How to Dress in 80s Style?
Welcome to a journey back in time when fashion was bold, daring, and iconic—the vibrant era of the 1980s. The 1980s was an era known for its bold fashion choices, vibrant colors, and unique silhouettes. Bold personalities like Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Princess Diana influenced a generation. With a few simple tips and outfit ideas, you can easily recreate the iconic looks of the 80s using the clothes you already have in your wardrobe. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to dress in 80s style, incorporating the trends of that era into your modern-day outfits.
Tips to Get 80s Looks
The 80s were a time of bold fashion choices, from neon colors to shoulder pads. But if you’re looking to channel the decade without going full-on costume, there are plenty of ways to dress like the 80s with normal clothes. Here are some tips to help you get the look:
1. Wear Bright Colors
The 80s were all about making a statement with vibrant colors. Incorporate bold hues like neon pinks, electric blues, and vibrant yellows or red into your outfits. Mix and match different colors to create a lively and eye-catching look.
2. Highlight Your Shoulder Area
If you want to dress in 80s style, look for blazers, jackets, or tops with padded shoulders to create a structured and powerful silhouette. It’s important to balance out the outfit with fitted bottoms to create a flattering shape.
3. Go for the Oversized
Oversized clothing was a big part of the 80s look. Look for items like oversized blazers, sweaters, and jackets. You can also look for items with exaggerated details like shoulder pads and big collars.
4. Choose High-Waisted Bottoms
High-waisted pants, skirts, or shorts were a popular choice in the 80s. Opt for high-waisted jeans, skirts, or trousers to achieve an authentic retro look. Pair them with tucked-in tops or cropped blouses to showcase the high waist and elongate your legs.
5. Remember to Include a Trench Coat in Your Outfit
A trench coat is a timeless piece that was widely worn in the 80s. Choose a trench coat in a bold color or opt for patterns like animal print or checks to add an 80s twist. Layer it over your outfits for a stylish and sophisticated touch.
6. Expose the Shoulders
Off-the-shoulder tops were a staple of 80s fashion and continue to be a fashionable choice today. Look for off-the-shoulder blouses or dresses to showcase your collarbones and add a touch of femininity to your ensemble.
7. Rock a Mini-Skirt
Mini skirts were a symbol of the 80s fashion scene. Choose a vibrant and patterned mini-skirt and pair it with a tucked-in blouse or a graphic tee for a playful and retro look. Don’t forget to accessorize with statement belts and chunky jewelry.
8. Consider Wearing Ripped Jeans
Ripped jeans were a rebellious trend of the 80s. Opt for a pair of distressed jeans and pair them with a graphic tee or an oversized sweater for a casual yet edgy 80s-inspired outfit. Add some colorful accessories or scrunchies for an extra dose of retro charm.
9. Invest in a Denim Jacket
A denim jacket is a classic and versatile wardrobe staple that gained popularity in the 80s. To achieve an effortlessly cool and timeless 80s look, you can opt for a cropped or oversized denim jacket and style it with dresses, tops, or jumpsuits. You can also customize your denim jacket by adding patches or pins to give it a personalized touch.
10. Remember to wear your leg warmers
Leg warmers were an especially popular trend in the early to mid-decade, particularly in the 1980s. They were made from wool, cotton, and synthetic fiber blends and were available in a variety of colors. Brighter colors were more popular than duller and neutral hues. You could wear leg warmers with almost any type of bottom, whether it was a mini-skirt or skinny jeans. whether it was a mini-skirt or skinny jeans.
11. Wear the right heels
It was common for adult women to wear heels with most of their outfits, regardless of whether they were dressing professionally or casually. You can choose a pair of pointed-toe sling-backs with a high and slender heel. For a versatile option, you can go with either white or black. Alternatively, you can opt for a bright yellow or pink if you want to add some fun and playfulness to your outfit by channeling the neon-colored reputation of American 1980s fashion.
12. Wear sneakers or boots.
In addition to high heels, teenagers and young women also wore sneakers and boots with many of their outfits. A pair of thick-soled, black lace-up boots goes well with almost any bottom, from mini-skirts to acid-wash jeans.
13. Bold Jewelry, Teased Hair, and Dramatic Makeup
To achieve an American 1980s look for women, wear large and gaudy jewelry, preferably diamond or pearl earrings. Tease your hair and apply heavy makeup to accentuate your cheeks and eyes with black eyeliner, bold eyeshadow, and heavy blush.
Now that you have some tips on how to incorporate 80s fashion into your everyday outfits, let’s dive into some outfit ideas that capture the essence of the 80s using normal clothes.
Simple 80s Outfit Ideas With Normal Clothes
Creating 80s-inspired outfits doesn’t have to involve hunting for vintage pieces. With your existing wardrobe, you can effortlessly achieve the iconic looks of the era. Here are some simple outfit ideas that capture the essence of the 80s using normal clothes:
1. Match Cycling Shorts With Formalwear
Pair cycling shorts with a blazer, oversized shirt, and heels for a stylish blend of casual and formal 80s aesthetics.
2. Combine a Biker Leather Jacket with Denim Jeans
Pair a classic rider leather jacket with high-waisted jeans, a band tee, and boots for an edgy 80s-inspired outfit.
3. Wear Bold, Bright Colors
Create a head-turning look by pairing a brightly colored top with contrasting bottoms and accessories.
4. Pair Chunky Knitwear With Wide-leg Pants
Combine a chunky knit sweater with wide-leg pants or culottes for a cozy yet trendy 80s-inspired ensemble.
5. Style Oversized Blazers with Shoulder Pads
Opt for an oversized blazer with shoulder pads, worn over a simple top and skinny jeans, to achieve a powerfully chic 80s look.
6. Wear High Waisted Mom Jeans
Style high-waisted mom jeans with a tucked-in graphic tee and sneakers for a casual and retro 80s vibe.
7. Pair Off-Shoulder Tops with Snug Flared Pants
Style an off-shoulder top with tight-fitting flared pants or leggings for a glamorous and party-ready 80s outfit.
With these outfit ideas, you can effortlessly embrace the 80s fashion trends using the clothes you already have in your wardrobe. Remember to have fun experimenting with different combinations and accessories to personalize your 80s-inspired looks.
FAQs: Your Style Queries Answered
Q: Can I mix different ’80s trends in one outfit?
A: Absolutely! Experiment with layering different ’80s elements for a unique and eclectic look.
Q: Are shoulder pads a must-have for an authentic ’80s look?
A: While optional, shoulder pads can add a touch of true ’80s glamour to your ensemble.
Q: Can men embrace the neon trend?
A: Certainly! Neon knows no gender. Incorporate neon shades into your wardrobe confidently.
Q: What’s the key to achieving the perfect ’80s hair volume?
A: Teasing and hairspray are your best friends. Embrace the voluminous curls for that iconic ’80s hairdo.
Q: Where can I find authentic ’80s pieces for my collection?
A: Explore thrift stores, vintage markets, and online platforms specializing in retro fashion.