A Look Back at 80s Fashion: Bold, Bright, and Unforgettable
The 1980s was a vibrant and experimental period, characterized by bold colors and bold styles. This era was all about making a statement and pushing the boundaries of fashion. Whether you were a pop-culture lover, a sports enthusiast, or a rock music lover, the trends of the ’80s offered something for everyone, leaving a lasting impact that continues to inspire contemporary fashion.
In this blog, we will explore the fashion trends of the 1980s, join us as we celebrate the creativity and diversity of the 80s fashion industry.
Power Suits and Shoulder Pads: Strong and Confident Fashion From The 80s
In the 80s, power suits and shoulder pads became iconic symbols of confidence and ambition, especially for women. Women’s fashion evolved to show strength in the workplace, and suits with big, square shoulder pads became the go-to look. Celebrities and TV characters, like those from “Dynasty” and “Working Girl,” brought this style into the mainstream.
The power suit at that time featured exaggerated shoulder pads, flashy colors, oversized fits, and shiny accessories. They just wanted to create a confident look. Today the shoulder pads are trending but they are not as exaggerated as they were in the 80s. Moreover, modern and sleeker designs are more fashionable and trending.
Neon Colors: Bright and Attention-Grabbing Fashion From The 80s
The 80s fashion is famous for their love and fair share of use of neon colors. Neon blue neon yellow, and the fan favorite neon pink not to forget neon oranges. From accessories to clothing, neon colors were a staple. The workout clothes, the shades, and fitness apparel in particular often had these neon colors. Even celebrities like Madonna and Michael Jackson shared an interest in these clothes and became iconic.
However, today neon colors are not as trendy as they were in the 80s. Rather most brands use them for their logos and patches.
Acid-Wash Jeans: Casual and Cool
In the 80s denim was a game charger. Moreover, acid-wash denim was one of the most popular styles. These denim clothes have a faded look, with one side being bleached and the other having the original color. This style was more edgy and chic. It has a laid-back street-style vibe. People wear them for a casual yet edgy appeal.
Today, acid-wash denim is not as trending. But some people still love the style to date. However, many brands do emphasize vintage looks.
Leg Warmers and Fitness Wear: The Aerobics Craze
The 80s was a crazy time to be born. With flashy colors and faded jeans, people developed a craze for active wear. Like the neon sign boards, people wanted to look flashy too. The aerobic classes were very popular back then and most people wore activewear rather than casual clothes. People were wearing leg warmers, tights, and leotards outside the aerobic classes as well. Celebrities like Jane Fonda and Olivia Newton were wearing the same flashy activewear.
However, nowadays people have lost their love for flashy active wear rather tights are still in fashion. Yet the fitness industry remains strong making tights the basic and all-day activewear.
Pop Star Influence: Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Prince
In the 80s, music was also at its best. Celebrities like Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Price were a major fashion inspiration. Fans not only loved their music but they also copied their style. Madonna was famous for her lacy gloves and bold silhouette. While Michael was famous for his jackets and sequined gem gloves Price was also famous for his bold color choices.
These fashion icons didn’t start fashion trends, they created everlasting looks that people still admire today.
High-Waisted Pants and Mom Jeans: A Flattering Fit
Don’t you just love high-waisted jeans, that just tuck all that mommy fat away? Well yes, in the 80s high-waisted pants were a staple. They are just effortless and clinches your waist for a more refined look. People wore them with crop tops and loads of chunky rings not to forget with belts. These jeans are also very practical since they have pockets and are comfortable to wear. Moreover, these can be paired with blazers, coats, or jackets for a neat look.
Today, high-waisted jeans are still trending and with full force. They are both casual and formal wear which is one of the major reasons they never went out of style.
Punk and Rock Fashion: Rebellion and Edge
Furthermore, not to forget the punk and gothic trends in the 80s. Many people were so impressed by this look that they went all-out black, flat from head to toe. Black shoes, black shirt, black pants, and additionally, dark gothic makeup. This rebellious and edgy rocky look with sharp pink and green color hair was everyone’s go-to look. This look became famous because of rock bands like Guns and Roses and Ramones.
However, nowadays with the decline of dark punk, white punk fashion is now hitting the streets. Yet again leather jackets and dark clothes are still in fashion but with a modern twist.
Preppy Style: Clean and Classic
Ever heard of old money vibes?
If not, let me explain. The phrase old money points to the 80s when brands like Lacoste and Ralph Lauren were rising to fame. With a neat and clean sophisticated look, these brands rose to fame. Introducing the polo shirts and sweaters tied around the shoulders. These were pricier and hence the rich bought them. Since then, people have moved more towards timeless and old-money vibe clothes. These clothes had warm browns and pastel shades which was the indicator of wealth and riches.
Oversized Blazers and Statement Coats: Big and Bold
In the 80s people wore oversized everything. From oversized jackets and coats to oversized pants. Moreover, they also had bold animal prints and bright colors with high contrasts. Layering was also a staple in the 80s fashion.
Till today most people wear oversized coats and jackets for a classy and vintage look.
Hair and Makeup: Big Hair, Bright Makeup
The 80s fashion is not complete without makeup. Women at that time wore red lip colors with glitter eyes and blond hair, like Marilyn Monroe. Puffed-up hair with bold eyeliners was a staple too.
However, nowadays women often go for a softer and casual look. They focus more on skincare yet again red and bold lip colors will never go out of fashion.
The Lasting Influence of 80s Fashion
The 80s fashion was a high time for experimentation and the world remembers the 80s till date. If we focus more on the trends nowadays, we might notice that our apparel and sense of fashion have evolved from the 80s.
From flashy and neon activewear to gothic and punk makeup and old-money vibes all of these fashion trends are in fashion to date. So why not embrace the bold spirit of 80s fashion in your wardrobe?