Dressing in 80s style is a fun and bold way to express yourself by embracing one of the most vibrant fashion decades in history. Whether you’re preparing for a themed party, a cosplay event, or simply want to add some nostalgic flair to your wardrobe, mastering 80s style involves understanding its key elements: bright colors, exaggerated silhouettes, and playful accessories. Before you start, gather some inspiration from iconic 80s pop culture, music videos, and movies to get a feel for the era’s unique aesthetic.
What You’ll Need
- Clothing items like high-waisted jeans, neon tops, leather jackets, and shoulder pads
- Accessories such as scrunchies, fingerless gloves, chunky jewelry, and big belts
- Bold makeup and hairstyles or wigs to recreate popular 80s looks
- Optional: vintage stores or online shops specializing in retro clothing
Step-by-Step
- Choose Your 80s Style Subgenre: The 80s had varied fashion trends, including glam rock, punk, preppy, aerobics, and new wave. Decide which vibe you want to channel to narrow your clothing and accessory choices.
- Start with Statement Clothing: Pick bold, colorful pieces like neon leggings, acid-wash jeans, oversized sweaters, or metallic skirts. High-waisted pants and mom jeans are classic staples.
- Incorporate Shoulder Pads: To achieve that iconic 80s silhouette, look for jackets, blazers, or tops with shoulder pads. If unavailable, consider adding shoulder padding yourself for that exaggerated shape.
- Layer Creatively: Layering was key in the 80s. Combine tank tops over long-sleeve shirts, pair skirts with leggings, or add a cropped jacket over a graphic tee to build depth and texture.
- Add Accessories: Use large, colorful accessories like chunky plastic earrings, multiple bangles, and wide belts. Fingerless gloves and scrunchies in your hair are also quintessential 80s touches.
- Choose Footwear Wisely: Go for high-top sneakers, ankle boots, or pumps with bold colors or metallic finishes. White Reebok Classics or Converse were popular casual choices.
- Style Your Hair: Big, voluminous hair was a signature look. Use mousse or hairspray to create height and curls, or wear a mullet or crimped styles. Alternatively, wigs can help achieve authentic looks.
- Apply Bold Makeup: Bright eyeshadow colors like electric blue or hot pink, thick eyeliner, and strong blush were common. Don’t shy away from dramatic looks, including bright lipstick shades.
- Incorporate Iconic 80s Elements: Band t-shirts, leg warmers, acid-wash denim, and graphic prints all help anchor your outfit in the decade’s aesthetic.
- Practice Confidence: The 80s were about making a statement with your style. Own your look and have fun with the boldness and creativity it allows.
Common Mistakes
- Overdoing Neon and Patterns: While bright colors are essential, combining too many neon pieces or clashing patterns can look chaotic rather than stylish.
- Ignoring Silhouette: The exaggerated shapes of the 80s, like shoulder pads and high-waisted pants, are key. Wearing modern slim fits without these elements can lose the authentic feel.
- Forgetting Accessories: Minimal or no accessories can make the outfit feel incomplete. Chunky jewelry and hair accessories are not optional—they’re part of the look.
- Skipping Hair and Makeup: The 80s look isn’t just about clothes—hairstyles and makeup complete the transformation. Neglecting these can make your outfit miss the mark.
- Wearing Ill-Fitting Clothes: Baggy doesn’t always mean sloppy. Clothes should fit well enough to look intentional; oversized is a style choice, not laziness.
Tips
- Mix Vintage and Modern: If you can’t find authentic 80s pieces, combine modern clothing with 80s-inspired accessories and hairstyles.
- Explore Thrift Stores and Online Marketplaces: Vintage shops, eBay, and specialized retro stores can be treasure troves for authentic 80s fashion.
- Use Color Theory: Pair complementary neon colors or use one bright piece with neutral tones to balance your outfit.
- Study 80s Icons: Look at Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Michael Jackson, and other style icons to understand how they combined elements.
- Consider the Occasion: Tailor your outfit to the event—casual 80s streetwear differs from glam 80s party looks.
- Practice Hair Styling Ahead of Time: Big hair takes effort and products; try styles a few days before your event to perfect your technique.
Troubleshooting
If your 80s outfit doesn’t feel quite right, start by evaluating the silhouette and color balance. Too many clashing neon pieces can overwhelm, so try toning down with a neutral base like black or white. If your hair or makeup isn’t working, consider using wigs or professional makeup tutorials to achieve the desired effect. If you can’t find shoulder pads, improvise by layering structured jackets or adding DIY padding. Should accessories feel sparse, don’t hesitate to borrow or buy inexpensive costume jewelry to bulk up your look.
Sometimes, wearing 80s fashion can feel unfamiliar or awkward if you’re used to modern styles. In those cases, try incorporating just one or two 80s elements at a time—like a neon jacket or big earrings—to gradually build your confidence. Remember, the 80s were about fun and self-expression, so don’t overthink it. If an item doesn’t fit perfectly, tailor it or pair it with other pieces that balance the look.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the key colors to use when dressing in 80s style?
- Bright neon colors like hot pink, electric blue, lime green, and fluorescent yellow are staples, often paired with black or white for contrast.
- Can I mix 80s style with modern fashion?
- Yes, mixing a few 80s-inspired pieces with modern clothing can create a trendy, wearable look that nods to the decade without feeling costume-like.
- What hairstyles define the 80s look?
- Big, voluminous hair with curls or crimped texture, mullets, and teased bangs are classic. Scrunchies and headbands also add to the style.
- Are shoulder pads necessary for an authentic 80s outfit?
- While not mandatory, shoulder pads help achieve the iconic 80s silhouette and are highly recommended for authenticity.
- Where can I find authentic 80s clothing?
- Look in vintage stores, thrift shops, online marketplaces like eBay, and specialty retro retailers. Some costume shops also carry 80s-inspired apparel.
- Is 80s fashion only about bright colors?
- Not exclusively. While neon was popular, the 80s also featured punk styles with dark tones, preppy pastels, and glam metallics. Choose a substyle to guide your palette.
Dressing in 80s style is a creative adventure that lets you embrace bold colors, playful layering, and iconic silhouettes. With the right pieces and a bit of confidence, you can bring this unforgettable decade back to life in your wardrobe.
Related
- Who Are the Current Members of Megadeth?
- Who Are the Current Members of Lynyrd Skynyrd?
- Who Are the Current Members of Little River Band?