Yves Saint Laurent was the first to introduce our world to chic tuxedo-style suits, otherwise known as Le Smoking. This daring trend arrived at a time when women showing up to the office in anything other than a pencil skirt and hosiery was considered off-kilter and inappropriate. Thanks to Laurent, not only does a power suit embody borrowed-from-the-boys sex appeal, but it also projects the same elegance an evening gown would. We’re taking a commemorative look at our favorite females breaking gender stereotypes through their attire. Of course, we can’t mention power suits without acknowledging potential first female U.S. President Hillary Clinton, notorious for showing up anywhere in a foreseen, monochromatic pant and blazer combo.
Here, a few of our Bollywood fashionistas also nailing the power look:
1.Kangana Ranaut
…in a printed Prabal Gurung suit with a single detailed frill on the lapel.
2. Alia Bhatt
…wearing an Armani white suit with black Christian Louboutin shoes.
3. Priyanka Chopra
…rocking a white pantsuit by Olcay Gulsen, statement neckpiece by Lorraine Schwartz, and black heels by Giuseppe Zanotti.
4. Deepika Padukone
…donning a red cape suit from Asos. We love how she pairs this affordable suit with another budget-friendly brand Marks & Spencer (tank top) and Outhouse (earrings).
5. Sonam Kapoor
…in a retro-style, wide-leg pantsuit by Stella McCartney (and noticeably without a top underneath—so bold!).
6. Neha Dhupia
…nailing an androgynous-style pantsuit from Hermès’s Fall 2014 collection and pairing with a tigerprint Christian Louboutin clutch.
7. Aditi Rao Hydari
…sporting an electric-blue pantsuit from Zara and pairing with white pointy heels.
8. Jacqueline Fernandez
…vibing in a tie-dye pantsuit by Akanksha Gajria and pairing with red Valentino studded pumps.
9. Anushka Sharma
…looking all sorts of cute in this black Céline ensemble. Dark and minimalistic—love!
10. Nargis Fakhri
…stepping out in a sky blue pantsuit and gold applique cuff by Monisha Jaising.
It’s amazing how YSL’s iconic creation remains so relevant in fashion after all these years. This style signifies freedom and the power of a bold, confident, and successful woman.
Do you dare to wear the tuxedo? Tell us below!