It is often said that older women are more conservative dressers than their younger counterparts. Many don’t feel the pressure to stay up on trends, and some simply might not have the money to do so. However, the pantsuit is one idea that the older set took to fairly quickly and held on to tightly. In the 1980s, when the “Dress for Success” style of more masculine cut clothing was going strong, the pantsuit was a key item in many wardrobes. It’s easy to understand the appeal for the older set. It offered a neat appearance while covering up a lot of problem areas—loose upper arms, less than slim legs, and a thicker waist.
In this 1983 photo of a local history lecture in Albany, California (near Berkeley), we see women in all kinds of clothing, including many dresses. However, the woman at the center right, older looking than some others, has on a pantsuit. She has made the look more conservative with a frilly collar and even a cameo at her neck. However, she didn’t wear gloves, an old fashioned touch worn by the woman behind her.
