When you think of possibilities, which era’s fashion overflowed with them? Without a doubt, the 80s delivered one of the loudest and most inclusive styles the fashion world has ever seen. It fearlessly combined polka dots with stripes, bold colors, and every texture there ever was. This was a time of significant discovery when people weren’t afraid to stand out, break rules, and push every boundary all for the sake of image. The 80s didn’t just set trends, it redefined what fashion could be.
1. Big Hair
The era believed in “The bigger, the better!” and it didn’t stop at clothes. Big fluffy hair became a defining symbol of the 80s, sparking a boom in stronger hairsprays to lock in the overly teased hairdos. People flocked to hair salons to make their hair the biggest it could be, and during this time, perms were the way to go. Dramatic hairstyles were as much a power play as a fashion choice, and so having big hair meant you wanted people to know you had big guts.
2. Shoulder Pads
A staple of 80’s fashion is a well-structured silhouette achieved by some good old shoulder pads. The desire for a broad and angular look was meant to make one appear more powerful and confident. This was especially true as more and more women entered the workplace and desired the extra aura boost. Women’s and men’s clothing produced in this era had built-in shoulder pads to give a strong look. But, what if your favorite 80s power suit didn’t come with shoulder pads? No matter the outfit, you could purchase these separately to complete any look, so you’d never have to worry about leaving the house with a cold shoulder.
3. Neon Colors
Neon had never been more in demand than it was in the 1980s. An authentic 80s look was not complete unless someone could see your neon attire from a mile away, even in the dark. Neon perfectly captured the era’s spirited vibe, which was heavily influenced by the club and dance scene where the trend quickly gained popularity among the younger crowds. The 1980s were a time of rebellion and self-expression, and what better way to express yourself than through color.
4. Chunky Jewelry
If neon wasn’t enough to blind you, the chunky jewelry would certainly do the job. The best way to make a bold statement was to deck out a noisy outfit with noisier accessories like colorful bangles, layered necklaces, oversized hoop earrings, and chunky gold chains. Mixing together jewelry of different shapes, materials, and colors perfectly symbolizes the chaos that was 80s fashion. The 80s embraced maximalism, and if every move you made was loud because of what you were wearing, then you were doing it right. Chunky jewelry elevated the look, and you could never have too many accessories.
5. Leg Warmers
The 1980s had their own version of the athleisure wave. With the emergence of aerobics and dance culture, people started wearing workout clothes outside of the gym, and this style quickly evolved into casual fashion. Initially worn to keep muscles warm during workouts, leg warmers became a practical, fashionable accessory paired with oversized sweaters, leotards, and colorful leggings. Of course, they came in a wide array of vivid colors.
6. Spandex
Staying true to the obsession with fitness, spandex was everywhere in the 1980s. Spandex wasn’t just for the gym, its stretchy, shiny, form-fitting look mirrored the futuristic vibes of the sci-fi boom. It was the perfect material to stay fashionable, but still offered enough flexibility to keep up with the high energy activities the 80s warranted.
7. Doubling Down on Denim
The 80s was a time when people had a huge appreciation for the denim on denim look. It was widely accepted as fashionable to sport a pair of high-waisted denim jeans with an iconic jean jacket. Denim’s timeless versatility made it excellent for customization, from the ripped look to acid-wash finishes. Denim was also appreciated as an accessory, used in bags, hats, and belts that could be worn to complete the full denim look. People weren’t just wearing any jeans, though; brands like Levi’s and Calvin Klein pushed denim into mainstream fashion, and made people want to go out and grab a pair for themselves even more.
8. Fishnet and Mesh
Punks, goths, and club kids embraced the look of fishnets and mesh. This style was an alternative to the preppy neon style for those who didn’t really identify with brighter expressions of fashion and outrageous patterns. It took the rebellious nature of 80s fashion trends and gave it a darker tone by pushing more edgy and sensual clothing. Fishnet and mesh gave the style an underground feel and blended the avant-garde with early grunge influences. From leggings, to gloves and shirts, fishnets and mesh gave those with differing tastes a way to standout.
9. The Mullet: “Business in the front, party in the back”
The mullet was the embodiment of contradiction, with a short, business look from the front and a long, wild, party look in the back. Influences from Rock’ n’ Roll and pop culture popularized this hairstyle as a way to defy norms and express individuality. This hairstyle was favored by blue-collared workers who preferred the low-maintenance, rugged look, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t enjoyed by your average office worker or suburban teen either. Celebrities from the worlds of movies and music alike brought this look into the mainstream.
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