The 1980s saw the UK under the leadership of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and her conservative government with their free-market economics and privatisation policies. The 80s was a time of social mobility and with increased disposable income, consumerism surged, and people were eager to display their wealth and status through material possessions. Fashion embraced this Yuppie culture through bold and flashy designs, incorporating brand names prominently on clothing and accessories.
Women were taking the corporate world by storm, and their fashion choices reflected their ambition. 'Power dressing' became a new phenomenon as they wore sharp tailored, bold coloured suits with large shoulder pads reflecting their desire to project authority and success. American TV shows such as Dynasty with starts such as Joan Collins championed this look.
The influence of the British royal family on fashion should also be acknowledged when discussing 1980s British fashion. Princess Diana, the fashion icon of the era, captivated the world with her timeless style and elegance. Her choice of headwear, from wide-brimmed hats to pillbox hats, became instantly iconic and heavily emulated. The "Diana effect" prompted a resurgence of traditional hat styles, reflecting the elegance and sophistication associated with the British monarchy.
The flamboyant frilled Ra-Ra skirt became the 80s version of the 'mini-skirt' .
Double denim, or leather jackets with high waisted ankle length jeans worn with high heels was a trend. T-shirts took on a political stance by incorporating impactful slogans into their designs.
Although the 80s witnessed a continuation of the punk with its safety pins, badges, studded leather and brightly coloured Mohawk-inspired hair, it was the arrival of the nostalgic and flamboyant New Romantic movement with its frilled shirts, coloured hair, vintage jewellery and futuristic make. Headwear played a role in this movement, with flamboyant hats and hair accessories adding a touch of theatricality to the overall look.
The advancement of technology, particularly MTV and its music videos, brought about rapid crossovers between pop music, film, and fashion. Icons like Madonna became key fashion influencers, with necklace and bracelet stacking, fishnet tights, crucifixes, and fingerless lace gloves becoming popular accessories.
The decade also witnessed a surge in fitness fads and athletic influences. Jane Fonda's workout videos and the popularity of TV shows like 'Fame' and the film 'Flashdance' fuelled a desire for active and sporty fashion. Leotards, skin-tight lycra leggings, oversized off-the-shoulder sweatshirts, and leg warmers became iconic pieces. Headbands and sweatbands were often worn as fashionable accessories, emphasizing the athletic trend.
1980s also saw a rise in awareness and activism surrounding ethical issues, such as animal rights and environmentalism. These concerns influenced the fashion industry, leading to a rise in the popularity of faux fur and synthetic materials.
