyPower to act
- independenceFreedom from external control
representation · equality · breaking barriers · career woman · feminist · self-expression · transformation · identity
blazer
Semiformal tailored jacket
- tailoredAdjusted to fit exactly
- pinstripeThin parallel lines on fabric
- lapelsFolded jacket front extensions
double-breasted · jacket · trousers · slacks · shoulder pads · wool · bespoke · dress shirt · cufflinks · hemline
boardroom
Corporate decision venue
- executiveSenior organizational leader
- CEOTop corporate officer
- negotiationDiscussion seeking mutual accord
leadership · management · corner office · promotion · presentation · deal-making · networking · client meeting · interview · Wall Street
poise
Graceful, unshakable calm
- assertivenessConfident self-expression quality
- authorityPower to enforce obedience
- composureEmotional self-control
self-assurance · commanding · polished · intimidating · gravitas · presence · credibility · impression · ambition · determination
glass ceiling
Unacknowledged limit blocking advancement
- trailblazerFirst to forge ahead
- advancementForward movement or promotion
- agencyPower to act
independence · representation · equality · breaking barriers · career woman · feminist · self-expression · transformation · identity · ambition
designer
One who plans appearances
trendy · Armani · Versace · statement piece · workwear · eighties · bold · silhouette · ensemble · luxe
- attireoutfit, garb, getup, attire, apparel
- Fashion Statementsstatement jewelry, stilettos, high heels, statement necklace, chunky jewelry
- fashion trendsvintage fashion, retro fashion, retro style, vintage, retro
- outfitsoutfit, ensemble, matching set, coordinates, pantsuit
- suitstuxedo, three-piece, two-piece
- superhero gearcape, cowl, mask, bodysuit, utility belt
power suitsweatpants
Casual athletic trousers
pajamas · loungewear · bathrobe · underwear · casual wear
power suituniform
Identical throughout
sackcloth · service uniform · rags · hand-me-downs · coveralls
power, suit, powerful, suitable, empower, suited, powerless, unsuitable, powered