Fashion in the 1980s was bold, fearless, and simply unforgettable. From the gritty underground punk scene to the colorful leg warmers and neon colors of the aerobics lifestyle to oversized blazers with epic shoulder pads, we're constantly seeing the influence of '80s trends in today's fashion.
Women's apparel in the late 1980s included jackets (both cropped and long), coats (both cloth and fake fur), reversible inside-out coats (leather on one side, fake fur on the other), rugby sweatshirts, sweater dresses, taffeta and pouf dresses, baby doll dresses worn with capri leggings or bike shorts, slouch socks, ...
The colors were bolder, feathered hair, designs had sharper angles and fewer curves. Waistlines were high enough that a woman's belly button was covered by her denim jeans. More colorful mascara but less colorful lipstick.
80s fashion was bold, fearless, and unforgettable, with trends like shoulder pads, neon colours, leg warmers, acid wash jeans, leather jackets, oversized tops, mini skirts, statement accessories, high-top sneakers, and sequins.
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.
Hairstyles in the 1980s included the mullet, tall mohawk hairstyles, jheri curls, flattops, and hi-top fades, which became popular styles. Amongst women, large hair-dos, puffed-up styles, permanent waves, and softer cuts typified the decade.
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. High-waisted pants, skirts, or shorts were a popular choice in the 80s.
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.
Recreating the look of a famous icon is a popular choice for many attending an 80s themed party. Baywatch, Ghostbusters, Madonna, Prince and Pulp Fiction to name but a few.
Men's casual attire in the 1980s resembled the laid-back fashion showcased in Ferris Bueller's Day Off: rolled jeans or khakis, cozy cardigans, basic tees, denim or bomber jackets, and slip-on loafers.
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.
When choosing clothes for elderly ladies, look for versatility in your garments, for example: Loose-fit skirts with elegant prints and pleats that spread easily while sitting. Trousers that pull on easily with back waist elastication for added comfort. Cardigans without buttons that are warm and easy to put on.
Bright neon pink, yellow, blue, and light green hues are used in this color scheme, reminiscent of the '80s and its "bigger is better" fashion trends.
The fashion world of the Eighties is known for its bright colors, big hair and shoulder pads. In the last decade before the Internet and mobile phones, globally successful TV series such as Dynasty and Miami Vice shaped the style of fashion as much as the stars of pop music.
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.
Popular 80s fashion trends included bold colors, oversized silhouettes, shoulder pads, neon clothing, and chunky jewelry. Women also embraced DIY fashion, customizing denim and creating handmade accessories.
The eighties was the decade of MORE: Big hair, loud fashion, neon color, fast cars, mega-hold hair gel, and acid-washed jeans, the more rips, the better. Paradoxically, the eighties beauty rules were still about deprivation. When it came to the female body, LESS was still more.
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.
Vibrant eyeliners, neon eyeshadows, and coloured mascaras were used to create dramatic, larger-than-life 80s eye makeup and lipstick colours like fuchsia, plum and bubblegum pink were lacquered onto the lips to create vivid 80s pouts. Everything looked lifted and dynamic in the 80s, especially when it came to blush.
From orange, pink to even blue, people went all out with their hair color choices. Several people also opted for burgundy tones and wine color hair. After going wild with coloring their hair in the '80s, people started going back to more neutral colors.