words Al Woods
The 80s is recalled as one of the most indisputable decades in fashion. From oversized blazers and shoulder pads to door-knocker earrings and ruffles, it turns out that fashion back then was over the moon. While some trends should never reappear, others are making their way in 2021.
Whether you are thrilled, amazed or perplexed, the 1980s fashion trends are resurfacing in the 21st century. The best thing about the reappearing trends is that they’re modern versions of the originals. You might evoke memories when you spot your daughter donning a velvet dress that resembles the one you wore in your heydays. Check out what 80s clothing pieces fashion icons and celebrity stylists alike have revived and incorporated into their style.
Bike Shorts
The bike shorts and blazer pairing you might be seeing on social media platforms isn’t a new trend. Madonna put on this outfit first, according to Cosmopolitan. She made it clear that one could actually wear bike shorts without cycling. A bike short attire she wore in a 1989 performance feels trendy and cool even today.
We should thank the 1980s aerobic fashion for promoting most of the athletic outfits we wear today. The trend started in 1981 when Jane Fonda released a workout video and book. In the video, she donned a typical 80s exercise outfit, like thong leotards, spandex leggings, sweatbands and leg warmers.
Due to the rise of streetwear and athleisure over the last few years, bike shorts have become a new trend. While you can sport a bike short with casual styles like sweatshirts, oversized t-shirts or bra tops, you can surprisingly pair it with other attires like button-up shirts and blazers. When trying this daring look, it would be wise to stick with a simple color palette or sharply customized clothing.
Acid Wash Jeans
Although acid wash denim jeans appear like one of the most decisive trends of the 1980s, the look came into existence in the 1960s surfer culture, as denoted by Surfd. The punk rockers and skinheads adopted the acid wash jeans in the early 1980s. The faded appearance of the bleached-splattered denim jackets and jeans was regarded as the ’snow wash.’
Guess Jeans invented consumer-friendly denim jeans in 1981 and named them ‘pre-washed denim.’ This trend boomed in 1986 when the Rifle Jeans established a modern production technology to design an acid wash finish. The company tumbled pumice stones and bleach-dipped jeans in a waterless washing machine. These acid wash jeans remain a favorite till now. Check out this guide on how you can look sharp in denim jeans.
Oversized Fur Coats
The 80s outdoor style was all about luxury. A club setting was a place to put on your fabulous and wildest outfit. Although luxurious fur coats were previously reserved for the elites, they still dominated the eighties style.
The creation of faux fur has perhaps changed the way people think of fur coats. Ethical fur coats might have been in the market for more than a century, but they have recently started to feel and look like the best thing.
Dynasty-Inspired Power Suits
Dynasty was possibly one of the best shows premiered in the eighties. Alexis Carrington Colby, who played the role of a fashionable lethal woman, was loved for her campy attire. Her ruffled dresses, power suits, and over-the-top looks were unforgettable, making an Instagram account to be created to commemorate her outfits.
Over the years, power suits have shown the feminist movement and female empowerment. Suits became a representation of powerful businesswomen in the 1980s as more and more women joined the workforce. Hillary Clinton, for instance, wore power suits during her presidential campaigns.
Polka Dot Dresses
Polka dot dresses were probably some of the most popular bold prints in the 80s, according to Its ROSY. As one of the leading fashionistas in the 80s, Princess Diana wore polka dot dresses to several occasions. In the United States, the polka dot dresses were mainly popular in patriotic colors and nautical prints. These dresses are slowly resurfacing amongst the millennials.
Velvet Dresses
Velvet dresses were popular in the eighties, and Princess Diana sported them in various events, as denoted by Marie Claire. These dresses are currently undergoing a bigger moment than in the yesteryears. The number of velvet products is endless, from blouses and handbags to shoes and dresses.
Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses
While Ray-Ban invented the Wayfarer style in the 50s, the sunglasses enjoyed a huge revival in the 80s. The popularity was probably contributed by their presence in The Blues Brothers and other movies. Nowadays, the wayfarer style is still popular, and the Ray-Ban shades remain a favorite among many individuals.
Oversized Blazers with Shoulder Pads
In the 1980s, blazers were big and boxy. On the other hand, the shoulder pads were huge and comprised loud colors. Today, people are pairing an oversized blazer in black, neutral plaid or even taupe with several outfits at any time of the year.
Ruffle Blouses
Like the shoulder pads, the ruffle blouses were popular in the 20th century. The 80s blouses were large and had ruffles at the front, which made them appear stylish. Modern girls love ruffles, so it’s worth noting they are back in the market, but in a modern and luxurious way compared to the 80s.
Bomber Jackets
The bomber jackets were common amongst the high school football players and military pilots in the 1980s. But a popular film like The Hunter and Top Gun enticed people to start rocking these unique jackets. The current bomber jackets allow versatile wear, thanks to their trendier look and light fabrics.
Fanny Packs
In the 1980s, people rocked the fanny pack around the waist with the bag positioned in the back. While these items were famous, people didn’t recognize them as fashionable, and those who donned them did so for practical purposes.
Thanks to the increase in music festivals, the fanny packs have enjoyed a fashionable resurgence in the new generation. They are now well-known as ‘belt bags’.
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