A classic 80s look, the off-shoulder top and dress were must-haves in the decade. Women's tops usually had a one-shoulder cut, while dresses were often designed with two straps that draped off the shoulders. In the '80s, women often wore off-shoulder tops with statement jewelry, making for a glamorous look.
Popular Clothing: Women wore unisex and gender-specific clothing, including sweaters (turtlenecks, crewnecks), faux fur coats, trench coats, midriff-baring tops, tube tops, knee-length skirts, high-waisted baggy pants, and designer jeans. Accessories included skinny belts and knee-length boots.
1980s makeup elements
Foundation was applied in layers and was typically two shades lighter than the natural skin tone (like Madonna's look from the 1987 AMAs). Blush was a must in the '80s, applied in bright pinks and deep plums at an angle from the hollow of the cheek to the temple.
If you're putting together a casual look for women, think high-waisted jeans, turtlenecks, velvet blazers, and loose dresses with sneakers, thick heels, or round-toed boots. For men, early '80s casual looks included rolled straight-legged jeans with slouched socks, polo shirts, and polyester button ups.
Headbands were a favorite among '80s preps, thanks in part to movies like Heathers and Pretty in Pink. Whether they were padded, braided, or covered in satin, headbands added a polished touch to any outfit. These weren't your basic stretchy bands—they were accessories in their own right.
Leggings were a huge part of '80s fashion, and can be used to create a wide variety of looks. It was used popularly as a fitness or dance st...
In 80-degree weather, removable layers are your friend! A lightweight jacket or sweater is ideal for warm weather activities like cycling, rock climbing , or hiking. Make sure your base layer is made from a breathable, moisture-wicking fabric like Tencel or a polyblend.
JEWELRY STYLES
As the decade opened, the focus in jewelry was on gold and diamonds. Thin gold chains were worn in multiples as bracelets and, in various lengths, as necklaces, often with gold charms and small gem-set pendants.
The decade, characterized by eye-straining fabric colors and patterns, acid wash jeans, shoulder pads, massive, dramatic earrings, pearls, and big hair, had people confidently expressing themselves with their Style. Big, vibrant, and brilliant certainly capture the essence of 1980s fashion.
The 1980s was a decade of excess, and fashion was no exception. Women's 80s fashion was characterized by bold colors, oversized silhouettes, and a fearless attitude towards mixing patterns and textures. It was a time when bigger was better, and subtlety took a back seat to statement-making ensembles.
Often made from stretchy materials like spandex or lycra, mini skirts were a popular choice for clubwear and casual outings. The mini skirt was also worn as a ruffle/ra-ra or tutu, allowing for creative expression and a sense of fun, which were central to the 1980s aesthetic.
Naturally, styles from the late seventies continued into the start of the 1980s. During the first few years of the decade, footwear for women included knee-high boots with thick kitten heels, trainers (sneakers), mules, round-toed shoes and boots.
This was a stark contrast to the tight fits of the 80s. Rise: High-waisted "mom jeans" were common early in the decade. Low-rise styles gained popularity later, especially for women. Leg style: Straight leg and boot-cut styles were prevalent.
From 1980 until 1983, popular women's accessories included thin belts, knee-high boots with thick kitten heels, sneakers, jelly shoes (a new trend at the time), mules, round-toed shoes and boots, jelly bracelets (inspired by Madonna in 1983), shoes with thick heels, small, thin necklaces (with a variety of materials, ...
These electric hues weren't applied sparingly, either: in many cases, eyeshadow was swept on from the lash line to the brow bone, ensuring the wearer would stand out in an (equally colorful) crowd. For lipstick, hot pink and fuschia were among the most popular hues of the decade—the more pigmented, the better.
To create an 80s eye makeup look, start by laying down a vibrant cream eyeshadow base in a punchy pink shade, then use a deep, purple eyeshadow to create the beautiful, blown-out crease that was everywhere in the 80s.
Take a look back at a few of the many styles of women's shoes from the '80s, including spike heels, wedges, flats, pumps, penny loafers, moccasins and boat shoes, just to name a few!