Dare to Dominate in Women 80's Fashion
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Hey there! Well, get ready to hit the awesome wave and go back to the 1980s, a decade in which dressing up was more than just putting on clothes—it was an art. Regardless of whether you were born at the time or not, you’ve probably seen something of the 80s’ flashy style in films, music videos, or perhaps those family photos your parents keep in the attic to this day. Well, if you are a fan of all things ’80s, or if you’re still wondering what the big deal was with women 80’s fashion, then you’re in luck because we’re going to be taking a closer look at ’80s fashion for women here soon, so hang tight; it’s going to be like, totally tubular!
Why the '80s Fashion is Still So Cool Today
You may be asking yourself, why are we still so enamored by ‘80s fashion? It has been years since the ‘80s, right? The answer to this is a no brainer, ‘80s fashion was (and is) awesome! Unlike today’s more conservative trends, the ‘80s were about as loud as you could get, at least in terms of fashion trends.
Think about it: from ‘big hair’ to ‘big shoulders,’ ‘big’ was the operative word in ‘80s fashion: huge shoulder pads, enormous shirts, and even larger jewelry that might have been visible from orbit. And, of course, the hair – the hair! Huge, expressive, and as extroverted as the garments. The ’80s were the years for fashion to scream: this is who I am, and I don’t care if you don’t like it.
You know what? That spirit of individuality is something that never goes out of fashion that is why even today we continue to see ‘80s inspired looks on the ramps, in the music videos and on the streets. From the high-waisted trousers and the power suit with the shoulder pads and the neon colors, ’80s fashion has already become the part of our lives. It’s like fun and creativity without end, it goes round and round!
Let’s Talk About the Signature '80s Look
Okay, okay, let’s now get to the point—what did the ’80s actually look like? If you were to reduce it down to one word, that word would be ‘excess’. Everything was larger, more luminous, and more ostentatious. The 80s were the decade of individualism and ensuring that everyone knew it, and who wouldn’t want a dose of that in their closet now?
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Loud accessories and makeup
80’s look is incomplete without some outrageously loud accessories. Thick large earrings, thick bangles, and belt. Colorful makeup blue eye shadow and pink blush and, there you have it.
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big hair
it is your hair’s turn, and don’t think for a moment that this step is not very important, as it is the final stage of the styling process. Bounce it, spray it, and make it as large as is humanly possible
The ‘fun factor’ of the eighties fashion was all about not taking fashion too seriously, and not shying away from experimenting. It was a decade where the phrase ‘the bigger, the better’ could be said to have dominated and to some extent, it’s hard not to like that.
Who Were the Style Icons of the 80's?
However, it is impossible to discuss ‘’80s fashion without acknowledging the lovely ladies who wore them and inspired us all to borrow their outfits. These ladies didn’t just wear the ‘80s – they embodied the decade. Now let’s look at some of the most prominent style mavens of the decade.
Madonna
If there’s one person who defined ‘80s fashion, it’s her. Madonna was the queen of blending different styles and coming up with something unique and that belonged to her alone. Do you still recall her ‘Like a Virgin’ period? Velvet lace gloves, several layered necklaces, bustiers, and the boy-toy belts, she had them all. Madonna was not shy about shocking the world, and her provocative attitude changed the fashion world for an entire generation of fans. She took a lot of care to make it acceptable for women to be slightly dangerous, slightly provocative, and very confident.
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Princess Diana
Following the above list, we have the ever glamorous Princess Diana. Where Madonna was the rebel, Princess Diana brought elegance and sophistication to the fashion scene in the 1980s She had this unique ability of making high fashion accessible and that’s why she was a fashion icon not only to the British people but to the world at large She was a stylish lady and could wear a glamorous gown or a simple sweater and jeans and still look stylish Diana is still a fashion icon to this day and many of her outfits have been.
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Jane Fonda
There is no way we can talk about fashion in aerobics clothing without mentioning Jane Fonda, the fitness guru of the 1980s. Imagining legging, warmers, and headbands in bright and bold colours. She turned fitness into fashion and the desire to be associated with aerobics became the new trend. Through her they started dressing sportier so the lines between sportswear and fashion became a little more grey than black and white and athleisure became a thing.
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These women, along with many others, were not passive followers of fashion: they were its leaders. They demonstrated to the world that fashion is a weapon of political and social statement and this they did in a way that is still relevant today.
How to Rock Women 80's Fashion Today Without Looking Like You’re in a Costume?
Here’s the thing, though: ‘80s fashion is fabulous, but we understand that you don’t want to look like you dressed up for an ‘80s costume party every time you step out of the house; the great news is that you don’t have to. It is all about moderation and selection.
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I think the first thing we should address is the obvious. High-waisted jeans are a good start. They come in all sorts of shades and prints, but are primarily soft pastels and neon brights – perfect for the ‘80s. They can be worn with a plain t-shirt or blouse, making them a modern throwback. If you dare, wear an oversized blazer with thin shoulder pads. It’s a power suit in a way that’s not too overpowering.
The other part of ‘80s clothing accessories is also great fun: a pair of large earrings or a belt can add just the right amount of the ‘80s spirit to the outfit, and if you want to go over the edge, you can try applying bright lipstick or a bit of blue eyeshadow. The rest of the makeup should be minimal to avoid overdoing it and looking like one is in a costume.
