Evolution of the Women's Business Suit

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the evolution of the women's business suit. It begins by discussing the development of women's jackets from as far back as 1550. It looks at their function and practicality, as well as their fashion and stylishness. The paper particularly focuses on the role of the women's suit in business and the messages that it conveys.

From the Paper:

"Today in her speech before an assembled audience of women leaders, even the editor of a women's fashion magazine, Glamour, wears a conservative suit, not one of the pastel confections of the 1950s. Everyone in the audience, all women wear suits. "To look professional and be taken seriously, you need to wear a jacket," is the testimony one style consultant (Givhan, 2006). Granted, women's business attire has become more "relaxed, more feminine and more flattering," since the 1970s, taking into consideration the different shapes of a women's form. Just as women no longer have to prove themselves to be the same as men to succeed in the boardroom, women no longer have to dress exactly like men to be taken seriously. But although dresses "might be ideal for a dinner or luncheon," they "are not favored by women looking to flash a little power" (Givhan, 2006). A suit jacket continues to exude power, and while it can be sexy and feminine, today no professional women's wardrobe is complete without a business suit."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bromwell, Erin. "Suit up: Women's business suits celebrate rebirth" Women Incorporated Magazine. 24 Jan 2005. 18 Feb 2008 http://www.qcwinc.com/articles/2005/01/24/fashion/doc41f539b5b97e2956763235.tx
• "Christian Dior: Fashion Designer (1905-1957)." Design Museum. 2008. 18 Feb 2008. http://www.designmuseum.org/design/christian-dior
• Gems, Gerald R. Review of When the Girls Came Out to Play by Patricia Campbell Warner. Journal of American History. 93.3. 2007. 18 Feb 2008. http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:hneS3LWtAQkJ:www.historycooperative.org/journals/jah/93.4/br_97.html+%E2%80%9CWhen+the+Girls+Came+Out+to+Play%E2%80%9D&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&gl=us
• Givhan, Robin. "Dressed for Work? For women, suits still wield power." The Washington Post. 21 Dec 2006. C01. 18 Feb 2008. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/21/AR2006122101852.html
• Kessler-Harris, Alice. "Women and the Work Force." U.S. History Companion. 2008. 18 Feb 2008. http://www.answers.com/topic/women-and-the-work-force

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