Today’s Take on 1980s Style: Power Suits Meet Cargo Pants
Polished power suits dominate Wall Street while cargo pants and bomber jackets create a casual identity; this is menswear in the 1980s and why it left a lasting influence on Canada and Harry Rosen.
You’re certainly not alone if you idolize the ‘80s, a decade that lives long in the mind of many who were around to enjoy it. North America’s middle class were more determined than ever to climb the corporate ladder, but still knew how to kick back after hours or on the weekend.
Among other influences, men’s fashion during this decade found inspiration from business success, the height of classic rock, and Hollywood action films, with many trademark styles still worn today.
The Wall Street Wardrobe
The 1980s was the era of the power suit, a style that epitomized the rise of corporate culture and the quest for success. Sharp, tailored suits with broad padded shoulders, rich tones, and statement accessories like suspenders became the uniform of corporate raiders in offices across North America. This look was all about exuding confidence and authority in the boardroom and beyond.
Today’s Take
Giorgio Armani owned the power suit look, iconically worn by Richard Gere as Julian Kay in the 1980 film American Gigolo. This was one of the first high-profile costume collaborations of its kind between a fashion designer and a film.
The power suit finds its moment today, anywhere from the courtroom to the boardroom. The key is in the details: look for suits with broad shoulders and a structured fit. Pair your suit with a crisp dress shirt and a contrasting silk tie to add interest. Accessories like suspenders and cufflinks are optional to elevate the look, while polished dress shoes are critical to complete the ensemble.
This suit is perfect for making a strong impression at work or any formal event where you want to project confidence and sophistication.
Style Tip: Playing with Tailoring
Nothing beats the clean lines of well-tailored suit. However, having a suit with a looser cut is a sure-fire way to make a fashion-forward statement.
The rise of cargo pants in the 1980s was influenced by the growing interest in outdoor activities and the military aesthetic. With their large pockets, sturdy fabric, and utilitarian design, these pants were part of a broader trend that championed functionality without sacrificing style. The ample pocket space made them ideal for carrying everyday essentials, while the durable material ensured they could withstand a variety of activities.
Today’s Take
Cargo pants today serve as a fashionable detail on trousers. This fall, opt for a pair in a neutral colour like olive, khaki, or black. Pair them with a fitted t-shirt or a casual button down shirt for a laid-back look. Pair with sneakers or boots, like Bontoni’s dark brown suede Norwegian welt lug wingtip shoes.
Cargo pants are versatile enough for casual outings, weekend adventures, or even a relaxed day at the office. Eleventy’s charcoal flannel cargo pant pairs well with a light grey check wool/cashmere jacket for cooler evenings, bringing practicality to the look.
Style Tip: Wearing Cargos at Work
Cargo pants can be an excellent choice for dressing in the workplace. Opt for a wool fabric with a light sheen and classic fit for a functional style, reminiscent of a traditional dress pant.
The 1980s saw the rise of the bomber jacket as an iconic fashion staple, thanks in large part to the influence of TV shows, movies, and musicians. The bomber jacket, originally designed for military pilots, became a symbol of cool, rebellious style. The release of Top Gun solidified the jacket's status as a must-have item.
Today’s Take
To bring the bomber jacket into your wardrobe today, look for one with classic features like ribbed cuffs, a fitted waist, and a zippered front. Bomber jackets come in various materials, including leather, nylon, and suede.
Pair your bomber with a simple t-shirt and jeans for a casual, effortlessly cool look. For a more polished ensemble, wear it over a collared shirt with chinos and an optional knit. This timeless piece adds a touch of edgy sophistication to any outfit.
Harry Rosen offers a diverse range of bomber jackets from brands like Parajumpers and NEUW each showcasing modern twists on this classic style.
Style Tip: Let Your Bomber Shine
A strong anchor piece, such as a leather flight jacket, can stand by itself. Allowing a statement piece to shine by pairing back the rest of your outfit creates an elevated feel.
The 1980s was a decade of rapid expansion and widespread success as Harry Rosen began expanding across the country, opening bigger stores in new markets while introducing exciting new brands from around the world.
Following Harry’s first and subsequent buying and research trips to Italy in the previous decade, Harry Rosen’s selection of European designers widened, with brands like Zegna, Armani, and Brioni arriving in Canada for the first time because of Harry’s steadfast belief in the Italian luxury labels. Ralph Lauren also started seeing traction in the Canadian market at this time, with Harry Rosen the American label’s exclusive retailer.
After meetings with Gildo Zegna and other members from the family company, Gildo himself conducted the first-ever Zegna trunk show in Canada at Harry Rosen at the turn of the decade – and incredible success and revolution in Canadian menswear.
Perhaps most importantly, this was an era of national expansion for the Harry Rosen brand. By 1982, Harry Rosen opened a location in West Edmonton Mall, and within a few years, stores in Ottawa, Calgary, Montréal, Winnipeg, and Vancouver followed.
In 1983, when the Ottawa store opened, Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau wrote a note to Harry Rosen welcoming him to Canada’s capital city. However, this famously followed a newspaper advertisement ran by Harry Rosen that depicted the House of Commons. “Mr. Speaker, we move to adjourn to go to the opening of Harry’s store,” (paraphrased) was playfully quoted in the advertisement, which earned Harry Rosen a written warning from the speaker. This type of publicity only served to add to the success of the store opening.
In 1986, Harry Rosen’s son and current President & CEO Larry Rosen officially joined his father’s business as a buyer of dress furnishing and accessories after working in the stores during many summer breaks while at school.
Then, in 1987, Harry Rosen made a courageous move that would send shockwaves through the Canadian fashion and retail industry – Harry entered a 50-year lease agreement for a three-story retail space in Toronto that would become the largest specialty menswear store in the country, and by quite some margin.
This giant risk turned into a massive success; the new store located at the corner of streets Bloor and Belair in the heart of Toronto’s fashionable Yorkville neighbourhood would serve as Harry Rosen’s flagship store for decades to come.
At the time, nobody in the fashion or retail business, men’s or women’s, had a store with a similar footprint. This ambitious move was symbolic of Harry Rosen’s incredible success, as tailored clothing continued to thrive – no small part in thanks to stylish films like American Gigolo and Wall Street – while demand for casual sportswear was also on the rise.