80s Style

Music: The emergence of genres like pop, rock, hip hop, and new wave inspired many fashion choices, from Madonna's bodysuits and lace gloves to Michael Jackson's leather jackets and sequined gloves.
Music videos also became a popular medium to showcase fashion and dance moves.

Movies and TV: The 80s also produced some of the most memorable movies and TV shows that influenced fashion, such as Flashdance, Top Gun, The Breakfast Club, and Dynasty.

Sports and Fitness: The fitness craze of the 80s led to the popularity of activewear and athleisure, such as leggings, biker shorts, leotards, headbands, and sneakers.
Brands like Nike, Reebok, and Adidas became household names.

Subcultures and Movements: The 80s also saw the rise of various subcultures and movements that expressed their identity and values through fashion, such as punks, goths, new romantics, and hip hop.
These groups experimented with different styles, such as ripped jeans, leather jackets, mohawks, safety pins, fishnet stockings, heavy makeup, and oversized jewelry.

Colors: The 80s style was not afraid of using bright and neon colors, such as pink, yellow, green, blue, and purple.
These colors were often mixed and matched in bold combinations, such as color-blocking, animal prints, and geometric patterns.

Silhouettes: The 80s style also played with different shapes and proportions, such as big shoulders, oversized tops, cinched waists, and tight bottoms.
The power suit, with its padded shoulders, double-breasted jacket, and pencil skirt, was a symbol of the career-oriented woman of the 80s.
The mini skirt, with its short and flirty hemline, was another popular item that showed off the legs.

Accessories: The 80s style was all about accessorizing and adding drama and flair to any outfit.
Some of the most common accessories were statement earrings, chunky necklaces, brooches, belts, gloves, hats, and sunglasses.
The 80s also introduced some new and innovative accessories, such as scrunchies, leg warmers, fanny packs, and Swatch watches.

The rejection of the minimalist and natural styles of the 70s in favor of bright colors, bold patterns, and exaggerated shapes.

The rise of power dressing, which reflected the increasing role of women in the workforce and politics.
Power dressing involved shoulder pads, tailored suits, and accessories such as belts, scarves, and jewelry.

The popularity of sportswear and fitness wear, which was inspired by the health and fitness craze and the success of movies such as Flashdance and Fame.
Leggings, leotards, sweatshirts, and sneakers were worn both in and out of the gym.

The emergence of alternative and countercultural styles, such as punk, new wave, new romantic, and goth.
These styles were influenced by the music and subcultures of the time, and often involved DIY elements, such as ripped jeans, safety pins, leather jackets, and mohawks.

The revival of 1950s and 1960s styles, such as rockabilly, greaser, mod, and hippie.
These styles were often mixed with contemporary elements, such as neon colors, animal prints, and metallic fabrics.

The influence of celebrities and pop culture icons, such as Madonna, Michael Jackson, Prince, Cyndi Lauper, Boy George, and David Bowie.
These stars set the trends for hairstyles, makeup, and clothing, and often experimented with different looks and genres.

80s style in fashion began to appear in the late 1970s, as a reaction against the disco and hippie fashions of the previous decade.
It reached its peak in the mid-1980s, and started to decline in the late 1980s, as the economic recession and the rise of environmental awareness led to a more subdued and minimalist approach to fashion.

80s style in fashion was one of the most experimental and innovative periods in fashion history, as it expressed the diversity and creativity of the people and the times.
It has left a lasting impact on the fashion industry and culture, and continues to inspire and influence fashion designers and enthusiasts today.

Those who want to channel their inner pop star, rock star, or movie star from the 80s.
Think Madonna, Prince, Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Cyndi Lauper, and Molly Ringwald.
They might wear leather jackets, sequined dresses, neon colors, fishnet stockings, fingerless gloves, and big hair accessories.

Those who love the retro aesthetic of the 80s and want to mix and match vintage pieces with modern ones.
They might wear oversized sweaters, high-waisted jeans, windbreaker jackets, crop tops, and white sneakers.

Those who are inspired by the 80s subcultures and movements, such as punk, new wave, hip hop, and glam metal.
They might wear ripped denim, band t-shirts, leather pants, studded belts, chains, and spikes.

