Girl, do you remember the 80s fashion? Big hair, loud colors, and some seriously bold fashion choices. The 80s were all about being loud and proud with your style. As we look back at the decade of excess, some fashion trends have definitely stood the test of time, while others…not so much. But no matter how they held up, the 80s gave us some iconic looks that shaped pop culture. Neon colors, shoulder pads, leg warmers, and acid wash denim – the 80s had it all. Come take a walk down memory lane to revisit the loud, proud, and totally tubular fashion trends of the 80s that you definitely rocked back in the day. The 80s may be over but these trends will live on forever in our fashion memories. So grab your walk man, bust out the Aqua Net and get ready to relive the 80s fashion glory days. The 80s are calling – do you wanna answer the phone?
Big Hair and Bold Makeup: Beauty Trends of the 80s
The 80s were all about big hair, bright colors, and bold makeup trends. Ladies, if you lived through it, you know what I’m talking about!
Sky-high bangs and voluminous hair were essential to the 80s look.Tease your crown with a comb or curling iron and top it off with a scrunchie or headband. The higher the hair, the closer to heaven, right?
Eyes were bold and dramatic. think electric blue shadow, thick black liner, and layers of mascara. Pastel eyeshadows were also popular and went perfectly with the era’s colorful clothing.
Don’t forget the rosy blush and bright red lips! Blush was applied heavily and often in circles on the cheeks. As for lips, redder was better. If you really want to emulate the 80s style, try wearing blush and lipstick shades that are slightly brighter and bolder than you normally would.
The 80s beauty look was all about experimenting with bright colors, maximizing volume, and not being afraid to make a statement. While the trends were over the top, the fun, fearless attitude of the era is something we can still embrace today.
The 80s saw women gaining more freedom of expression through makeup and fashion. Though some of the trends haven’t aged well, the bold and carefree spirit they embodied lives on.
Neon Colors and Geometric Prints: Iconic 80s Fashion
The 80s were all about bold colors, geometric prints, and over-the-top accessories. Fashion was loud, proud, and made a statement. Two of the most iconic 80s fashion trends were neon colors and geometric prints.
Neon colors were everywhere in the 80s, from workout gear to prom dresses. Bright pinks, electric blues and highlighter yellows were popular shades that gave outfits and futuristic feel. If you wanted to make a bold statement, pairing neon colors that seemingly clashed was the way to go.
Geometric prints were also hugely popular, with zigzags, triangles, and diamond shapes appearing on everything from jackets to skirts to leggings. The bolder and more outrageous the print, the more fashionable you were. Mixing multiple geometric prints in one outfit showed you were truly dedicated to the trend.
The 80s were a time of experimentation and pushing boundaries in fashion. Neon colors and geometric prints were distinctive trends that came to define the loud, rebellious styles of 80s fashion. While these trends may seem over-the-top today, they capture the fun, fearless spirit of 80s fashion. If you’re feeling nostalgic for the era of big hair and bold style, throw on something neon or a geometric print for a blast from the past.
Leg Warmers, Leather Jackets, and More: Accessorizing the 80s Style
The 80s were all about excess, and that extended to accessories as well. Some of the most iconic 80s fashion accessories are still popular today.
Leg Warmers
Leg warmers were essential for pulling off the 80s dance movie look. Typically made of cotton or acrylic, these oversized tubes slid over your calves to keep legs warm during aerobic activities. They came in a variety of bright colors and patterns to match your outfit. Leg warmers made a comeback in the early 2000s but have since faded again from popularity.
Leather Jackets
Nothing said 80s tough girl like a leather jacket. Usually black or red, these jackets were a wardrobe staple. Pop icons like Joan Jett and Madonna frequently rocked a leather jacket. Pair it with jeans and a band t-shirt for a hard rock look or with lace and fishnets for a edgy, feminine style. The leather jacket remains a timeless classic today.
Belts
Big, bright belts were used to cinch oversized shirts and dresses in the 80s. Elastic belts, chain belts, studded belts—the 80s had them all. Belts came in metallic colors like gold and silver and were usually quite wide, some up to 4 or 5 inches. While less exaggerated today, bold belts are still used to accentuate the waist.
Other notable 80s accessories included Ray Ban sunglasses, slap bracelets, neon socks, statement earrings, and lace gloves. No 80s outfit was complete without several of these key pieces. The 80s may be over but its influence on fashion continues today. Many of the trends from this fun, exuberant era have circled back into style. What 80s accessories do you remember rocking?
Conclusion
Well there you have it, a neon and lace-filled trip down memory lane. The 80s sure gave us some iconic and memorable styles to look back on today with a mix of nostalgia and “what were we thinking!” After relieving some of the biggest trends from the era, you probably have a newfound appreciation for how far fashion has come. At the same time, you may find yourself missing the carefree and experimental nature of 80s fashion. One thing’s for sure though, the 80s produced some seriously influential styles that still inspire modern runways today. So next time you’re getting dressed for a night out, don’t be afraid to channel your inner 80s pop queen – big hair, blue eyeshadow, and all! The decade of excess gave us permission to have fun with fashion and not take ourselves too seriously. And isn’t that a trend we could all use more of today?