I love that about the fashion of the eighties; you can either go completely mad and dress in full eighties style, or you can just incorporate little touches of the eighties into your outfit. The important thing here is to play with it and make it personal. Well, that was the spirit of the ‘80s, wasn’t it?
Got an '80s Party Coming Up? Here’s How to Steal the Show!
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neon fashion
The ‘80s were about vibrant colors, so don’t be shy here – neon is your friend here – hot pink, electric blue, bright yellow, use it all, a neon dress, leggings or a bright accessories are perfect for ‘80s look.
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accessories
Now let me tell you about accessories. You’re going to want to pile them on. Think large hoop earrings, thick bangles and many rings. Bracelets were also in vogue in the ‘80s, so get yourself a wide and gaudy belt to hold your waist in place And what about hair? It should be as bouffant as the rest of the outfit – teased, crimped, or simply big and curly.
If you are still in a fix on which way to follow, consider some of the ‘’ classic ‘’ 1980s movies. Are you getting the full diva experience? Go all out like the queen of pop with as much lace and fishnets as you want, and a bow in your hair. Or maybe you’re more of a prom queen—think ruffled dresses, satin gloves, and lots of glitter. Whatever you decide, bear in mind that in the ‘80s, the bigger the better, and go wild, this is your chance to be in the spotlight!
Perfect your 80s look with these accessories and details.
Jewellery in 1980s was considered to be glamorous and should be as loud as the person wearing the piece of jewellery. Customers enjoyed wearing large, bright pieces that could be seen from a distance and that gave character to the clothes.
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Big earrings
Big earrings especially of a chunky style were a necessity. The larger the earring, the better, with large hoop earrings or dangling styles to draw attention to the face, especially that of women. These earrings were available in different shapes, colors and materials, and they could be worn on any occasion as they were unique and gave a different outlook to the whole appearance.
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colored bracelets
Another style that was loved was colored bracelets. Individuals used to adorn their arms with several bangles and this gave a jovial outlook. Regardless if they are plastic, metal or wood, these bangles were fashionable and charm bracelets with caught items were cute and playful.
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high heeled pumps
Fashion accessories especially shoes in the 80s as diverse and as an extension of the clothes people wore. Shoes were a final touch to any outfit, they complemented an outfit perfectly. Pumps were a necessity for women’s formal footwear particularly for the working women. They were mostly high heeled and available in a variety of colors from the black color to neon colors. Pumps were elegant and put on heels which were ideal for power dressing.
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cowboy boots
Sport shoes also evolved to another level of fashion during this time. Nike and Adidas for example popularized stylish and comfortable sport shoes. These sports shoes were worn with casual outfits, which was practical yet trendy. Boots were also a trend in the eighties, especially cowboy boots that gave a rebellious touch to the dressing style. They could be worn with jeans, skirts, and even dresses.
Famous '80s Movies and Their Fashion Influence
If there is one area where ‘the eighties’ fashion seemed to come to life, it was on the big screen. Big screen fashion moments of the 90s are still popular to date, and most of them originated from the movies.
Beginning with the film “Pretty Woman”, Yes, yes, this movie was actually released in 1990 but let’s not split hairs, shall we? I think that Julia Roberts’ character, Vivian, had some of the most memorable outfits of the last decade of the twentieth century. You know the one, the red dress and white gloves look? It is the kind of style that has been copied many times, and it remains popular even to this date. ‘Pretty Woman’ was a blend of classy sophistication and a hint of 80s fashion that proved that the influence of the decade was still present even as the new decade began.
Then there’s “Flashdance”. This movie didn’t just give us an iconic dance scene but also gave us serious fashion inspiration. We saw sweatshirts with off-the-shoulder treatment, leg warmers and leotards, fitness wear became trendy after this movie came out. The movie made women want to look like they are ready to dance at any given time.
Who can forget “The Breakfast Club” this movie alone was a fashion bible, showing how versatile the fashion of the eighties could be from Molly Ringwald’s Princess look to Ally Sheedy’s layered and slightly rebellious look.
These movies were not simply of entertainment, but they acted as a guide to a generation’s way of life. And even now, their impact can still be seen in the world of fashion, in haute couture and even in the streets.
Why We’ll Always Love the '80s?
So before we put away the Walkman and the neon leg warmers, let us consider why the ‘80s will always remain dear to us. The ‘80s was a decade of bright colors and even brighter ideas, and this is why it was so great – no one cared about anything and they wore what they wanted.
The ‘80s were the birthplace of the idea that fashion is not only about the trends but about trends that one sets. Its about being daring, enjoying yourself, and being confident with who you are. And, to be quite frank, that is not something that many of us can indulge in today.
So whether you’re looking to add a touch of ’80s flair to your wardrobe or you’re just here for the nostalgia, remember this: the ‘80s were not just a decade but it was revolution. And that revolution is as active today as any time in the past whenever one decides to be true to themselves.
Now, you can go on and paint your face like you are an ‘80s legend. Tousle that hair, wear some neon, and do not forget to be silly about it. For, after all, fashion should be a little outrageous, a little provocative, and a whole lot of personal.