Those who are attending a themed party or event that requires an 80s outfit.
They might wear bright colors, animal prints, shoulder pads, taffeta dresses, and leg warmers.

The power suit: This was a symbol of the career-oriented woman who wanted to make a statement in the male-dominated corporate world.
The power suit featured a blazer with padded shoulders, often in bright colors or patterns, paired with a matching skirt or pants.
The look was accessorized with pumps, a briefcase, and chunky jewelry.

The Madonna look: Inspired by the pop star's daring and eclectic style, the Madonna look consisted of lace tops, bustiers, fishnet stockings, fingerless gloves, crucifix necklaces, and multiple bracelets.
The hair was teased, curled, or crimped, and often adorned with bows or headbands.

The preppy look: Influenced by the Ivy League style and the movie The Official Preppy Handbook, the preppy look featured polo shirts, khaki pants, argyle sweaters, penny loafers, and tennis skirts.
The colors were usually pastel or neutral, and the accessories included pearls, monogrammed bags, and headbands.

The neon look: The 80s were all about bright and flashy colors, and the neon look embraced this trend to the fullest.
Neon-colored clothing, such as leggings, sweatshirts, jackets, and socks, were worn with contrasting or matching accessories, such as sunglasses, earrings, belts, and scrunchies.
The neon look was popular among both men and women, especially in the hip-hop and dance music scenes.

The punk look: The punk look was a rebellious and edgy style that challenged the mainstream fashion norms.
The punk look featured colored mohawks, ripped skinny jeans, denim and leather jackets, band t-shirts, Dr.Martens boots, and studded or spiked jewelry.
The punk look was often associated with the music genres of punk rock, new wave, and heavy metal.

A denim jacket
Denim jackets were a staple of 80s fashion for both men and women.
You can wear them with jeans, skirts, dresses, or leggings.
They also look great with pins, patches, or studs for some extra flair.

A pair of acid-wash jeans
Acid-wash jeans were a popular trend in the 80s that gave denim a faded and distressed look.
They came in various styles, such as skinny, straight, or baggy.
You can pair them with a graphic tee, a crop top, or a sweater.

A neon-colored outfit
Neon colors were a signature of 80s fashion that made any outfit stand out.
Choose bright shades of pink, green, yellow, orange, or blue.
You can wear a neon dress, a jumpsuit, a skirt, or a top.
And also mix and match different neon colors to get a fun and vibrant look.

A pair of leg warmers
Leg warmers were originally worn by dancers to keep their legs warm, but they soon became a fashion accessory in the 80s.
They were usually worn over leggings, tights, or jeans.
Leg warmers came in various colors and patterns, such as stripes, polka dots, or animal prints.

A pair of fingerless gloves
Fingerless gloves were another accessory that added some edge to 80s outfits.
They were often worn with leather jackets, vests, or dresses.
Fingerless gloves are made of different materials: lace, mesh, or leather.

A scrunchie
Scrunchies were the ultimate hair accessory in the 80s that helped create various hairstyles, such as ponytails, buns, or braids.
They were made of elastic fabric that wrapped around the hair.
Scrunchies came in many colors and designs, such as floral, metallic, or sequined.

A pair of large earrings
Large earrings were a must-have for 80s fashion that added some drama and glamour to any look.
They were usually made of plastic or metal and had shapes like hoops, stars, hearts, or triangles.
Large earrings were in bright colors or sparkly details.

A pearl necklace
Pearl necklaces were a classic and elegant accessory that contrasted with the bold and colorful 80s fashion.
They were often worn with dresses, blouses, or sweaters.
These necklaces came in different lengths and styles, such as single strand, multi-strand, or choker.

The rise of power dressing, which reflected the increasing presence and ambition of women in the corporate world.
Power dressing involved sharp, tailored suits, often with shoulder pads, bold colors, and accessories such as large earrings, belts, and watches.
Some of the iconic figures of power dressing were Margaret Thatcher, Joan Collins, and Madonna.

