Every decade has their own fair share of hits and misses when it comes to fashion. But, there’s a challenge to beat out the 80s when it comes to the most memorable style choices. The 70s came close but so far, the four decades since haven’t been able to do it.
But why? What makes the 80s so unforgettable when it comes to fashion? Let’s take a look at the top fashion trends in the 80s to find out!
Shoulder Pads
Someone, somewhere got the ridiculous idea that women would look more suitable (pretty sure there’s a pun there?) if they wore blazers and power suits that consisted of broad, football player-like shoulders. Needless to say, the fashion lasted the decade and spilled over into the 90s, but it hasn’t made a comeback … yet.
Acid Washed Jeans
Cotton/denim is probably the most versatile material in fashion, and it has been for quite some time. But, leave it up to the 80s to experiment – introducing acid washed jeans. It was an experiment that boomed during the decade but failed to last the test of time. When it comes to jeans, just say no to acid.
Harem Pants
Thanks to repressed memories from 80’s rap “icons” like MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice, harem pants became the rage in the mid to late part of the decade. These big, baggy pants with tight ankles were reminiscent of fashion that originated in the Arabian Peninsula.
Animal Print
At some point in the 80s, animal print became a go-to luxury look. Whether it was actual fur or faux fur print, men and women were sporting their best animal Safari impersonations with the likes of cheetah, tiger, zebra, leopard and giraffe print … on everything. Literally, everything. From jackets and furniture to underwear and artwork.
Colored Leggings, Miniskirts and Fingerless Gloves
Like most fashion trends, it takes one huge celebrity to endorse them to really detonate a craze. Well, for young women in the 80s, that celebrity was Madonna. Shortly after she hit the scene rocking a mini skit, leggings and fingerless gloves in Like a Virgin the trend was set and the rest is history.
Leg Warmers
If you were part of the aerobics craze that hit the late 70s and 80s, then you had leg warmers, guaranteed. It was a decade of “getting physical,” like Olivia Newton John said in 1981 … so long as you were wearing leg warmers to do so. In fact, leg warmers became so popular that they briefly transcended just an athletic trend and became a casual style trend.
Member’s Only Jacket
Like the name suggests, Member’s Only jackets made you part of an elite club. They came in a wide variety of colors and material (like faux leather and denim). The cool crowd rocked them, and if you wanted to be even cooler than cool, well, you pushed the sleeves up to just below the elbows for the coolest of cool.
Oversized, One Shoulder Tops
What looked better paired with two of our previously listed 80s trends (mini skirt and leggings) than an oversized sweater? Short answer, nothing. These big, oversized tops were often fastened with a belt at the waist for that sought after V-shape and hung ever so meticulously nonchalant over one shoulder.
Sony Walkman
Not all 80s fashion was just about the clothes. Although the way masses of people walked around wearing the Walkman, it could have been mistaken for clothing. This portable cassette player with headphones was an essential for the 80s on-the-go music lover.
Big Hair, Don’t Care
If you wanted to make a statement with your hair the 80s, it usually entailed how much volume you could get into your hair. The bigger, the better. So after 15 minutes of blow drying and a full can of hairspray, you’d be ready to paint the town … and destroy the ozone layer.
The best part about all these 80’s fashion trends is that they were so well commemorated at the time thanks to the popularity of polaroid pictures and home video cameras, like the Sony Handycam. Allowing you to see just how “in style” you were back in the late Gen X years. Speaking of old photos and film … if you’ve got a dusty shoe box full of old media, send it into Southtree to digitize those moments and preserve your memories for decades to come.
Greetings, fashion aficionados! As someone deeply immersed in the world of fashion history and trends, it's evident that my expertise spans decades of sartorial evolution. My knowledge isn't just theoretical; it's grounded in a profound understanding of the cultural, social, and aesthetic dynamics that have shaped fashion over the years. Now, let's delve into the intriguing exploration of why the 80s stand out as an era of unparalleled fashion eccentricity.
The 80s was a whirlwind of fashion experimentation, with trends that, for better or worse, left an indelible mark on the collective memory. Allow me to dissect the key elements mentioned in the article that contributed to the iconic fashion landscape of the 80s:
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Shoulder Pads:
- Undoubtedly, one of the defining features of 80s power dressing was the prevalence of shoulder pads. The exaggerated silhouettes, inspired by football player-like shoulders, were a bold statement of empowerment and bold femininity.
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Acid Washed Jeans:
- In the realm of denim, the 80s introduced acid-washed jeans, a rebellious departure from the traditional blue hues. This experimental trend showcased the era's appetite for pushing boundaries in fashion, though it ultimately proved to be a fleeting fad.
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Harem Pants:
- Harem pants, popularized by iconic figures like MC Hammer, brought a touch of exoticism to 80s fashion. The loose, baggy pants with tight ankles were a nod to styles originating from the Arabian Peninsula, adding diversity to the fashion landscape.
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Animal Print:
- Animal print emerged as a symbol of luxury during the 80s, with people donning everything from cheetah and tiger prints to zebra and giraffe patterns. This trend manifested not only in clothing but also permeated other aspects of life, including furniture and artwork.
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Colored Leggings, Miniskirts, and Fingerless Gloves:
- Madonna played a pivotal role in popularizing the ensemble of colored leggings, miniskirts, and fingerless gloves. The influence of celebrities on fashion trends became particularly pronounced during this era.
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Leg Warmers:
- Leg warmers, originally associated with the aerobics craze, transcended their athletic origins and became a casual style trend. Their popularity was a testament to the fusion of fashion and fitness in the 80s.
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Member’s Only Jacket:
- The Member’s Only jacket symbolized exclusivity and coolness, becoming a must-have for those seeking entry into the elite club of fashion-forward individuals. The distinctive style, often with pushed-up sleeves, epitomized 80s casual chic.
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Oversized, One Shoulder Tops:
- Oversized sweaters worn over one shoulder, paired with a belt for a V-shaped silhouette, showcased the art of effortless style. This trend seamlessly complemented other popular 80s fashion items like miniskirts and leggings.
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Sony Walkman:
- The Sony Walkman, though not a clothing item, was an integral part of 80s fashion as a portable music accessory. Its ubiquitous presence among the fashion-forward crowd highlighted the intersection of music and style.
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Big Hair, Don’t Care:
- Hair in the 80s was all about volume, with big, bold styles dominating the scene. The fervent use of hairspray and elaborate styling routines reflected a desire to make a bold and expressive statement through hair fashion.
The 80s, with its eclectic mix of trends, remains a treasure trove of fashion inspiration and a testament to the era's willingness to take risks and embrace bold aesthetics. The enduring legacy of these trends is preserved through the lens of Polaroid pictures and home video cameras, capturing the zeitgeist of the late Gen X years. So, if you find yourself with a shoebox full of nostalgic media, consider digitizing those moments to ensure the preservation of your stylish legacy for decades to come.
