The 80s gave us some of the most iconic fashion statements in the United States, and this era is notorious for its glam looks, denim styles, and bold print choices. The fabrics for many clothes in the 80s are different from what we’re used to wearing today, and there are a number of different accessories and complementary makeup and hair looks that finish off the 80s style.

If you are wondering what to wear for your next 80s-themed party, or if you are interested in adding some of the vintage 80s style into your daily wear, our article is here for you. Below, we give you an idea of 80s style, discuss some of the most trendy pieces of 80s fashion, and give you our best 80s outfit ideas.

What Is 80s Style?

80s style is characterized by bright colors, the concept of retrofuturism, and a break from the more psychedelic clothing styles of the 1960s and 1970s.

This era started off with more minimalistic concepts, with accessories being minimal, heels being lower, and more unisex styles that fit men and women.

As time went on, brighter, more neon colors began to take over 1980s style, appearing in the mid-1980s around the same time that athletic wear and lots of spandex became a popular style. In fact, one of the most iconic looks of the 1980s is a pair of bright spandex bike shorts, oversized sweatshirts, leg warmers, and even velour tracksuits.

The 1980s also saw an increase in the overall formality of style, with preppy looks, slacks, and blazers becoming popular. This was especially stylish among women who were joining the workforce in greater numbers. Power dressing became a concept in this era, with large shoulder pads and more masculine styles becoming desired among women.

Defining Moments in 1980s Fashion

While there is no exact moment that one can pinpoint as starting certain types of 1980s style, you can look at defining moments and icons of the 1980s to learn where certain fashion trends in this era took their inspiration.

Defining moments and individuals for 1980s fashion include:

• TV shows like Miami Vice and Magnum P.I.
• Pop stars like Michael Jackson and Madonna
• A rise in country music stars around the mid-1980s
• Preppy fashion in response to the punk fashion of the 1970s
• Post-punk and new wave music group influences
• Consumer-friendly clothing styles
• A rise in the concept of power dressing

All of these things combined led to the distinctive fashion that we associate with the 1980s today.

80s Outfit Ideas: Bringing the 80s to Modern Day

If you are searching for 80s outfit ideas, you might be feeling somewhat overwhelmed when looking into the history of 80s clothing and the different styles of clothing present in this era. Below, we help you make sense of 80s style by giving you some 80s outfit ideas to help you bring this look to the modern day.

• Parachute pants and an oversized sweater or t-shirt with a fun print
• Lycra or leather mini skirts with a t-shirt or oversized sweater
• Cropped bolo jackets to complete a look
• Power dressing with a suit featuring large shoulder pads
• Sport coats with a t-shirt underneath
• Athletic wear in bright colors and made out of spandex
• Leg warmers and arm warmers
• Brightly colored (like these) or geometric-print cocktail dresses with a thick belt and kitten heels
• Plaid mini-skirts with an oversized shirt or blazer

You can mix and match these different fashion styles until you find one that suits your needs and flatters your natural features. Don’t be afraid to try out different versions of 80s outfits until you find one that you love.

What 80s Accessories Can I Wear?

The 80s are known for having some of the most inventive and brightly colored accessories of any era. If you wear jewelry, there are plenty of things you can add to your outfit to give it more 80s style. Large hoop earrings, earrings with geometric patterns, and layered necklaces are very 80s, as are big, blocky jewelry styles.

Headbands, sweatbands, and big scrunchies were common hair accessories in the 80s, and most female styles included big hair held up with hairspray. Makeup of the 80s included glam eyeshadow colors, lots of sparkles, colored mascara, and bright lipsticks. Shoes should be kitten heels, dress shoes, or sneakers, depending on your 80s outfit vibe, to complete your look.

Finding Your 80s Outfit Ideas Inspiration

Fashion trends come and go, and while the 80s are a few decades behind us, it doesn’t mean that the iconic style found in this era is going completely out of fashion. Today, 80s style is coming back around, and you can take plenty of inspiration from 80s looks and incorporate them into your daily wear, in addition to taking cues from 80s looks and dressing yourself your 80s best for a themed party.