The ’80s were a decade of bold styles. Oversized blazers, acid wash jeans and colorful necklace styles were all popular styles of the time.
Gigi Hadid and other celebrities have been seen wearing oversized jackets that are reminiscent of the 80s. A lot of people are also reviving the style of puff shoulders and bold patterns.
Color-Blocking
Color-blocking is one of the most popular 80s fashion trends. It’s a great way to add contrast and make an outfit pop! It’s also easy to incorporate into your everyday style, no matter what kind of clothing you like. It can even work well with other fashion trends, such as neon or the ’90s grunge look.
The origins of this trend are often attributed to the artist Piet Mondrian, who was part of the De Stijl movement, which advocated for simplicity and geometric shapes. Then, Yves Saint Laurent used Mondrian-inspired colors in his fall/winter 1955 runway show and it catapulted the fashion world into bold clashes of color.
Another thing that helped to popularize this 80s fashion trend was MTV music videos. The music stars of the time left a lasting impression on teenagers, influencing their style choices. Madonna, Joan Jett, and Cyndi Lauper’s polished looks inspired girls to wear oversized blazers with poof skirts. They wore jeans jackets, acid-washed to softness and covered them with patches, pins, and badges.
Boys, on the other hand, wanted to look more like their favorite rappers and rock stars. They wore mesh tops over bras and shirts or over bare chests, which were spray-painted or airbrushed to match their style. They paired them with skateboarding shoes like the Vans sneakers seen in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. They also sported jean jackets and added studs, chains, and spikes to their clothing for a punk look.
Both men and women started to place more importance on their appearance in the 80s, thanks to the influence of TV shows like Dynasty and Dallas and the music of bands such as Blondie and Boy George. For men, this resulted in a rise in business suits with bold colors and patterns. They sported shoulder pads, wide belts, and large rings on their fingers. Hair was often dyed in vibrant hues and a high ponytail was favored. Boy George and other music artists encouraged men to wear makeup, which was a taboo in the previous decade.
Oversized Blazers
The 80s was all about making a statement. That was especially true for men. The decade gave rise to power suits that were both voluminous and bold. They were meant to convey a sense of dominance and confidence, à la Patrick Bateman. And they weren’t just for the boardroom: Brooke Shields and other glam rockers used them to show off their rebellious, hard rock, or punk sides.
Oversized blazers were another popular style that dominated the era. Whether they were in pastel colors or bold primary hues, the silhouette was alluring and evocative. A blouson-style top or turtleneck would be layered underneath, creating a dress effect. The outfit was often finished off with a pair of ripped jeans and chunky sneakers. Some styles featured horizontal stripes or a chevron design. Parachute fabric was also a popular choice for clothing in the 80s. The fabric was lightweight and easy to care for, and outfits in this material were frequently adorned with logos, brightly colored stripes, or Hawaii-inspired designs. For extra flair, some pairs of shoes were tied with ‘fat laces’ – long strips of ribbon that could be used to add an extra pop of color and funk to any outfit.
Denim was another prevalent fashion trend of the era, particularly acid wash jeans. This style was a big influence on grunge culture, which sprang from the popularity of hard rock and heavy metal bands such as Nirvana and Sonic Youth. It was common for people to cut or slash their jeans, adding to the distressed look. In a recent Alexander Wang campaign, Gigi Hadid showcased a more modern take on the 80s acid wash jeans trend. The bleached jeans were paired with a sleek white tee, keeping the outfit from looking too literal.
Other notable trends of the era were leg warmers and asymmetrical details. The ra-ra skirt was one of the most popular skirt styles, which featured multiple layers or tiers in either flat or puffed-out tutu style. The 1983 movie Flashdance helped popularize asymmetrical details as well, with dancers sporting asymmetrical dresses and pants in pastel or monochrome shades.
Hosiery
The ’80s was an era that put power dressing into overdrive. The decade that gave us shoulder pads to make you look broader and more powerful, when big hair was a must and wore with a glitzy power suit.
It was also the era that brought us Sheer Tights. Sheer pantyhose was used to add a hint of glamour to any outfit and became a must-have 80s fashion accessory for women and teenagers. They were worn with short skirts and dresses and complimented perfectly by high-top sneakers. With celebrities and athletes promoting them, this fashion trend soon went mainstream.
Sheer tights were a great fashion statement and a good way for young women to express their individuality and independence. They were usually a bright color, but sometimes came in a pale pastel or even a white with polka dots. They also come in a variety of lengths, with the longest being knee-high.
Legwarmers were another popular fashion item to have and it was a must-have in any woman’s closet. They are usually made of spandex material and they’re available in a wide variety of colors, from neon and electric to neutrals and earthy hues. They can also be found in a patterned design like stripes or plaid and some have an animal print, giving them more of a funky feel.
The ’80s is known as the decade that started the double denim style craze and was pushed into overdrive by celebrities, such as Jane Fonda, who promoted fitness videos featuring her wearing her brightly colored Sheer Tights with jeans. This fashion trend was later promoted by music stars such as Cher and helped make what we now call athleisure a major part of the 80s fashion scene.
In this era, men started to give as much attention to their appearance as women. It was a time when oversized blazers were considered stylish. It was also a time when the term yuppie was coined and it marked the start of a new era where men were allowed to dress more stylishly than before.
The ’80s is known as the era of rock and roll, so naturally the fashion for boys included a few wild and crazy trends. The MC Hammer pants, also known as harem pants, were a rage in this era. The high-waisted trousers with long draped legs were a fashion trend that was both comfortable and stylish. They are still fashionable today and can be paired with a wide variety of styles, from striped t-shirts to crop tops.
Harem Pants
The ’80s was the decade when pants started to get creative, from baggy styles like parachute and Hammer pants (popularized by MC Hammer) to skinny jeans with cinched ankles. The result was a silhouette that was both comfortable and visually interesting. This style has been seen again as a more fashionable choice for many women, but it’s best worn with fitted tops to create balance and structure.
In the early 1900s, Parisian fashion designer Paul Poiret introduced harem pants to Western culture. Wider at the hips and thighs, with a low drop-crotch that fit tightly at the ankles, these Eastern inspired pants were worn with kaftans and head dresses, and were popularized by female stars such as Jane Fonda, Donna Summer, and Alexis Carrington on Dynasty. However, their popularity was short-lived and they faded into obscurity until the late 1980s, when MC Hammer rocked a pair of these pants in his song “You Can’t Touch This.” These new “Hammer Pants” were reminiscent of fashion that originated from the Arabian Peninsula and were a defining look in ’80s music and fashion.
For the men, pants trends also took an experimental turn with tapestry and metallic joggers that were characterized by a looser fit than traditional denim jeans. These pants were a great way for men to express themselves, and they became especially popular with rap artists and other male celebrities who incorporated them into their music videos.
Lastly, patterned pants were all the rage, with bold prints such as animal print making a huge impact on the fashion scene. Cheetah, zebra, leopard and other exotic prints were used on everything from pants to shirts to even jewelry and sneakers. This trend is still popular today with many designers and influencers incorporating these patterns into their collections.
The ’80s were the decade of bold colors, big hair, and unique looks. This year, it’s important to remember the legacy of this era and embrace its unique styles. Whether you’re embracing the oversized blazer, the skinny pant or the psychedelic harem pants, a little creativity goes a long way in creating a stand-out look that will have you feeling your sexiest!
