What is the 1980s most remembered for? One of the common answers is FASHION! These fashion trends were strategic and psychologically crucial in giving meaning, a sense of freedom, self-identification, and shaping nature to that generation’s identities. Creative disruptions, a sense of empowerment, and upologeticness were many of the goals of this era’s trends.
Fashion back then was many things, some beautiful, some amusing, and some trends are even remembered with a bit of embarrassment. Nonetheless, this article will examine the good, the bad, and the bizarre trends. So without further ado, follow me back to a time of creative excitement…
1. Shoulder Pads & Power Suits
In those days, exaggerated outfits with shoulder pads or carefully curated power suits were a statement of empowerment through expression. This trend emphasized the increase in women’s empowerment and influence within workplaces. We can imagine that the women rocking these trends felt like a boss babe as we would describe it in this era.
In an era when patriarchal norms dominated, this trend gave a way to appear bigger and take up more space physically. These strikingly bigger silhouettes hoped to establish a presence of authority and refuse to be viewed as less ambitious or overlooked. Equality in the workplace is still an issue that is up for debate today, just as the power suit is still being worn for the same effect.
2. Neon Colors Everywhere
If there is one thing that screams UNAPOLOGETIC VISIBILITY, it is the popularity of neon colors. Psychologically, these colors were a declaration, giving a sense of hope, optimism, freedom, and happiness. You would have felt more confident and more seen if you wore these colors. These colors made anyone stand out in the crowd, especially if the sun hit them just right.
Today, more muted and minimalistic fashion trends dominate, where neon colors could be added for a vibe, a burst of joy, or even to give energy to an outfit. Neon colors are still used today to highlight and make something more visible, or viral, as we say. Marketers and influencers widely use neon colors to grab the gaze, much like in the 80s.
3. Punk & the DIY Aesthetic-Rebelion Framework
The era of punk-like trendy accessories, safety pins, and leather (especially jackets) was a direct contrast to what was considered mainstream at the time. At its core, the DIY trend was a way to embrace individuality and reject mass production.
In an era of mass consumerism and fast fashion trends that are always on the rise, returning to this trend would decrease it. It would reintroduce a sense of creative freedom and rebellion into society. DIY is also more economical in the long run as a bonus, as it inspires upcycling the old, increases possibilities for customization, and resists homogenization.
4. Street wear with a HIP-HOP Influence
There was a true cultural fusion in fashion at the time. These playful and often daring styles were occasionally paired with knee-high boots and fishnet accessories. Hip-hop has undergone many changes, but streetwear can still be seen today.
Bringing it back as a trend would mean making street wear bolder and more colorful, and more aspects that exaggerate the silhouette. This would also broaden possibilities for cross-cultural collaboration in fashion and an acceptance of various diverse voices or influences. Definitely a style trend that would fit into what is trending today, as individuality and expression are still motivators in the fashion industry.
5. Mini skirts & Fishnets
This is an outfit curation brimming with playful empowerment. Icons of the era, including Cyndi Lauper, initiated this trend. The shock value of these outfits was vital as they celebrated good things such as body positivity and inspired personal agency.
Today, renewed discourse in many aspects, such as feminist discourse, is still prevalent, and this trend, if popularized once more, would show that fashion could still be fun and daring and directly challenge modern beauty standards, which are less freeing and more restrictive. Freedom in self-presentation gives one a platform, a voice. Something this trend could perpetuate.
6. Athletic wear & Leg warmers
Back in the 80s, an aerobic craze erupted, introducing spandex, the famous leg warmers, and off-shoulder sweatshirts. Together, these variations made for one cool athletic outfit. Finding a creative balance between comfort, functionality, and stylishness was the basis for this trend.
With health and fitness still being quite popular, bringing back this trend would skyrocket these themes, especially if these outfits could prioritize comfort and accessibility. It would give a much more vibrant athletic style, almost needed in our monochromatic, minimalistic fashion world. Proving that one does not have to sacrifice style for comfort and practical wear. Taking athletic wear from drab to fab instantly, being able to ‘have the look’ even at the gym.
7. Graphic prints & Mash-ups
This trend prioritized maximization instead of minimization, with graphic logos, bold prints, and interesting pattern mash-ups being common. This trend was in direct contrast to the minimalistic trends popular today. This trend was for risk-takers who, with creativity, could express themselves and bring a visual with which they could tell a story.
Projecting this trend gives a voice to many who want to express a personal narrative. It would reintroduce maximalism. Giving new ways for those who prefer standing out, such as the digital avatars of our time. This trend also has other potential possibilities, such as possibilities for marketing, branding, and individualization. Personalization has always been popular so that this trend would flourish in today’s society.
8. Gender Fluidity & Androgenous Looks
Back in the day, these looks were seen to be ahead of their time, pioneering gender fluidity with unisex oufits and adrogenous cuts. This trend challenged traditional and societal binaries as well as boundaries. It was truly a pioneering trend.
We embrace non-binary identities in today’s society, and embracing these trends again would give a well-deserved nod to the past as well as perpetuate a sense of diversity and inclusivity. Creating awareness in the modern world and contributing to the acceptance of gender-neutral fashion outfits. This would mean an expansion in markets for many companies by diversifying their target audiences.
All these weird and wonderful trends deserve to be brought back, not with a sense of irony or out of nostalgia, but rather because of their pure bold nature. To recognise the power of audacity and creativity in a world that needs more joy and expression now more than ever.
Bringing them back would inspire more individuality, innovation, and the embracing of cultural and societal diversity. These trends would favor empowerment and authenticity in an era where we follow the flock, the possibility of creating awareness on important topics, and inspiring conversation surrounding controversial subjects. We grapple with conformity in our technological era, where influencers drive narratives. Let’s bring back these trends and push back in the name of individuality.
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