Power & Presence: Women's Workwear Revolution of the 1980's

Join us to view this wonderful exhibit from the Historic Costumes & Textile Collections and MSU's Fashion Board and Merchandise Program!

In 2025, the landscape for working women has shifted dramatically, yet echoes of the 1980s remain. Women continue to navigate issues of pay equity, leadership representation, and workplace culture, though the expectations surrounding dress have evolved.

The rigid power dressing of the ’80s has given way to a more fluid and personalized approach to professional fashion. While tailored pieces remain a staple, comfort, individuality, and self-expression are now prioritized. Remote and hybrid work models have also influenced the decline of strict office attire, replacing it with more adaptable styles. Brands now emphasize sustainability and inclusivity, catering to diverse body types and personal identities rather than a one-size-fits-all corporate look.

Despite progress, challenges persist. The pressure to “look the part” still exists in some industries, though it is now countered by a broader acceptance of varied professional aesthetics. The feminist fight for workplace equity continues, but today’s working women are less confined to fashion as a tool of assimilation and more empowered to use it as a form of self-determination.

Looking back, the power suits of the 1980s tell a story of resilience, strategy, and ambition. In 2025, women no longer need shoulder pads to command authority, but the legacy of that era’s fashion remains—an enduring symbol of the fight for professional recognition.