Clothes of the Eighties: A Blast From the Past (and Your Closet?)

04 Sep 2024

How To Dress Like The 80S Female at Charles Bean blog

Remember when MTV actually played music videos? And when those videos were basically just excuses to showcase the most outrageous outfits imaginable? Ah, the 80s. A time of big hair, even bigger shoulder pads, and enough neon to make your eyes water. It was a decade of fashion risks, some triumphant, some… well, let's just say we learned some valuable lessons about what *not* to wear.

The 80s were a melting pot of styles. It was like someone threw punk rock, preppy chic, and a disco ball into a blender and hit "puree." You had your ripped jeans and leather jackets alongside power suits with shoulder pads you could land a plane with. And who could forget the neon spandex, leg warmers, and headbands? Let's not forget the iconic Members Only jackets, parachute pants, and jelly shoes. The 80s were a time of experimentation, a glorious mess of clashing patterns, textures, and colors.

So, what fueled this fashion frenzy? Well, for one, there was a burgeoning pop culture scene. Think Madonna, Prince, Michael Jackson. These were artists pushing boundaries, and their fashion choices were no exception. Then you had the rise of the "Yuppie" – young urban professionals flaunting their success in power suits and designer labels. And let's not forget the fitness craze. Suddenly everyone and their mother was rocking a leotard and leg warmers, whether they were headed to the gym or, let's be real, just to the mall.

But the 80s weren't just about blindly following trends. It was a time of self-expression, of embracing individuality. You could be a punk rocker, a preppy kid, a disco queen, or all of the above, and your clothes were your way of showing the world who you were (or, at least, who you wanted to be). Sure, some of the trends were, shall we say, questionable in retrospect. But you can't deny the impact the 80s had on fashion.

Even today, designers draw inspiration from the decade, revisiting everything from high-waisted jeans to bold statement jewelry. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good throwback outfit every now and then? So dust off that acid-wash denim jacket, tease up your hair, and get ready to embrace the glorious, outrageous fashion that was the 1980s.

Advantages and Disadvantages of 80s Clothes

Advantages	Disadvantages
Expressive and individualistic	Often impractical and uncomfortable
Bold and eye-catching	Some trends haven't aged well
Vintage pieces are trendy today	Can be difficult to pull off authentically today

Best Practices for Incorporating 80s Fashion Today

1. Start Small: You don't need to go full-on Madonna to incorporate 80s vibes into your wardrobe. Begin by adding subtle hints – a neon accessory, a pair of high-waisted jeans, a statement earring.

2. Mix and Match: The beauty of modern fashion is the ability to blend different eras. Pair a vintage band tee with sleek modern trousers or rock a denim jacket with a flowy bohemian dress.

3. Focus on Silhouettes: The 80s were all about bold shapes. Think power shoulders, oversized tops, and figure-hugging bottoms. Look for modern pieces that echo those silhouettes for a contemporary take on the trend.

4. Accessorize Strategically: Accessories are key to nailing any retro look. Scrunchies, chunky jewelry, statement belts, and even a fanny pack (worn ironically, of course) can add that perfect 80s touch.

5. Confidence is Key: The most important rule of rocking any trend is confidence. Own your look, have fun with it, and don't be afraid to stand out.

Common Questions About 80s Clothes

1. Where can I find authentic 80s clothing today? Vintage stores, online marketplaces (like Etsy and eBay), and even your parents' attic are great places to start your search.

2. How do I style 80s clothing without looking like I'm wearing a costume? The key is to choose one or two statement pieces and balance them with modern staples. Avoid going overboard with the neon and patterns.

3. Are shoulder pads really back in style? While not as exaggerated as their 80s counterparts, subtle shoulder pads are making a comeback, adding structure and sophistication to modern silhouettes.

4. Can I wear neon colors if I don't want to look like a highlighter? Absolutely! The key is to use neon sparingly. Pair a neon top with neutral bottoms or add a pop of color with accessories.

5. I wasn't even alive in the 80s. Can I still wear 80s clothes? Of course! Fashion is about self-expression, regardless of when you were born.

6. Are leg warmers ever coming back? While they might not be a mainstream trend anytime soon, never say never in the world of fashion.

7. What are some iconic 80s movies for fashion inspiration? Think "Pretty in Pink," "The Breakfast Club," "Back to the Future," and "Flashdance."

8. What's the biggest fashion lesson we learned from the 80s? Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with your style.

Tips and Tricks for Rocking 80s Style

- Pair a power suit with sneakers for a modern twist.

- Tie a denim jacket around your waist to accentuate your figure.

- Rock a graphic tee with high-waisted jeans and sneakers for a casual, cool vibe.

- Don't underestimate the power of a scrunchie – wear it in your hair, on your wrist, or even on your handbag.

- Experiment with bold makeup looks, like graphic eyeliner and bright lipstick.

From the outlandish to the iconic, the clothes of the eighties left an undeniable mark on the fashion world. Sure, some trends might make us cringe a little looking back, but there's no denying the sense of fun, freedom, and individuality that defined the era's style. So whether you're looking to fully embrace the neon and shoulder pads or just add a touch of 80s flair to your modern wardrobe, don't be afraid to experiment, have fun, and let your inner 80s icon shine through.