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Thursday, February 7, 2013

Trope-tastic Thursdays: Hot Chick in a Badass Suit

Trope: Hot Chick in a Badass Suit

Description: The Hot Chick in a Badass Suit means business - don't mess with her, or you will probably regret it. She's successful and she's confident in both her profession and the way she carries herself. While short skirts are a possibility, she can look just as good in a long-sleeved pantsuit that covers her chest, because her tailor is just that talented.

Examples: Agent Scully from The X-Files, most of the female lawyers on Law & Order, with special shoutouts going to Abbie Carmichael and Alex Cabot, because damn, those were some enviable suits

Pros: Want to instantly make the audience think "strong female character"? Put her in a Badass Suit. If she's wearing a Badass Suit, we can assume she must be intelligent and have at least some level of personal skills, as she's advanced in her career enough that the suit is deemed necessary to appear professional. Also, if she cares about her appearance and the way she's perceived in said career, we know she's passionate about something.

Cons: There are some negative connotations that can accompany this trope. For example, if the HCiaBAS holds a position of some importance, some will wonder if she did anything morally questionable to get to that place. She might also get a reputation for being a hardass, and/or be accused of not caring about anything except her job.

Would/Did I Use It?: Specifically, no. (Though I have put some of my "hot chicks" in a uniform.) That said, I like the idea of this trope, and I am not opposed to the idea of using it in the future. I do have a strong love for Law & Order, after all!

4 comments:

  1. I have an idea for this. I don't know if I'll get around to it anytime soon as everyone outside of her and the rest of the "bad guys" stink right now. I know one thing for sure after reading this: I have the suit down. Lol!

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    Replies
    1. Awesome! I don't know anything else about "her" yet, but I've already got a great mental picture!

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  2. Trope-Tastic Thursday is just the best idea. I feel like I spend half my life on TV Tropes. "Hmm let me see... click. Oh that's interesting... click. Wait... CLICK CLICK CLICK CLICK CLICK."

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  3. My husband and I were flipping through a Frederick's of Hollywood catalog once, in preparation for our Valentine's Day plans (appropriate timing for this comment!). Of all the costumes, the husband liked the sexy corporate businesswoman the best. Coincidentally, he also likes Law & Order.

    I like this trope done subtly, when it's apparent the woman is sexy because she looks powerful in her suit and not because it's barely covering her boobs (though in fantasyland, that's totally cool, too). You realize you're turned on by her authority, and that's pretty damn HOT.

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