Power Suit Costume
Command the room in bold shoulders and vibrant 1980s corporate style.
The 1980s power suit is the ultimate symbol of retro corporate ambition and bold fashion. Perfect for decade-themed parties or Halloween, this look is defined by exaggerated shoulder pads, vibrant jewel tones, and sharp tailoring. Assembling this costume is a fun exercise in vintage styling that combines professional structure with unmistakable retro flair.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~20 min
- Budget
- $30–100
Try it on
See yourself as Power Suit
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.
Your photo is sent to Google's Gemini API to make the render and isn't used for training. Renders are AI-generated and labelled.
Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a Power Suit costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Power Suit costume — one box instead of 6 pieces.
Oversized Blazer
A double-breasted blazer in a bright jewel tone like royal blue, fuchsia, or emerald green, featuring prominent shoulder pads.
DIY: Thrift a vintage blazer and safety-pin foam shoulder pads inside the shoulders.
Matching Trousers or Pencil Skirt
High-waisted pleated trousers or a matching knee-length pencil skirt in the same color and fabric as the blazer.
DIY: Use any neutral black or navy slacks if a matching set is unavailable.
Blouse
A white or cream high-neck satin blouse, ideally featuring a pussy-bow tie or subtle ruffles.
DIY: Wear a plain white button-up shirt and tie a matching silk scarf around the collar.
Chunky Gold Jewelry
Large, metallic gold clip-on earrings and a thick chain necklace to show off wealth and status.
Vintage Briefcase
A hard-sided brown or black faux-leather attache briefcase to carry as a prop.
DIY: Carry a vintage-looking leather planner or clipboard instead.
Pointed-Toe Heels
Classic leather pumps with a pointed toe and a modest kitten or stiletto heel.
DIY: Any clean, professional dress shoes or loafers will work.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Power Suit costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Put on the high-neck satin blouse and tuck it neatly into the trousers or skirt.
- 2
Secure the trousers with a wide leather belt if needed to emphasize a cinched waist.
- 3
Slip on the double-breasted blazer, ensuring the shoulder pads are sitting flat and high.
- 4
Style your hair with maximum volume, using hairspray to hold a teased look or side sweep.
- 5
Put on the chunky gold earrings and necklace to add high-contrast shine.
- 6
Step into the pointed-toe pumps and pick up your vintage briefcase to complete the corporate look.
Makeup & hair
Style hair with extreme volume, teasing the roots and using heavy hairspray to create a classic 80s blowout. Apply bold makeup featuring defined blue or purple eyeshadow, heavy pink blush swept high on the cheekbones, and a bright red or fuchsia lipstick.
Power Suit for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair up with a Wall Street broker wearing a pinstripe suit, yellow power tie, and slicked-back hair.
- group
- Form a corporate board of directors, each wearing a different brightly colored neon or jewel-toned power suit.
- kids
- A miniature version featuring an oversized blazer with rolled-up sleeves and a toy brick phone.
- Plus size
- Look for double-breasted blazers with a relaxed fit that can be belted at the waist to create a structured silhouette.
- pet
- A small dog wearing a white collar and a tiny red power tie.
Tips
- Thrift stores are goldmines for authentic 1980s blazers with original shoulder pads still intact.
- If the blazer's shoulders aren't sharp enough, buy cheap foam shoulder pads and pin them in place.
- Keep your phone and essentials inside the briefcase so you don't have to carry a modern purse.
- Practice your best 'corporate takeover' power poses for photos.
Power Suit costume FAQ
- What defines an 80s power suit?
- It is defined by exaggerated shoulder pads, double-breasted jackets, bright colors or bold pinstripes, and high-waisted pleated trousers or pencil skirts designed to project authority.
- How do I make my shoulders look bigger for this costume?
- You can buy inexpensive foam shoulder pads online or at a craft store and safety-pin or sew them into the interior shoulders of any blazer.
- Can I wear this to a casual party?
- Yes, it is comfortable, easy to move in, and highly recognizable as a fun retro throwback.
Did you know? The term 'power dressing' emerged in the late 1970s and became a massive fashion movement in the 1980s, popularized by designers like Giorgio Armani and popularized on television shows like Dynasty.