Reviving The Pantsuit: Mixing and Matching for a Fresh Look
Corina – My favorite pantsuit is and will always be the Le Smoking (evening pantsuit that mimics a men’s tuxedo) introduced by Yves Saint-Laurent in 1967. Pantsuits for women were introduced in the 1920’s but did not become widely accepted until the 60’s and 70’s. It was not until the 1980’s that pantsuits became a wardrobe staple and a powerful look for women. Pants were not allowed in the Senate until the Pantsuit Rebellion of 1993 (two women senators and their female staffers wore trousers in spite of tradition). Pantsuits became a symbol of empowerment and solidarity among women. I mostly wear suit separates (individual pieces that can mix and match) since I have a hard time finding a suit that fits perfectly. Separates are also less formal, and I can wear the individual pieces in a variety of ways while still looking professional and making a statement.
Ana- The other night I dreamt I was interviewing for a job. I cannot remember how old I was in the dream but it got me wondering.... If I were to look for another job opportunity at 59 (that is how old I will be in January 2025); would I wear a pantsuit to the interview?
As a GenX at work, I am supposed to be "self-sufficient, a resourceful problem solver, and individualistic since [I] have been accustomed to caring for [my]self since before reaching adulthood (1)".
I do feel more confortable wearing pants. However, the idea of coming across as dull or uninteresting would be a problem for me. Therefore, my pantsuit would not be a solid color. Enter, the two piece set. A jacket and a pair of pants that kind of look like they belong together without being "matchy-matchy". How do you glue a blazer and a pair of pants into a pantsuit ensamble? I do it with a top.
At my age, the last thing I want to project is that I am stuck in the past, I am unwilling to change, or decide I am done with learning. Bright hues and patterns will need to play a role but they will have to look powerful and sophisticated without screaming old-clown.
According to the New Yorker in an article dated in 2016: "Yes, a suit can imply professionalism and competence, but does it signify daring and swagger? A pantsuit isn’t boring or rote. A “pantsuit” has a kickass ring to it, conjuring images of Katharine Hepburn and Mary Tyler Moore and other independent women who do what they want and don’t give a damn. .."(2)
This Vieja ; whether in a dream interview or a real one, will be projecting everything that is good about GenXers using her version of the pantsuit!
(1) Indeed.com
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