Eighties’ beauty ideals
It was the decade that brought us the supermodel. Christie Brinkley, Cindy Crawford, Iman, Elle MacPherson, Linda Evangelista…the list of eighties’ runway stunners is long. They were tall, slender, and strong.
A more muscular look for women was continuing to emerge due to advances in fitness and, in part, the feminist spirit. Muscle tone signified strength, capability, and independence.
Before the fitness craze of the 1980s, a woman aspiring to the cultural ideal needed only deny her appetite. But the stakes were raised, and now there was pressure to tone up. And the modern woman had little excuse to slack off when a VCR meant Jane Fonda could come right into her living room.
Remember theseventies superwoman?The 1980s’ lady wanting to get ahead had a bit more on her plate now—between her sky’s-the-limit career opportunities, family life, and Jazzercise classes.
Power suits were en vogue. Shoulder pads gave the impression of broader shoulders, suggesting strength. Still, the ideal figure was very thin.
The average woman’s BMI was around 25, while Cindy Crawford’s was said to be 19. In fact, the BMIs of several eighties supermodels ranged from just 17 to 20.
Fashions in the eighties showed off the legs, accentuated the breasts and sometimes even exposed the belly. Crop tops, leotards, and leggings left little to the imagination.
