Bigger and flashier than preceding decades, ’80s fashion was just plain cool. Channel the decade of style excess with these looks:
Big hair
Nothing is more ’80s than big bombastic hair: crazily teased, perms for those not blessed with naturally wavy tresses, bumper bangs, all accessorized with an artfully arranged scrunchie. Both men and women sported voluminous short hairstyles or long lustrous locks.
Graphic tees
Graphic tees are everywhere today, but they didn’t get popular until ’70s or ’80s. Today, you can let everyone know of your love for New York or Duran Duran by plastering your t-shirt with an image or slogan.
Power dressing
The professional women of the ’80s wore conservative business suits in dark colors to assert authority and competence. Shoulder pads defined the silhouette and lent the illusion of broader shoulders. Geometric, stern and absolutely fierce.
Dancewear-inspired clothing
Movies where dance was the theme – think “Footloose” and “Dirty Dancing” – made leg warmers, stirrup pants, oversized shirts and cropped tops extremely popular.
Designer denim
Thanks to the ’80s, jeans are not only mainstream, but high end. Haute couture brands like Guess or Calvin Klein came out with jeans whose price tags defied the garment’s humble origins. These jeans were artfully deconstructed with acid wash, stone wash and paint splatters.
The preppy look
You’re straight-laced and college-bound, and your clothes better communicate it. Crisp button down shirts, turtlenecks, blazers and sweaters casually draped over your shoulders made you look the part. Essential brands of the preppy girl or boy were L.L. Bean, Ralph Lauren and Talbots.
Converse high tops
The ’80s had a couple of iconic shoes, but none are so enduring as Converse high tops. This casual staple was embraced by both men and women – in the same vein as Doc Martens or Pixie boots, girls sought for androgynous looks that would put them on par with the boys.
Lingerie as outerwear
Thank the Material Girl for this sexy style. Corset-style tops and dresses, ripped stockings and lace really rev up your look. Get this style by layering on boudoir-inspired separates.
Eye-searing bright colors
Forget subtlety – solid pastels, jewel tones and neons dominated the 1980s color palette like a Pop Art print. Stores like Esprit or Benetton were go-to brands to get oversized, layered knitted brights.
Mini skirts
Denim, knit or leather, mini skirts were the style of choice for young women in the ’80s. This sky-high look could be layered over leggings and slouch socks to look more demure, or paired with pumps and pantyhose for a more mature look.