Step Back in Time: Discover the Best 80s Outfits and Style Tips

The Ultimate Guide to the 80s Totally Awesome Outfits

The eighties was a decade of extroversion, fashion was loud, proud and unashamed of its color. All about 80s outfits was making a statement, whether it was power suits, or punk rock. The trends of this era which include neon colors, big shoulders and even larger hair are coming back in so big way. No matter what kind of themed party you are planning or simply wish to have a touch of retro style in your wardrobe, this guide will give you a step-by-step guide on the most iconic looks. Prepare to discover the styles that characterized a generation and are still a fashion inspiration.

Power Dressing: Shoulder Pad

Power dressing dominated in the 1980s work place. The style was meant to assist women take the leadership in a man-dominated setting. The key element? The power suit, with huge shoulder pads that gave it a very strong, aggressive shape.

This wasn’t an office suit only. They were brightly colored with the colour coming in as fuchsia,royal blue and red. The power suit, combined with a silk blouse and a big statement jewelry, was an outward sign of ambition and success to the 80s modern woman.

Critical Power Dressing Components

Structured Blazers: Oversized shoulder pads in blazers were needed.

Pencil Skirts: Sleek professional-looking pencil skirts were made in high waist.

Bold Colors: Shy not to use bright and eye-catching colors.

Neon and Sporty: A Sporty and shiny appeal

The 80s made fitness a cultural craze and the clothing worn during workouts soon became a normal part of regular fashion. This trend gave birth to the trend of Athleisure, which is a combination of comfort and style. Visualize shiny, glitzy and not slick.

The palette used was neon. An electric green, hot pink and fluorescent yellow, oversized sweatshirts, spandex leggings and leg warmers were the order of the day. This style was full of vitality and fun and fits the zeitgeist of the decade.

Acid Wash Denim: The 80s Jean, The Unmistakable

There is no 80s clothing talk that will omit acid wash denim. This high contrast, mottled look of this chemically bleached denim was all over. It was the final icon of undress, rebellious cool among men and women.

Acid wash was the favorite finish, whether it was high-waisted mom jeans or oversized jackets. They would tend to combine the denim with denim to make an iconic and all-encompassing appearance. It was such a trend that it was the casual wear of the decade.

How to Style Acid Wash

Denim Jackets: This is a loose acid wash jacket that is ideal to wear over.

High-Waisted Jeans: Wear with a band tee that is tucked-in or a neon top.

Double Denim: It is time to go to the extremes and wear an acid wash jacket and jeans.

Punk and Rock: The Revolutionary Arch

There also was the gritty side of the 80s which was strongly affected by punk and rock music. The fashion of this subculture was the direct opposite of the as-you-all-know-bright, preppy fashions of the time. It was rebellion, individuality and a DIY attitude.

Such items as ripped jeans, leather jackets with studs and patches, and band t-shirts were considered key. The look was helped along by plaid pants, combat boots, and heavy metal accessories (such as chains and safety pins) and made the look appear edgy and anti-establishment.

Preppy Style: The Strict and formal Style

The preppy look was on the other extreme. This style was informed by Ivy League campuses and all was about clean lines, classic pieces, and polished look. It was the outfit of the people who felt more conservative and sophisticated.

Basics such as polo shirts with popped collar, khaki pants and boat shoes were essential preppy wear. A typical gesture was to wear Argentine sweaters on the shoulders. This eternal fashion, popularized by such brands as Ralph Lauren, gave an aura of refined old-money.

The Influence of Madonna: The Aesthetic of Checks and Balances

There are not many pop stars who’ve affected the fashion as much as Madonna did during the 80s. Her debut Material Girl was a sexy and fun combination of lace, tulle and religious iconography. It was an aesthetic which enabled a generation of young women to be daring.

This appearance entailed overlaying of clothes and accessories. The most popular items were lace gloves, stacked necklaces with crosses, tutu-style skirts worn over leggings and disheveled perox-blonde hair, tied down with a scarf. It was a 80s outfit, fun, fearless and memorable.

Hip-Hop Fashion: Street-Smart and Fresh

With the emergence of hip-hop music, the new influential style was exposed to the fore. Growing out of urban street fashion, hip-hop fashion of the 80s was based on brand names, outrageous accessories and a new, assertive style that was ready to be respected.

Big tracksuits of such brands as Adidas were the norm, sometimes accompanied by shiny sneakers (or “kicks). The look was characterized by kangol hats, huge gold chains and boomboxes as accessories. This fashion has formed the basis of contemporary street fashion as we have today.

Big Makeup and Bold Hair: The Finishing Touches

The correct hair and makeup were essential when it came to an 80s outfit. The principle was easy, bigger is better. Hair was sprayed, teased and fixed with gallons of hairspray to obtain as much volume as possible. Popular styles were also mullets and side pony tails.

Makeup was just as dramatic. The eyeliner, blush, and blue eyeshadow were bright, and in a diagonal stripe between the cheekbone and temple. The lips were frequently lined and stuffed with bright colours of pink or red, which finalised the iconic look of the decade.

Conclusion

The 1980s decade was a fearless decade of experimenting with fashions and it will be etched in the history of style. The 80s clothes, be it the organised forms of power dressing, the neon insane outfits of athleisure, were all about expressing oneself. Styles such as acid wash jeans, punk rock leather and pin-up styles like preppy pushed boundaries and established totally new styles and icons such as Madonna and the adventurers of hip-hop had a style to suit everyone. The last, yet important detail to these memorable looks were the bold hair and makeup.

With these styles being recycled into the current trends we can look back to the creativity and confidence of the decade. Fashion in the 80s teaches us that it should be fun and a real indication of who you are. Why not add a touch of that retro flair to your wardrobe? To get more inspiration to the style, visit our other related articles on vintage fashion or subscribe to our newsletter. Comment below and we would love to know your favorite 80s memory!

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the biggest 80s ensemble?

Most trendy looks were different, though high-waisted mom jeans, oversized sweaters, neon colors, and oversized shoulder pad power suits were all extremely ubiquitous.

What were people wearing to 80s parties?

Partywear was characterized by the use of sequins, lame, vivid colors and off-the-shoulder dresses. Acid wash jeans and a fashionable top were usual in a more casual party.

How do I create a simple 80s look?

To have a quick glance, you can combine high-waisted jeans with a tucked-in graphical tee or an oversized colorful sweatshirt. Put your favourite sneakers on and tease your hair to make it thicker.

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