I’ve always been a jeans, track pants and shorts kind of guy and having khakis and polo tees on was already enough to make me feel smartly dressed. It was not until my close friend Eliza’s wedding dinner a few years ago that I really started to realise how much difference wearing a nice pair of suit makes in terms giving confidence and commanding certain reverence. Since the wedding was a formal affair held at a ballroom of a fancy hotel, I had to borrow a suit from a friend. He’s the same size as I’m so, expectedly, it turned out to be a perfect fit.

So there I was walking into the ballroom, late as usual, in a deep blue (almost black) with light blue pinstripe double-breasted Valentino suit over a black shirt, with black dress shoes. I just had my hair cut real short too (army style) so I was feeling fresh and super-sharp The bride and groom were just getting ready to make their entrance when I walked pass them. Though they saw me I don’t think they really realized it was me, with my new look and all. I was looking forward to meeting old college mates as it’s been ages since I last saw them (some close to ten years) so I immediately headed for the table where they were all sitting at.

Here’s what got me by surprise. Once they saw me approaching the round table, four of my college mates got up from their chairs to shake my hand. It must had been at least five minutes that the four of them remained standing while I was entertaining them with small talks about where I’m working and who I’m dating. I was just overwhelmed by the compliments on my new-fangled look throughout the evening. Never before had I ever thought that I would be feeling like a revered politician who‘s a guest of honour at a formal function. That’s the kind of impression power dressing leaves on other people as well as the one donning it.

Back in the Days

‘Power dressing’ is a term that’s benn used since the late 70s and reflected the clothing styles favoured in business and politics in the US and Europe throughout the 80s. The term, which refers to a style of clothing  and hair intended to make wearers seem authoritative and competent (especially in professional settings in business, law and government), is first recorded in the New York daily The Post-Standard in 1979:

"The accent has shifted to glamour and power dressing for the city rather than the casual look of past seasons."

- The Post-Standard September, 1979


The fad caught on in a big way and even pop stars were beginning to adapt to the look by rendering their own variety of power dress in their get-ups (think Duran Duran, Romantics and Spandau Ballet). Blazers, shoulder pads and French cuffs were the trend and it was all about loud colours and expensive designer labels - that pretty much sums the 80s New Wave fashion and style. No matter how cheesy it seems now, 80s fashion is definitely more flamboyant and lively than what it is now and elements of it can still be widely seen today, in the following century.

New Rules of Real Power Dressing

Fashion changes and power dressing certainly isn’t what it used to be. In the past, it was all about bold and posh but these days its more about casual chic. Here are new guidelines to dressing for success:
 

1. Be smart without being flashy or ostentatious. Avoid big hair and gaudy jewelleries. Real power dressing plays down all of the above.
    
2. Go for chic, but never look rigid or like an elitist. The new power dressing is less formal, less high-maintenance and barely bothers with designer labels.
    
3. Keep it stylish, but don’t let your fashion agenda dominate. Real power dressing is about standing out from the crowd, but always in a manner that regular men can relate and aspire to.
    
4. Real power dressing is about being smart and true to yourself, and the balance between the two is what makes it you. Work out what suits you, and don’t deviate.
    
5. Keep the lines simple, then add accessories. If you insist on accessories/jewelleries, keep it bold but simple, not fussy.
    
6. Don’t be restricted to the usual black and deep blue. If you’re not as bold, bright pinstripes on a dark suit could do the trick. There are also countless shades of brown that you could explore that look fresher and less conservative.

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