During the 1970s and 1980s, the numbers of working-class women drastically increased due to colleges and universities removing disadvantageous barriers that prevented women from attending. This led to a large increase of women who chose to pursue higher education.
Since more women were entering the workplace, there was an increase in demand for acceptable cooperate outfits. Women wanted to feel powerful, yet still fashionable and professional. Thus, the power suit was born, becoming a classic staple for women to show off their style and authority at the same time.
This era of power dressing was a subtle, but important response to the feminist movements that were happening during this time. These changes in women's fashion also had a significant connection to the changing roles women held in society, and where they stood on the pyramid. Since some of these standards for appropriate clothing were strict, power dressing helped to strengthen and empower women in the workplace.
Power dressing is still prevalent among many public figures, like Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, and Margaret Thatcher. These women helped to shed light on power suits and normalize them.