The popularity of sportswear and fitness as a lifestyle and fashion choice.
Inspired by celebrities such as Jane Fonda, Olivia Newton-John, and Jennifer Beals, many women wore stylish gym wear, such as leggings, sweatshirts, tracksuits, and bodysuits, in their everyday life.
Men also embraced sportswear, especially polo shirts, tennis sweaters, and bomber jackets.

The emergence of alternative and subcultural styles, such as punk, new wave, new romantic, goth, and hip hop.
These styles challenged the mainstream and expressed the identity and creativity of their followers.
They often featured elements such as ripped jeans, leather jackets, mohawks, bright colors, geometric patterns, and oversized accessories.
Some of the influential designers and musicians of these styles were Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier, Boy George, Cyndi Lauper, and Run-DMC.

The influence of globalization and diversity on fashion, as more people traveled and experienced different cultures.
Fashion became more eclectic and mixed, incorporating elements from various regions, such as Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Some examples of this trend are the Japanese designers Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto, who introduced avant-garde and deconstructed silhouettes, and the African-inspired collections of Patrick Kelly and Stephen Burrows.

Start with the basics: shoulder pads, over-sized tops, mini skirts, stirrup pants, and acid wash jeans. These are some of the most recognizable 80s clothing items that you can mix and match to create different outfits.

Add some color: the 80s were not a time for subtlety, so don't be afraid to wear bright and neon colors that stand out. You can also experiment with patterns, such as animal prints, polka dots, stripes, and geometric shapes.

Accessorize: to complete your 80s look, you need some accessories that make a statement. Think big earrings, chunky necklaces, bangles, belts, gloves, sunglasses, and hats. You can also wear pins, badges, or patches on your jackets or bags to show off your personality.

Rock some jelly shoes: jelly shoes were a staple of 80s footwear. They were made from PVC and came in various styles and colors, some even with glitter. Jelly shoes are a fun and quirky way to add some flair to your outfit.

Do your hair and makeup: no 80s outfit is complete without some hair and makeup that match the vibe. For hair, you can go for big curls, crimps, perms, or mullets. You can also add some accessories, such as headbands, scrunchies, bows, or clips. For makeup, you can go for bright eyeshadow, blush, lipstick, and mascara. You can also use eyeliner to create dramatic shapes or designs on your eyes.

Music: The 80s saw the rise of new genres and subgenres of music, such as synth-pop, new wave, glam metal, hip hop, and house. These styles incorporated electronic instruments, sampling, and digital effects, creating catchy and innovative sounds. Some of the iconic musicians of the 80s include Madonna, Michael Jackson, Prince, Duran Duran, and Run DMC.

Art: The 80s art scene was dominated by neo-expressionism, neo-pop, and graffiti. These styles expressed emotions, opinions, and critiques of the contemporary society, culture, and politics. Some of the influential artists of the 80s include Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, and Cindy Sherman. The AIDS epidemic also sparked a wave of activism and awareness through art, such as the AIDS Memorial Quilt and the Silence=Death campaign.

Hobbies: The 80s were a time of fun and nostalgia for many people who grew up in that era. Some of the popular hobbies included playing video games, watching movies and TV shows, reading comics and magazines, collecting toys and stickers, and doing aerobics and dance workouts. Some of the memorable hobbies of the 80s include making homemade popsicles, running through the sprinklers, sleeping on the trampoline, jumping double dutch rope, and going to drive-in theaters.

Summer Day at the Beach:

• Channel your inner Madonna with a colorful bodysuit, a denim jacket, and chunky jewelry.

• Accessorize with a pair of sunglasses and a hat for some extra flair.

Winter Night Out:

• Go for a glamorous and cozy look with a turtleneck sweater, a leather skirt, and tights.

• Add a structured shoulder blazer and heels for drama and sophistication.

Casual Brunch with Friends:

• Opt for a relaxed and chic look with white jeans, a graphic tee, and a denim vest.

• Spice up your outfit with some see-through layers or a corset belt for contrast and shape.

Formal Event:

• Dazzle everyone with a stunning and elegant look with a taffeta evening gown, a fur stole, and pearls.

• Add sparkle with sequins, metallics, or crystals for extra shine.

