The 1980s were a time of big, bold colors and fashion. Crazy bright colors, wild patterns, and odd clothes trends were all the rage. So, this decade was the decade of power dressing to punk rock aesthetics. Wanna know what fashion style was really popular in the 80s? Let’s see what made 80s fashion great.
I love reading about fashion, and especially old fashion ideas! For your ease, I’ve compiled this guide for you to slay like 80s fashion icon:
| 80s Fashion Style | Quick Overview |
| Power Dressing | Strong shoulder pads, bold suits, corporate power. |
| Punk Rock | Ripped jeans, leather, DIY rebellion. |
| Glam Rock | Glitter, sequins, flashy, Bowie-inspired. |
| Fitness Fashion | Neon spandex, leg warmers, workout chic. |
| Preppy Style | Polo shirts, pastels, Ivy League classic. |
| Denim Trends | High-waist and acid-wash jeans, casual cool. |
| New Romantic | Ruffles, velvet, dramatic vintage flair. |
| Hip Hop | Oversized clothes, gold chains, street style. |
What Fashion Style Was Really Popular in the 80s?
The 1980s fashion was bold and expressive, with diverse styles, like power dressing featuring strong shoulder pads and sharp suits. Punk rock fashion embraced torn clothes and DIY rebellion. Glam rock included glitter, sequins, and flashy outfits. Fitness fashion had neon spandex and leg warmers inspired by workout culture. Preppy style focused on clean, classic Ivy League looks, emphasizing sophistication and tradition.
Power Dressing: Broad Shoulders and Sharp Suits
In the 1980s, power dressing became a big fashion trend. To show they were strong and powerful, women started to wear suits with wide shoulder pads. This was in reaction to the rising number of women getting into more corporate jobs. It was in style (oversized blazer, sharp lines, feeling confident).
The shoulder pads on the bold silhouette became a symbol of empowerment. Celebrities and businesswomen adopted this look, and they ran with it. Did you know some shoulder pads could be as comprehensive as 5 inches?
Although they could be seen dressed in suits with matching skirts or trousers, bright colors only added personality to the outfits. This was about instilling confidence and ambition into someone and their appearance.
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Punk Rock Fashion: Embracing Rebellion
In the 1980s, punk rock meant rebellious fashion. Clothing was torn and distressed to fit in with the anti-establishment phenomenon. People wore leather jackets, ripped jeans, and lots of band T-shirts. Vivienne Westwood was a big part of this trend, advancing by crossing punk elements to haute couture.
Imperfection and individuality were key to the punk style. This was raw and aggressive; it was not mainstream aesthetics. The average punk rocker owned at least three leather jackets, all heavily customized. Safety pins, studs, and patches were used as accessories. Also, bright, unusual-coloured dyes were used on hair to lend to the rebellious look. That punk ethos = do your own thing.
Glam Rock: Inspired by Music Icons
Glam rock had such a big influence on fashion as the music scene had. Icons like David Bowie and Madonna influenced many 80s trends. Bowie’s androgynous visage and Madonna’s sparkly lace tops more or less became synonymous. Glam rock was synonymous with dramatic styles, including glitter and bright makeup.
Glam rock was flamboyant and extravagant. David Bowie wore over 30 types of glitter in his stage outfits. Key features of this style were sequins, leather, and metallic fabric. These looks appealed to the boldness of many who had started to adopt them. Chunky jewelry also added a little more individuality to the outfits. What mattered was the statement and celebrating individuality.
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Fitness Fashion: Neon Colors and Spandex
Fitness trends also took over fashion in the 1980s. Fitness culture became a thing, and workout wear moved from fitness nerds to mainstream flashy life. Day-to-day wear became spandex, neon colors, and leg warmers. Jane Fonda’s workout videos got these trends on the streetwear block and led to colorful leotards and headbands.
It was a comfortable and fun fitness fashion. Colored spandex worked well for both workouts and casual outings. Sales of spandex in the 1980s increased by over 80% in just five years. Sweatbands and wristbands, plus leotards paired with leggings, became very fashionable. The trend veered to focusing on health, activity, and brightly colored, energizing elements that added life to everyday makeup looks.
Preppy Style: Ivy League Influence
The 1980s was a much more polished (preppy) fashion fad. It involved polo shirts, sweaters, and khakis. The clean, conservative look it took on was heavily influenced by Ivy League culture. This was popularized by brands such as Ralph Lauren, which promoted sophistication and tradition.
The preppy outfit was clean and structured. Popped collars became a signature of the classic polo shirt carried by 40+ percent of preppy followers. The classic preppy style included pastel colors, argyle sweaters, and loafers.
In turn, this trend was often associated with wealth and class, and it had always portrayed a well-groomed and orderly image. It had to look effortless and stylish but polished.
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Denim Trends: High-Waisted and Acid Wash Jeans
One cannot ignore fashion in the 1980s without mentioning denim. Acid-wash high-waisted jeans were very popular. They were comfortable jeans, often worn with cropped T-shirts or oversized jackets. Acid wash denim was a very distinct look, delivering a bold and casual look without being too privileged.
