The Power Suit

As far as fashion from the 1980s goes, I’m happy not spending too much time looking back at it. However, one of the era’s lasting sartorial symbols should have a home in every man’s wardrobe: the power suit. While the power suit’s classic styling—boxy, rigid, big shoulder pads—might not be something to embrace at this moment in time, its ethos of confidence and success are timeless and transcendent values. Here’s a updated and modern expression of the power suit.

Aside from how it looks, a power suit should make you feel confident, successful, and in control. As a result, having it impeccably tailored is an absolute must. A perfect fit helps project confidence and also, frankly, shows that you give a damn. For business meetings or job interviews, for that matter, putting a high level of care into your appearance will definitely impress since what it displays is likely indicative of how you approach all aspects of your life.

The classic iteration of the power suit is more or less monolithic in its approach to everything—bold blocks of color and mostly devoid of stylish details or subtleties. However, choosing to zero in on something a little more playful—like stripes, for example—can make a statement just as bold, if not bolder.

This Look: Blue suit by Quinntessential Gentleman Custom (get similar here and here) – Horizontal stripe dress shirt c/o Deo Veritas (previously featured here) – Red BB#1 repp tie by Brooks Brothers – Sterling silver tie bar by David Donahue (similar here) – Sterling silver cufflinks by Tiffany & Co. (similar here) – Pocket square with navy border by The Tie Bar (similar here) – Striped socks by Original Penguin – Sunglasses by Ray-Ban (Clubmaster) – Watch with brown leather strap by Timex – Walnut leather dress belt c/o Allen Edmonds (Manistee) – Leather briefcase c/o Korchmar (Garfield) – Walnut dress shoes c/o Allen Edmonds (Strand)

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

Brian
He Spoke Style

Photography by Rob McIver Photo.