Creative Project:

• Unleash your inner artist with a playful and experimental look featuring abstract and geometric shapes, bright colors, and mixed prints.

• Try unconventional materials like plastic, vinyl, or latex for edge and innovation.

The rise of pop culture and mass media, which exposed people to new trends and icons from music, movies, TV, and magazines. Some of the most influential celebrities of the decade were Madonna, Michael Jackson, Prince, David Bowie, and Cyndi Lauper.

The emergence of different subcultures and movements, such as punk, new wave, hip hop, glam rock, and power dressing. Each subculture had its own distinctive style, often involving bright colors, bold patterns, exaggerated silhouettes, and statement accessories.

The popularity of fitness and aerobic exercises, which led to the adoption of sportswear and activewear as everyday clothing. Leggings, leotards, headbands, sweatshirts, and sneakers were some of the key items that people wore to the gym and beyond.

The innovation of new fabrics and technologies, such as denim, spandex, lycra, and elastane. These fabrics allowed for more stretch, comfort, and durability in clothing. They also enabled designers to create more fitted and sculptural shapes that accentuated the body.

The influence of international fashion designers, such as Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Lacroix, Thierry Mugler, Azzedine Alaia, Gianni Versace, and Jean Paul Gaultier. These designers introduced new concepts and styles that challenged the conventional norms of beauty and elegance. They also experimented with different materials, textures, prints, and embellishments.

A revival of the new romantic movement, which was characterized by flamboyant and theatrical outfits, frilly shirts, ruffled collars, velvet jackets, and pirate hats.
Think of bands like Duran Duran, Culture Club, and Spandau Ballet.

A fusion of hip hop and streetwear elements, such as oversized jackets, baggy pants, snapback hats, gold chains, and sneakers.
This style was popularized by artists like Run DMC, LL Cool J, and Salt-N-Pepa.

The return of the glam rock aesthetic, which featured flashy and colorful clothing, leather pants, spandex leggings, sequined tops, and metallic accessories.
This style was influenced by musicians like David Bowie, Prince, and Madonna.

A reinterpretation of the power suit, which was a symbol of success and confidence in the 80s.
The power suit could be updated with modern cuts, fabrics, and patterns, as well as paired with casual or edgy pieces.
Some examples are Celine's oversized blazers, Louis Vuitton's checked suits, and Max Mara's camel coats.

A resurgence of the neon trend, which was a staple of the 80s fashion.
It could be used to create bold and vibrant outfits, as well as to add pops of color to neutral or monochrome looks.
Neon could also be incorporated into accessories, such as earrings, belts, and sunglasses.

Madonna: The Queen of Pop was a major fashion icon in the 80s, with her eclectic and rebellious style.
She popularized the look of lace gloves, crucifix jewelry, fishnet stockings, bustiers, and layered accessories.
She also experimented with different hairstyles, such as bleached blonde curls, short crops, and ponytails.

Prince: The Purple One was another influential musician and style icon in the 80s, with his flamboyant and androgynous outfits.
He wore colorful suits, frilly shirts, ruffled blouses, leather jackets, high-heeled boots, and eye-catching accessories.
He also rocked various hairstyles, such as afros, perms, and pompadours.

Grace Jones: The Jamaican singer, model, and actress was a pioneer of gender-bending fashion in the 80s.
She wore sharp suits, tailored jackets, military uniforms, and avant-garde designs.
She also sported a striking buzz cut and bold makeup.

Boy George: The lead singer of Culture Club was known for his eccentric and colorful style in the 80s.
He mixed elements of punk, new wave, glam rock, and ethnic influences.
He wore oversized hats, braided hair, heavy makeup, and layered jewelry. He also challenged gender norms by wearing skirts, dresses, and kimonos.

Princess Diana: The late princess was one of the most photographed and admired women of the 80s. She had a sophisticated and elegant style that evolved over the years. She wore tailored suits, pencil skirts, blouses, and hats for her official duties. Diana also embraced casual and sporty looks, such as jeans, sweaters, polo shirts, and cycling shorts. She also experimented with different colors, prints, and fabrics.