Denim jackets, skirts, and dresses were also significant. By the late 80s, acid-washed denim was a normal part of the denim business; over 60% of sales consisted of acid-washed items. Denim could be worn dressed up or down.
Most often, people wore double denim. Also, with the acid-wash effect, denim got a more relaxed, almost grunge-like look. It was a simple way of displaying a casual and stylish air.
The New Romantic Movement: Theatrical Aesthetic
Many, however, had historical references, and the New Romantic style entered with elements of theatre. The look was ruffled shirts, velvet blazers, and lots of makeup. Spandau Ballet and bands like them were key proponents, chic bits of Victorian-era elegance to their modern looks. It sold a combination of nostalgia and futuristic creativity and promoted a unique style.
New Romantics embraced luxurious fabrics and striking designs. A popular piece in this trend is the ruffled shirts, which could contain as many as 15 ruffles. In their outfits, they used lace, silk, and velvet.
Curls, dramatic volume, or big, elaborate hairstyles were also big. It was a trend of art and experimentation combining vintage inspiration with a new fashion motivation. Drama and elegance were its strong points.
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Hip Hop Fashion: A Streetwear Revolution
A time when hip-hop fashion was predominant in the 80s as well. Oversized clothing, sneakers labeled with the brand, and designer accessories dual in gold shone as the attire of the moment. Hip-hop fashion was about comfort and success that was worn straight to the neck. Once Run-D.M.C. helped popularise the Adidas tracksuit in the streets, this trend landed in the mainstream of streetwear.
Hip-hop fashion was a way for us to express ourselves; it was a status thing. It was common for hip-hop fans to own over ten pairs of sneakers, each for different looks. To boast, they would wear large chains and rings of gold.
It was casual but utterly stylized. We went big here, and one of our cool things was sneakers, like high tops, which were such a huge part of the look. Hip-hop culture brought its kind of fashion: music and the city’s life.
Key Accessories That Defined 80s Fashion
Clothing of the 80s wasn’t just about clothing; accessories were also on the list. Here’s a look at some iconic accessories from the decade:
Scrunchies and Headbands:
Hair accessories were crucial for the 80s hairstyles. Big ponytails were held up in scrunchies, and headbands dressed up athletic looks alike. During the 80s, over 50 million scrunchies were bought worldwide a year. These items were available in bright colors, matching the new neon trend of the time.
Fingerless Gloves:
Thank you to Madonna for bringing fingerless gloves into the style game. With an edgy feel, they added that element to many outfits—from casual outfits to glam rock designs. Madonna has worn fingerless gloves in five of her music videos alone.
Big Belts:
The waist was wide belts cinched to the hourglass figure over sweaters or dresses. By 1986, the belts matched 70% or more of the dresses sold. Sometimes, the colors and metallics on the belts added weight and brought together the whole ensemble. It was both financially functional and fashionable.
Plastic Jewelry:
Music from pop singers and bands and television shows with commercials were all around, their bright clothing reminiscent of colorful chunky plastic bracelets and earrings in neon colors that were everywhere. In the 80s, plastic jewelry sales totaled well over $2 billion annually. These were inexpensive accessories and, therefore, very accessible. It gave any outfit a fun and playful touch.
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Here’s the Key Accessories of 80s Fashion and how to style them:
| Accessory | How to Style It |
| Scrunchies | Use for a high ponytail or messy bun. Pick bright colors for fun. |
| Fingerless Gloves | Wear with a leather jacket or band tee for a rockstar look. |
| Big Belts | Wrap over an oversized sweater or dress to highlight the waist. |
| Plastic Jewelry | Stack colorful bracelets and wear chunky earrings for extra pop. |
| Leg Warmers | Put over leggings or jeans, pair with sneakers to look retro. |
| Headbands | Add a neon headband with a casual outfit for that sporty 80s vibe. |
| Oversized Sunglasses | Wear with bold makeup and big hair for a true 80s glam look. |
Each accessory adds a fun, unique touch to create that classic 1980s vibe in a modern and easy way.
How 80s Fashion Influences Modern Trends?
Still, 80s fashion is everywhere in the present. Blazers, scrunchies, and neon have had a huge comeback. These elements still make countless appearances in designers’ modern collections. Today, you have 80s-vibe designs that have a good vintage touch, but you also have modern work.
The last decade has been saturated with an emphasis on self-expression. Current fashion trends are over 60% based on past decades, most notably the 80s. Wearing what suits them more than just going with the flow, people are more likely to wear what reflects their personality. Similarly, bold patterns, bold colors, and unique accessories reflect the 80s spirit. A decade of experimentation, and that one still exists.
Conclusion: The 80s Fashion Legacy
The 80s was more of a time where experimentation and strapping out the weird was involved. The decade breathed individuality — from power dressing to preppy to rebellious punk rock. Abstract Canvas is steeped in its rich fashion legacy, inspiring fashion designers and fashion folk with its notions of freedom, creativity, and expression.
Ready to update your wardrobe with these classic 80s trends? Start with a racy blazer or some worn-out denim. Now you know, what fashion style was really popular in the 80s. The energy of the 80s empowers your stylish choices!
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