How to wear 80’s outfits-precisely-broken down into the exact trends you can take into your modern-day wardrobe: from neon spandex to giant blazers, let’s dive in and see exactly how 80s fashion works for you.
1. Neon & Bright Colors: Bold, Fun, and Unforgettable
Neon colors never had that trendiness as much as in the ’80s. Neon pinks, greens, yellows, and blues ruled the sportswear and clubbing outfits of fashionistas. And if one could pull this trend today, that one pop of neon just brings the 80s vibe in instantly.
How to Wear It:
- Neon tops can have this relaxed and playful vibe tucked into high-waist jeans or skirts, completing them with white sneakers or chunky heels.
- Neo Neon Accessories: Pop neon right into your look with vibrant shades, neon clutches, or chunky neon bracelets-all in on too much neon over the place.
- Color Blocking: Hot pink with lime green or electric blue. Color blocking was HUGE in the 80s, so don’t be afraid to mix bold hues for an energetic look.
How to wear it modernly:
Balance the boldness by pairing neon pieces with neutrals-black, white, or denim-for a more grounded outfit.
SHOP NEON BRIGHT
2. Power Suits & Oversized Blazers: Strong, Chic, and Structured
This was one of the statements of fashion in the 80s and pretty much a signature uniform in the workplace for the corporate woman. Think extra-large blazers with shoulder stuffing, worn atop fitted trousers or pencil skirts, speaking volumes of strength and assurance which is timeless and chic even today.
How to Wear It:
- Padded-shoulder blazer: wear this extra oversized, and those structured, super-defined shoulders-quintessence of the 80s-top and match off with high-waist jeans or mini skirts.
- Double-Breasted Suits: Double-breasted jacket with pencil skirt and trousers spells out fantastic retro relevance in the 80’s fashion trend. Big up. Use colors like red and royal blue to see it all real.
- Wide-Legged Trousers: You simply wear that over a high-waist, wide-legged pair of trousers, and voilà-there it is, the power suit, very modern. You are able to bring in balance into the image with an additional fitted turtleneck or graphic tee.
Modern Tip:
Modernize up those near-fitted blazers with some modern styling on sleek heels or statement pieces of jewelry.
SHOP BLAZERS
3. Mini Skirts & Skater Dresses: Fun and Flirty Feminine Vibes
Mini skirts really came into their own during the 80s and were well sported in combination with huge shirts, blouses, or big sweaters; one also threw in the skater dresses, either in great prints or block colors. These outfits could be made for either a day out or a night out clubbing to casual, chic street wear.
How to Wear It:
- Mini skirts: One can wear a plaid or pleated mini skirt with a blouse tucked in or a graphic T-shirt on top to give that cool, laid-back look. Complete it with a chunky belt, which was also one of the major trends of the 80s.
- Skater dresses are fitted into an A-line or a fit-and-flare model in bold patterns such as stripes, polka dots, and geometrics.
- Chuck an oxford or denim over the piece for modernization.
- High-tops & chunky shoes are like, Chuck on those high-top sneakers or some Converse on a mini skirt or over a skater dress, and there instantly comes an easy-breezy fresh take on this ’80s fashion-styled comfort.
Modern Tip:
For one revamped version, place mini skirts and dresses made of innovative fabrics–leather, velvet, or ribbed knit, for example–alongside slimmed-down, minimalist accessories.
SHOP SKIRTS & SKATER
4. Denim: The Classic 80s Fabric
All about denim, the 80s were the era of everything from acid-wash jeans and oversized jackets to that ever-popular denim-on-denim getup. Pull off this trend by striking a delicate balance between rough and stylish.
How to Wear It:
- Acid-Wash Jeans: Acid-wash or ripped jeans were in during the 80s. Update into high-waisted, straight-leg, or boyfriend fit. Tuck a tee or sweater in and voilà-the simple laid-back look.
