The 1980s were the time of radical music, colorful fashion, and social change and it resulted in one of the most popular fashion formulations of all time. The 80s fashion was a celebration of courage, excess, and female empowerment for women. The 80s fashion women were accepting an array of fashions that continue to define the trend in fashion today. This period had an impact, it could be the power suits, the leg warmers, or the graphic tees; however it was the style. In this article, we will discuss the characteristics of 80s women’s fashion, how these fashions can be worn today, and why they are still iconic.
The Power Suit Era
The power suit was one of the most remarkable trends in women’s fashion during the 80s. This was not an ordinary office wear; the power suit trend of the 80s was all about making a statement. Women had shoulder pads on oversized jackets making them look more masculine, but empowered. These suits were usually combined with tailored and sharp skirts or pants. The power suit was commonly brought out in neutral colors, such as black, gray and navy but bright colors such as red or large prints were not rare.
The rise of female executives and businesspeople in the 80s made the power suit trendy enough to belong in the wardrobe of every woman. Think of iconic pictures like Joan Collins in Dynasty, or even such familiar women as Margaret Thatcher, who was not only reputed to wear sharp and tailored suits, but to have strutted around in them as an emblem of power and authority.
Neon and Bright Colors
Neon colors became something of the fashion dictionary as far as 80s fashion women were concerned. Bright colors replaced not only the street but also the runway: electric pinks and greens, bold oranges and yellows. The aerobic and fitness culture was also another influence that caused this trend, as the trend adhered to a culture that preferred neon colored leggings, headbands, and tanks.
The 80s women did not fear being different and making a statement with what they wore. It can be a neon t-shirt, or leggings, or accessories, but regardless, the 80s fashion girl style was defined by a broad range of colors that were conspicuous. Neon is also returning, especially among influencers on Instagram who appear to radiate retro 80s all the time.
Denim Mania
Denim was another women’s fashion item in the 80s and it was not just jeans. Acid-washed jeans were a massive trend, especially in high-waisted versions but denim was also worn in jackets, skirts and even dresses. One of the most iconic denim trends of the 80s was the trend of double denim. The look was a denim jacket and a pair of denim jeans in different washes that would be worn together.
This was the period when the acid-washed cool denim with a distinct bleached look was extremely on-trend. The fashion, often paired up with a graphic t-shirt or an oversized sweater, was in a relaxed, yet cool manner, and was a symptom of the light-and-happy-go-lucky mindset of the time. Denim is also a flexible fabric but the jackets and high-waisted jeans of the 80s have returned with a vengeance.
Sports Clothing and Street Wear.
It was also during the 80s that athletic wear started to become a part of everyday fashion. Feminine fitness culture implied that women were not only exercising but also dressing their sportswear as streetwear. Most women were used to leggings, leotards and sweatshirts. This is the origin of the athleisure trend, which has become extremely popular in recent years.
Women would dress in track suits, very bright and bold colors and wear accessories such as scrunchies and large sneakers. This casual still cool fashion created one of the most well-known fashions of the 80s. The fitness fashion also affected the way people wore their hair, as women began to wear it in large curls or tight teased hairstyles, which became a significant aspect of the 80s aesthetic.
Statement Accessories
It is impossible to imagine a female outfit of the 80s that does not include a collection of bright accessories. The trend of the 80s was to add an additional flair to an outfit in terms of oversized accessories and jewelry. Big necklaces, huge hoop earrings, and flashy bracelets were something that all fashionable women had to possess. Scarves, oversized belts, hair pieces such as scrunchies and barrettes were also in bright colours.
These statement accessories were used as the final touch to outfits that were tailored to attract attention. The more luxurious the better. Entering was something that 80s women were used to doing. These boldly structured clothes were also balanced with accessories to juxtapose the playful and the sharp.
Hairstyles of the 80s
Speaking about 80s fashion women, the list of key aspects that could be discussed is incomplete without reference to the iconic hairstyles. The 80s were the era of big hair which could be curled in large strands or teased to very high heights. The philosophy of bigger is better was applied to hair and women wore crimped or permed hair, or even mullet hairstyles.
The most famous hairstyle that provided volume and texture was the perm. The perm had turned into a trademark of the 80s worn by celebrities like Farrah Fawcett and Madonna. To hold these styles in place Hairspray was a mandatory addition and women were frequently pictured sporting the then tell-tale fluffy look.
In 90s fashion, however, sleek, straight styles gained popularity, with the ‘Rachel’ haircut becoming a cultural icon.
How to Style 80s Fashion Women in the present time.
The influence of the 80s female fashion cannot be underestimated these days. They are making a comeback on the runway, the street style, and in social media with their traditional looks. You may check out these suggestions in case you would like to include the 80s fashion in your wardrobe:
Vanilla with spice: What makes it even more interesting is to wear an old-school power suit back in the 1980s and add modern accessories to it.
Try neon: You should not fear wearing bright neon clothing, be it a neon blazer or accessories.
Redesign the denim: A pair of high-waisted acid-washed jeans helps to look fantastic in combination with a modern top.
Wear athleisure: Athleisure will not leave any time soon, so go ahead and put on an 80s-style tracksuit or you can also wear whatever you like with leggings and an oversized sweater.
Classic Accessories: You can find some bold earrings or chunky necklaces to give your outfits an 80s touch.
The current trends are largely inspired by the 80s fashion of women, and there is little to no need to guess why. It is the age of uniqueness, boldness and self-expression. There is no conclusion to these eternal tendencies and we cannot but admire the stylish women, who show the new generations the way.
FAQs
Why are 80s fashions making a resurgence?
The style of the 80s woman is coming back due to its audacity and uniqueness. The silhouettes, neon colours and trends of athleisure are being adopted by a new generation that has appreciated the aesthetic of the 80s.
What are the most important characteristics of 80s female wear?
Weak shoulders, big jackets, and neon colors, high-waisted jeans, graphic t-shirts and loud accessories, giant jewelry and scrunchies are the hallmarks of women fashion in the 80s.
What would be the contemporary way of wearing the 80s?
To be authentic and modern, you can wear something old like a power suit with something new such as a top or wear new jeans with something old such as a top.
Is neon color still fashionable?
Yes, neon indeed is creeping back into fashion, especially in street and sportswear with its eye-catching brightness.
What are the hairstyles of the 80s fashion?
Permed hair and teased hair, with a lot of hairspray on to make it look bigger than it is, are classic 80s hairstyles.
Conclusion
It was a decade to remember in regard to fashion and the 80s fashion women have been at the forefront in making bold, carefree choices that have made a lasting impact on fashion. This period has inspired us to this day, be it in power suits, neon colors or the resurgence of athleisure. We can not only relive the 80s fashion but also incorporate it into our existing wardrobes in such a way that we will never forget this iconic period in fashion.