Whether you lived through the eighties or not, there’s no denying its impact on pop culture – not only then but up to this very day. The eighties was the decade of MTV, music videos, pop stars, hip hop, techno, punk rock, the Hollywood blockbuster…the list goes on.
The bright, shiny allure of capitalism mixed with the grungy, underground vibe of rave culture gave birth to an explosion of clashing prints, trends, and clothing styles that made the 80sa truly unique decade.
While the 80s tends not to be associated with sophisticated, pared-back glamor but more with in-your-face prints and neon colors, 80s fashion reflected a turning point for women. Big shoulder pads, while a hard statement to pull off every day, were indicative of increasing female dominance in the workforce – especially banking and other industries typically reserved for men.
New wealth from a booming economy also inspired the rise of the designer label and branding that, while not necessarily a hallmark of elegance, has stayed with us until this day.
It is inevitable that things go out of style but wait long enough, and they come back in fashion. 80s trends have become more popular with both high-end designers and fast-fashion labels in the past few years, just as 40s fashion trends came back in the 80s.
The buzz surrounding television shows on 80s icons like Versace and Halston gives ammunition to the fact that this divisive decade is back in fashion.
But embracing the 80s doesn’t have to mean you have to be 100% historically accurate. There are plenty of vintage dresses that are both chic and unmistakably 80s but still fresh within our modern context. Look to high fashion names such as Marc Jacobs or Versace for inspiration on how to make 80s fashion sleek and sophisticated for the 21st century.
Metallic Glam
The metallic glam that graced the dance floors of the iconic Studio 54 club is great inspo for nightlife style today as bars and clubs begin to open up, and all we want to do is make a bang and party with friends again.
Model Lauren Hutton did this perfectly in a sequin gold number that’s kept classy with a pair of simple black heels and low-key makeup – a nod to the 80s without being a direct recreation!
Here at Thrilling, we can take you back to this ultimate sultry glamour look with a navy and gold lace party dress. Power shoulder action and a low cut back for the ultimate nod to Studio 54. To keep it fresh and modern, wear with slicked backed hair and minimal accessories a la Versace Resort 2021 collection.
Pretty Pastels
For a look that pays homage to the preppy chic of Molly Ringwald, or the more sinister charm of the Heathers, we have a collection of pretty pastel dresses straight from the 80s.
A gorgeous empire waist prairie dress in lilac can be toughened up with some biker boots or even a pair of sneakers for a summery look that whispers urban chic. For a sexier spin, a baby blue mini dress with ruched detail and a slit can be paired with summer-y wedges for a more special occasion.
While it’s easier to stay chic with muted colors, neon – the ultimate 80s color palette – can still be elegant when worn the right way. Look to modern style icons like Lupita Nyong’o and Kendall Jenner, who keep it laid-back with minimal makeup and accessories to let the color pop against their skin tone. A hot pink spaghetti strap maxi dress is the perfect outfit for a summer garden party. Wear with flats to stay comfy while also exuding vibrant elegance.
Animal Print
If you like prints, nothing roars the eighties like animal. While popularized by fashion houses like Dior, animal prints are so much more than animated Cruella Devil—though we are here for her recent fashion glow-up.
However, there is nothing more powerful than a woman who can rock an animal print. Plenty of style icons from that era to now have made a case for making leopard look luxe – think Jackie O, Grace Jones, and Lizzo, just to name a few.
One style tip is to avoid mixing and matching different prints, which can be overpowering and could cause a sensory overload. Best to stick to a single print and a simple silhouette. Leopard looks great on most people, popping against pale skin and complementing darker skin colors.
For those who are hesitant to embrace all-over print, choose a dress with just a hint, and add matching accessories to tie the look together. You’re the eye of the tiger (peak 80s reference).
Business Chic
For something more appropriate for the office space, consider the blazer dress. Movies such as The Wolf of Wall Street made the finance world an unlikely source of 80s fashion inspiration. The power suit became a popular choice for women breaking into male-dominated industries and eventually trickled into high fashion – think Alexander Wang and Saint Laurent.
As more and more of us return to the office, why not make an event of it! A blazer dress is a true fashion statement and is the perfect transitional work-to-drinks outfit. Simply add a statement necklace to complement a low neckline or tie your waist with an oversized belt – also very 80s – to glam things up.
Sporty Style
Perhaps one of the greatest parallels between the 80s and the 21st century is the rise of branding and sportswear: enter athleisure. The economic boom of that era saw a new interest in clothing items that showed status but that were also wearable for the everyday. This still rings true today, as everyday fashion has become more casual.
High fashion brands have capitalized on this shift, making sweatpants and hoodies that cost thousands of dollars – often the only sign of their cost is a logo emblazoned across the front or perhaps somewhere more discrete – recognized only by those who are in the know.
A nod back to the logomania of the 80s need not cost you the world: a yellow shirt dress from United Colors of Benetton is the ultimate throwback to retro sporty casual.
Bringing the 80s Back
The beauty of vintage fashion is that you can pick and choose the best from each decade. The 80s were iconic for many reasons – some good and some bad. With our extensive selection of looks from this era, it’s easy to filter through the trends you love and pick out a unique piece of history.
Making it your own is easy with a mix of modern accessories and some signature flair from Thrilling!
Sources:
Fashion Trends From the '80s | Insider
9 Party-Season Outfits Taken From Studio 54 Fashion | WhoWhatWear