The 1980s were, let’s face it, the decade that really let fashion run wild.
The 1980s weren’t simply a fad; they were completely consumed by them, from shoulder pads that could pass for football equipment to enormous hair that defied gravity.
We’re going to take a journey down memory lane where fashion was loud, proud, and totally unrepentant, so grab your neon leg warmers and buckle up.
Power Dressing: The Birth of The Boss Lady Look
Do you recall when Dynasty was the hottest show on television? Joan Collins virtually reinvented how women should dress for success with her fitted suits.
Think blazers with shoulder pads during this period of power dressing. The extent of your aspirations and hopes.
The 80s were all about projecting a professional image, and there was no better way to do so than by dressing in a suit that gave you the impression that you could take on Wall Street.
Record numbers of women entered the workforce, and they embraced this trend as a representation of ambition and authority.
Not to mention the must-have big glasses and bold jewelry. The takeaway? “I’m here to play hardball, and I look amazing while I do it.”
Let’s talk about some of the most iconic 80s outfits that are still relevant:
- Shoulder Pads: Fashion’s Weirdest Love Affair
The 1980s had an obsession with shoulder pads, a fashion trend that still perplexes contemporary sensibilities. Although some of them may have been mistaken for football equipment, these weren’t the kind you see in sports equipment.
Men looked even larger with these structured, huge shoulder pads, while ladies looked more strong.
Not simply women in the corporate world adopted this style. Shoulder pads made an appearance in everything from formal gowns to casual coats.
By the end of the decade, it appeared that everyone in the world had come to the conclusion that an oversized shoulder line was the path to success.
- Punk Fashion: Anarchy in The Wardrobe
The 1980s had a wild side in addition to business takeovers. Punk fashion emerged, bringing the rebellious vibe of the late 1970s into the new millennium.
Imagine torn fishnets, leather jackets, and an eye-catching DIY aesthetic fit to make a suburban mom wince.
Not only were bands like The Clash and The Sex Pistols icons of music, but they were also icons of style. Safety pins were not only used to keep objects together; they also served as symbols of disobedience.
Wearing band tees like battle armor, brightly colored Mohawks, and studded everything was a protest expressed via fabric.
Despite the fact that the style originated in seedy dive bars, high-end designers soon followed suit, influencing mainstream fashion.
- Neon Colors: When Subtlety Went on Vacation
The 1980s’ infatuation with neon would be subtlety’s worst enemy if it had one. Wearing bright clothing, such as electric blue fitness gear or neon green spandex leggings, was like shouting, “Look at me!” without saying a word.
During this decade, exercise also gained popularity, with headbands and bright leg warmers becoming the new norm for your neighborhood aerobics class.
These vibrant colors were made possible by developments in fabric technology, and nobody wanted to miss out on the eye-catching pleasure.
Neon was the preferred option for making a statement in a crowd, whether you were hitting the dance floor or the gym.
Denim: More Than Just A Staple
In the 1980s, denim was more than just your average pair of pants. No, denim became its own entity.
Denim, whether it was enormous, torn, frayed, or acid-washed, was the epitome of coolness and defiance. Was it really the 1980s if you weren’t wearing a denim jacket with patches?
Celebrities joined in as well. The legendary Born in the U.S.A. record cover with Bruce Springsteen wearing denim jeans is still emblazoned in popular cultural history. Denim served as the canvas for 80s fashion expression, whether you were striving for a laid-back everyday attitude or a rocker vibe.
- Big Hair: The Higher The Hair, The Closer to Heaven
Big hair was a must-have when discussing 80s fashion. My hair was so enormous that I thought I would need three cans of hairspray to get through the day. Hair was the dress itself, not simply a component of it.
Making a statement was the main goal of 80s hair, which was voluminous, teased, and sprayed into obscurity.
Like no other, Madonna, the pop queen of the 1980s, slayed the crimped and teased look.
Big hair was a must, regardless of whether you were a fan of Cyndi Lauper’s Girls Just Want to Have Fun or her Like a Virgin phase.
From the glam rockers of the Sunset Strip to your next-door neighbor with a mile-high perm, this trend was all over the place.
- Spandex And Lycra: Second Skin Chic
What could be more 1980s than a spandex body-hugging outfit? Spandex was the go-to material for a snug fit, whether you were hitting the club in cycling shorts or practicing aerobics with Jane Fonda.
It was all about flaunting the figure you’d been shaping at your neighborhood aerobics class, not about comfort.
Stretch provided a method to combine fashion and fitness in ways never seen before, from leotards to leggings.
These outfits stood out even more because of their vivid colors and striking patterns.
It makes sense that spandex is still associated with the ideal fitness image of the 1980s.
The 80s Influence Today: Why Are We Still Obsessed?
Why are we still so infatuated with the 1980s, you ask? One word: nostalgia. The 1980s are remembered as a period of daring fashion, when styles were lived rather than just copied. The resurrection of neon and even power suits, along with the reintroduction of scrunchies and high-waisted jeans, prove that 80s fashion is still relevant today.
Characters in television series such as Stranger Things have revived 80s fashion, with ensembles featuring feathery bangs and Members Only coats among other accessories. This decade is determined to move forward, and to be honest, why would we want it to?
What’s Your Favorite 80s Trend?
I’d like to know which 80s fashion you would most like to see return in full. It makes sense that bigger is better. Perhaps it’s time to put those neon tracksuits or shoulder pads back on!
- Power Suits & Shoulder Pads
- Neon Everything
- Punk Rock Rebellion
- Spandex Workout Gear
Are you starting to feel nostalgic yet? You can share this post with your friends and invite them to join in the fun, whether you’re dressing like an 80s star or just thinking about it. Too much of something is never enough, as the 1980s taught us. Let’s bring back the bold and gorgeous!
Proceed now. And don’t forget to hit the share button—after all, exploring fashion together is more enjoyable!