Madonna, Back to the Future, bright colours Michael Jackson, denim, exercise videos, bold prints. The 80s, a decade that will be forever associated with leg warmers, mixtapes, and permed hair. It was a decade of “big”. Everything was big, from the hair to the jewellery, to the shoulder pads and back up to the music artists topping the charts. We could talk for days about 80s music alone, but today we’re looking at the fashion.
Colours
There was an eccentricity in the air when it came to fashion in the 80. Wearing any colour of the rainbow was accepted. Obnoxiously bright colours are notoriously associated with 80s fashion. Just take a look at Prince or David Bowie on stages.
Pastel shades were also quite popular, with shades of lilac, baby blue, yellow and pink taking preference. All of which can be seen on Don Johnson in any episode of Miami Vice.
Prints and Patterns
Another fashion essential for 80s fashion was bold prints and patterns most of which featured geometric shapes or animal print. Some of which share a resemblance to playschool classroom wall. Other iconic prints would feature large floral motifs. Princess Diana, an 80s icon, wore a lot of very classy prints and patterns, including florals, polka dots, animal print and one can’t forget those iconic jumpers of hers.
Wardrobe staples
It would be an outright sin to write about 80s fashion and not mention the supremacy of the power suit. The uniform of the ambitious woman. As the decade progressed, women became more focused on their own success but due to women’s role in society up till that point, success was difficult for women to achieve. The masculine characteristics emulated in the suit allowed women to be seen as competent businesswomen, like their male counterparts. The large shoulder pads created a reference to a male’s broad shoulders. The loose tailoring hid the curves of a woman’s figure. Muted colours were worn in order to be taken seriously.
Although, society has drastically changed its view on women, the power suit is still worn with similar purpose today. There are many arguments for and against the power suit, with some feminists arguing that women should be able to earn respect without embody masculine characteristics. I agree with this, however the masculine cut of the suit was required to make a lasting impact on society.
Whether you were born before the 80s, born in the 80s or just fascinated with the decade that was, there are so many great contributing factors that make it a great decade. From fashion and music to the state of the world, overall great vibes.
Let us know what’s your favourite thing from the 80s!
