From Corsets to Corner Offices: The Fabulous Evolution of Women’s Workwear
One of the first questions people ask when booking a headshot is “What should I Wear?” These days, there are SOOO many options that are appropriate. I mean, personally, I have about 35 black t-shirts (photographer uniform:-). But having comfort, functionality, and style wasn’t always the case for women in the workplace…
So, let’s take a fun trip down memory lane and explore how women’s workwear has transformed from restrictive to revolutionary. Grab your favorite power suit and let’s dive in!
Remember those days when showing an ankle at work was scandalous? Well, we’ve come a long way, baby! The evolution of women’s professional clothing isn’t just about fashion – it’s a fabulous story of empowerment, breaking barriers, and redefining what it means to “dress for success.“
The Buttoned-Up Beginnings
Picture this: It’s the late 19th century, and women are just starting to enter office jobs. Their work attire? Think “Victorian chic“ meets “blend in with the wallpaper.“ High-necked blouses, long skirts, and enough buttons to make your fingers sore. It was all about being as un-distracting (read: un-feminine) as possible. Heaven forbid a glimpse of ankle should send the male colleagues into a tizzy!
Fun fact: The “shirtwaist“ – a buttoned blouse worn with a skirt – became the symbol of the working woman. It was practical, affordable, and had pockets! Who doesn’t love pockets?
The Roaring Twenties: Flappers Mean Business
The 1920s brought a seismic shift in women’s fashion, including workwear. Hemlines rose (scandalous!), waistlines dropped, and corsets were thrown out the window. Literally, in some cases – there were actual “corset-burning“ protests!
Imagine trying to type in a corset! The looser fit and shorter skirts allowed for more movement and, dare we say, a bit of fun in the workplace. The iconic “flapper“ look wasn’t just for speakeasies – many working women embraced this more comfortable, less restrictive style.
World War II: Rosie the Riveter Chic
When women stepped up to fill traditionally male jobs during World War II, practicality became paramount. Enter the era of trousers, overalls, and the iconic bandana-tied hair. Rosie the Riveter wasn’t just a propaganda poster; she was a fashion trendsetter!
This period marked a significant shift in women’s workwear. For the first time, it was widely acceptable for women to wear pants in professional settings. Talk about a revolutionary leg up in the workplace!
The 1950s: Back to the Kitchen… in Heels?
Post-war, there was a push for women to return to more traditional roles. This was reflected in workwear that emphasized femininity – think fitted dresses, pencil skirts, and yes, heels in the office. It was like “Mad Men,“ but with more subtle sexism and less smoking indoors.
An interesting tidbit: The 1950s saw the rise of the “career girl“ look, which often included a hat and gloves. Because nothing says “I’m a serious professional“ like white gloves, right?
The 1960s and 70s: Power Suits and Pantsuits
As the women’s liberation movement gained momentum, so did the push for more practical, powerful workwear. The pantsuit became a symbol of female empowerment in the workplace.
The 1980s: Shoulder Pads to the Rescue!
Ah, the 1980s – when bigger was better, especially when it came to shoulders. Power suits with shoulder pads that could double as flotation devices became the uniform of choice for women climbing the corporate ladder. The idea was to literally broaden your shoulders to match the men. It was like armor for the office battlefield!
Interestingly, this era also saw the rise of “power dressing“ seminars, teaching women how to dress for success. The message? Look like a man, but don’t forget you’re a woman. Talk about mixed signals!
The 1990s to Today: Breaking the Mold
As we moved into the 21st century, women’s professional wear became more diverse and personalized. The tech boom brought casual Fridays and startup culture, blurring the lines between work and casual wear.
Today, women’s professional clothing is more varied than ever. From tech CEOs in hoodies to lawyers in tailored suits, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The focus has shifted from fitting in to standing out and expressing individual style.
Weird and Wonderful Facts:
- In the 1940s, some companies provided uniforms for female employees to wear. Imagine your whole office dressed identically!
- In some professions, like law, women were expected to wear skirts well into the 1990s. Pants were considered too casual or masculine.
- The concept of “Casual Friday“ dates back to the 40’s when workers in Honolulu were allowed to short sleeve button up shirts on the hottest days of the season. It officially originated in Hawaii in the 1960s, with “Aloha Fridays“ encouraging workers to wear Hawaiian shirts. It took a few decades to reach the mainland and revolutionize office wear.
Impact on Today’s Workplace:
The evolution of women’s professional clothing reflects the broader struggle for equality in the workplace over the years. And thanks to those early efforts, today, women have more freedom than ever to choose clothing that makes them feel confident and comfortable at work.
However, studies show that women still feel more scrutiny over their appearance in the workplace than men. A 2017 study found “Roughly seven-in-ten (71%) say women face a lot of pressure to be physically attractive, but just 27% say the same of men.” (Pew Research). While we could choose to feel bad about this pressure to look good (that maybe we put on ourselves more than men put on us), isn’t it a confidence builder when you look your best?
While we’ve come a long way from corsets and mandatory skirts, it’s still important to represent at the office and at your headshot session. But hey, at least we have pockets now!
Remember, whether you’re rocking a power suit, a creative ensemble, or smart casual attire, the most important thing to wear for your professional headshot – or anytime – is your CONFIDENCE. After all, the best accessory for any outfit is your own unique brilliance. Now go out there and conquer the world – in whatever outfit makes you feel like the boss you are!
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Cari Hall is a professional headshot photographer based in Phoenix, Arizona. Since 2014, she has specialized in corporate headshots, LinkedIn headshots, and personal branding photos that help professionals and companies stand out with confidence. Drawing on more than a decade of experience — and a background in advertising and marketing — Cari brings both technical expertise and brand strategy insight to every session. She is known for creating a stress-free experience, helping even the most camera-shy clients feel comfortable, confident, and authentically themselves.