- Denim jackets are always so classic; an oversize denim jacket nailed on its own or laid over a hoodie for that really great take on ’80s streetwear. Try one cropped in, or vintage-inspired for freshness.
- Double Denim: Of course, double denim happened in the 80s! That is, wearing the jacket with denim jeans or with a skirt. Mix different washes of denim with an added textural element-such as a light wash with darker jeans-to give this look some new life.
Modern Tip:
Add a belt bag, gold jewelry and sleek ankle boots or strappy sandals.
SHOP CLASSIC 80s
5. Graphic Tees & Sweatshirts: Casual Cool with a Retro Twist
The 80s just made sure that graphic tees and oversized sweatshirts became the staple in pretty much every individual’s wardrobe-from rock bands to the icons of pop culture, to fun slogans saying absolutely nothing, just about everywhere in the streets.
How to Wear It:
- Graphic Tees: The coolest wear for any casual get-together, a vintage or band tee shines perfectly with high-waisted jeans, leather pants, or even with a mini skirt.
- Sweatshirts-Oversized and slouchy sweatshirts sporting loud graphics or logos have always made absolute favorites in 80s street wear, and one can always pair up with leggings or joggers for that perfect athleisure-inspired look.
- Layering: Adding depth and interest when layering over a turtleneck or even underneath a jacket or a blazer.
Modern Hint:
Pull the whole together: sleek, ultra-modern pieces balance out that graphic-ness, be that streamlined pants or minimalist shoes and sneakers.
SHOP GRAPHIC TEE SWEATSHIRT
6. Scrunchies, Headbands & Accessories: Adding the Finishing Touch
It was that great part of the complementation that made the outfits what they were in the 80s: all belonged to scrunchies, oversized earrings, and headbands. Accessorizing-your key to pulling off that 80s style!
How to Wear It:
- Scrunchies: Do a high ponytail or a messy bun with scrunchies on. Bright-colored scrunchies are a must, especially those in satin and velvet material.
- Chunky Earrings: Big statement earrings, huge hoops, and layered necklaces were huge during the 80s. Go big!
- Headbands & Hats: Go big with a wide fabric headband or go sporty with a snapback cap for adding in some 80s street style. A beret or floppy hat will add an urbane touch to the outfit for an 80s look.
Modern Tip:
Team accessories will keep them fresh with modern outfits, and the sleek black blazer easily balances a pair between retro and modern styles.
SHOP HEAD ACCESSORIES
7. Bold Makeup & Hairstyles: Go Big or Go Home
80s makeup was all about exaggeration-big time. Bright eyeshadows, blushes, and lips are on the menu-statement ones. After all, as they say, when it comes to hair: go big or go home.
How to Wear It:
- Eyeshadow: Just do not be afraid of those screaming, bold colors in electric blue, pink, or purple hues. Then go ahead and nail those graphic eyeliner or dramatic wings to make that 80s point right.
- Blush: Bright, bold shades on the apples of your cheeks are all you need for just-got-sun-kissed flushes.
- Big Hair: Curls or crimping-give you the full-on volume hairstyle, or your good buddy – teasing comb- would have also got loads of activity and hairspray too. In any case, when it isn’t your thing wearing curls-the classic high ponytail would come in most useful and very “tre 80’s”
Modern Tip:
For a contemporary twist, keep the makeup slightly toned down or use modern techniques like soft blending for eyeshadows and subtle highlighter to balance out the boldness.
SHOP HAIRSTYLE
Final Thoughts: Owning the 80’s Look
Everything about the 80s screamed bold, and it would seem the only secret to pulling off 80s outfits now is wearing that fearless attitude without apology and making the trend your own. Anything can happen: neon and denim mixed together, or a powerful suit with sneakers. Wear this most of all to look great, but have a lot of fun-the era called for an excuse to get outstandingly outstanding, so bold outfits should boldly be done.
Get ready to rock those looks of the 80s once and for all; go all out in this eclectic era of colors, quirkiness, and fashion. This is sure to turn some heads!
