80s fashion redux, part 2: Business clothing

Right now is a fine time to polish up one's work wardrobe, with so much competition for none too many jobs, along with fears over losing one's job. Unlike in the 1980s, the high percentage of women in the workforce is nothing new. Now we just need to get and keep jobs, and work on the 73-cents-on-the-dollar pay imbalance with men.

Originally posted April 10, 2006:

BUSINESS Although high fashion magazines didn't dwell on business fashion (some would call it anti-fashion), they couldn't completely ignore the throngs of women in the work force...more than ever before in history. Here are some wonderfully accessorized takes on male dress, work wear and traditional clothing. As you can see, if it is from the 80s, it quite likely has polka dots or stripes!

Skirt and jacket by Agnes B.

Dress by Valentino Miss V. Glasses, Anglo American Eyewear

Update July 25, 2009:

For fall 2009, designers produced a surprising number of outfits that would not look out of place getting off the subway at Lexington Avenue and heading into an office building for work. Donna Karan stands out for going back to her 80s roots with plenty of chicly powerful business suits:


At Prada, Miuccia Prada showed some particularly fetching and classic tweeds. See, they're even carrying briefcases!

A briefcase is also in the hand of a runway model in Bottega Veneta leather:

If all these seem a bit somber as compared to our sisters in the 80s, there's always Chanel...