Going Back in Time: 80s Fashion Revisited

No matter whether your fashion was yuppie or Miami Vice, if you liked the fashions of the 1980s, then you have cause to be happy! All the trademark fashions are coming back into style and its now okay to wear those wonderful styles again. Even if you are not a huge 80s fashion fan, you should be able to find an item or two that appeal to your style. The 80s were a decade of opulence, very similar to the 1920s. Clothes, dance, and music were all evolving quickly and into styles never seen before.

Women were wearing legwarmers and shoulder pads. Reagan held the nation secure from the Presidents office, while the Berlin wall cracked and tumbled. The attitude was wild and free, nobody seemed to have any worries. The clothing matched the mood, with everything from neon colors to parachute pants.

Men were wearing skinny ties and rediscovered the joys of pinstripes. Granted, the stripes were thinner than those of the 30s and 40s but they stayed very similar in style and size to those of the 70s. Suits were made of natural materials, like wool, cotton, and silk, though the three piece suits were not in style. Lapels on suit jackets became narrow in an attempt to meet fashion dictates and renew popularity.

If you like bright and varied colors, you would have loved the fashions of the 80s. Miami Vice star Don Johnson popularized the open suit jacket worn over a brightly colored t-shirt, and loafers worn with no socks. Of course, the suit usually was white, with rare exceptions. Other stars of the day had their impact on fashion as well.

Michael Jacksons Thriller video from 1982 created a whole new fashion trend. Red or black leather pants and jackets, a single leather glove, and sunglasses became the new hot teen look. Many of the teenagers even went further, wearing the sunglasses after dark, which inspired the song lyrics I wear my sunglasses at night.

Late 80s fashion included the comeback of the World War 2 aviator jackets. People tended to be more conservative in dress, as Alex Keaton from the TV show Family Ties demonstrated so well. In fact, the preppy look, as it was called, often included polo shirts in specific brands. Izod, Brooks Brothers, and Polo Ralph Lauren were the brands to wear if you wanted to be cool. Of course, the shirts had to be worn with other things, and khakis, argyle sweaters, and loafers were nearly mandatory. Most often, the sweaters were worn over the shoulder, and had the wearers initials monogrammed onto them. Fancy neck ties were also a big trend among business professionals.

Sports suits gained popularity as many people were very involved in fitness and health in the 80s. Adidas was a prime example of a brand that inspired loyalty in its customers, many of whom refused to wear anything else. This brands exclusivity seemed to come to an end in the late 80s, as other companies began to copy their look and make similar styles to attract young shoppers.

The 80s were a time of big hair, and sideburns went by the roadside for the most part. Hair care makers were quick to pick up on that, and styling mousse became a standard product for men and women alike. After all, fluffy bangs need something to hold them up and keep them fluffy! A small, thin sideburn came back for two years in the mid 80s, but that was all. Mullets ruled suburbia, while businessmen had extremely short hair. In the 80s, men did not part their hair but let it lay as it fell when they brushed or combed it.

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