In This Article
- What the Runways Said
- The Power Woman
- Street Level
- Five Women Who Led the Way
- SHOP NOW — Women's Suits
Women's Suiting · Power Dressing · Red Carpet Tailoring · NYC Custom Suits · Colorful Suiting · Celebrity Style · Runway 2017 · Womens Wearhouse
What the Runways Said
You could not attend a fashion show or walk down the street without seeing this reflected in the fashion choices of the designer collections, it girls, and style mavens. Power women in suits was a 2017 trend that could not go unnoticed. Perhaps a nod to pantsuit aficionado Ms. Clinton, everyone from Victoria Beckham and Alexander McQueen ditched feminine hemlines for more masculine silhouettes. Christian Dior took a more militant approach showing workwear-inspired pantsuits. Taking fashion cues from Wall Street, Calvin Klein and Alexander Wang showed elevated banker suits in plaids and tweeds with boxy silhouettes.
The Power Woman
The women's suit is deemed blasphemous in some old boys club tailor shops akin to Totonno's Pizzeria Napolitana's strict anti-pineapple on pizza rule. Past versions leaned into that idea with drab colors, boxy shoulders, and straight-cut pants. Often labeled a power suit, those dated silhouettes do not define power anymore. As Evan Rachel Wood told The Hollywood Reporter, “It's like saying power is associated with dressing like a man instead of just feeling powerful in whatever you're wearing.” We agree. This trend is really about the power woman: a woman with a stronger voice than ever and a style that reflects it. It pushes back against the idea that a woman must be demure and delicate to be beautiful. At the same time, the women's suit remains deeply feminine, a symbol of strength, taste, confidence, and ease in one's own skin. This season's tailoring was reimagined with today's woman in mind.
Street Level
Beyond the runways, street style stars were all business in 2017. Outside the biggest shows, women wore suits in every shape, color, and attitude. Bold brights stood out among the best-dressed crowd, often styled with strappy stilettos or a fur stole for a more feminine finish.
Five Women Who Led the Way
From red carpets to nights out, celebrities were following suit too. While many A-list women embraced tailoring that year, five in particular stood out.
1. Cara Delevingne
Ray Tamarra/GC Images
In the height of summer, the streets of NYC became Cara's runway when she stepped out in a blue velvet Mugler suit. Never one to let gender norms define her, she did not let the heat stop her either. With rolled cuffs, a sheer bralette, a rosary-style necklace, and blue-tinted sunglasses, she gave the look a sharp, glamorous finish.
2. Janelle Monáe
Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP
This vocal powerhouse and actor is no stranger to a great suit. Known for being unapologetically herself, Monae wears tailoring as both personal expression and a message of confidence. At the 10th Annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards, she wore a white Barbara Bui suit with black and yellow accents. Relaxed-fit trousers and rolled sleeve cuffs made the look polished, modern, and comfortable.
3. Octavia Spencer
BEI/Shutterstock
Spencer was a vision at that year's Golden Globes. While many opted for elaborate tulle and embellished gowns, she took a more refined route. In a navy tailored suit with tuxedo pants, Octavia looked classic and completely at ease. Velvet platforms, cascading earrings, and a striking emerald ring added just enough glamour to complete the look.
4. Kim Kardashian West
Getty Images
Kim Kardashian West attended the Forbes Women's Summit in a vintage Jean Paul Gaultier pinstripe business suit. In true 1980s fashion, it featured shoulder pads and a double-breasted jacket. She gave the look her own spin by skipping a top underneath and pairing it with strappy sandals.
5. Evan Rachel Wood
Frazer Harrison/Getty
Channeling Marlene Dietrich and David Bowie, Evan Rachel Wood walked the Golden Globes red carpet in a custom three-piece Altuzarra suit with a flared tuxedo pant, long fitted jacket, and white vest. She chose to wear pantsuits throughout awards season to show young girls everywhere that dresses are not a requirement of womanhood.
