The 1980s – a decade of neon lights, big hair, and even bigger shoulder pads. It was a time of radical change and bold self-expression, reflected in the vibrant and audacious fashion trends. But recreating an 80s look can be daunting, especially if you're aiming for authenticity without a time machine or a vintage clothing haul. This article will guide you in channeling your inner 80s fashionista with easy-to-find pieces and simple styling tips.
Color Explosion: Embrace the Rainbow
The 80s were all about embracing the rainbow. Ditch the neutrals and dive into bold hues like fuchsia, emerald green, electric blue, and neon anything! Don't be afraid to mix and match patterns – stripes, polka dots, and florals can all play together nicely.
Neon Everything
Neon colors were hugely popular in 80s fashion. Shades like hot pink, acid green, highlighter yellow and electric blue popped up on everything from jeans to jackets to accessories. The brighter and bolder, the better! Go wild and wear neon from head to toe – mix multiple neon brights or pair them with black for maximum impact.
Mix and Match Prints
The 80s loved wild print mixing. Unlike today where we tend to stick to one print at a time, the 80s freely mixed stripes, polka dots, plaid, florals and animal prints all in one outfit. The key is to let each piece stand out rather than blend. For example, pair a striped top with a floral skirt and polka dot tights.
Rainbow Accessories
Accessories are the perfect way to incorporate color without a total outfit overhaul. Pop a fuchsia hair tie onto your ponytail, slide on some teal bangles or show off rainbow earrings. Scarves, gloves, socks and shoes are also an easy way to weave color into your look.
Shoulder Power: Bigger is Better
The bigger, the better! Shoulder pads were the undisputed queens of 80s fashion, adding instant drama and structure to any outfit. Blazers, jackets, and even sweaters were adorned with these exaggerated power shoulders, creating a fierce and confident silhouette. 
Play Up the Pads
Focus your shoulder efforts on blazers, suit jackets and coats. These structured garments lend themselves best to dramatic shoulder padding. Look for boxy, oversized styles and add shoulder pads if they didn't come pre-padded. Pro tip: thrift stores carry lots of vintage blazers and coats perfect for padding!
Sweaters and More
Beyond jackets and blazers, keep shoulders in mind when selecting other statement pieces too. Choose sweaters and tops with an exaggerated shoulder line or puffed sleeves. Dresses with cap sleeves also highlight the shoulders. And don't shy away from shoulder detailing like ruffles, puffs and embellishments!
Balance Proportions
Adding mega shoulders can throw off your proportions, so balance out a padded top half with fitted pants or a pencil skirt below. This slim bottom creates an hourglass silhouette. Finish with bold shoes and chunky jewelry in contrasting colors to accentuate the shoulder divas.
Leg Up: Ripped, Acid and Leg Warmers
Leggings, ripped jeans, and acid-wash denim were staples of the 80s wardrobe. Pair them with leg warmers for extra warmth and a touch of dance-floor flair. Don't forget the neon scrunchies or a pair of leg warmers to complete the look!
Get the Ripped Look
Ripped jeans dominated the 80s scene, from barely distressed to completely shredded. Go for a layered, mixed fabric look by pairing ripped jeans with printed leggings or tights underneath. For easy wear, balance really distressed jeans with a feminine blouse or floral dress on top.
Acid 101
Acid wash jeans are instantly recognizable from their pale and mottled fabric. Mimic this look today with light denim jeans splattered with bleach or wear-and-tear. Or dig through thrift shops for authentic acid washed vintage jeans with the iconic faded blue color.
Leg Warmers Galore
Stretchy, colorful leg warmers were hugely popular with 80s aerobicise classes and dance-crazed teens. Wear them scrunched up over leggings or tights, using neon brights and rainbow stripes for authentic 80s flair. Go for ankle-height or experiment with over-the-knee styles too.
Party On Top: Cropped and Graphic
From off-the-shoulder blouses to crop tops and graphic tees, the 80s loved to show some skin. Don't be afraid to experiment with different necklines and silhouettes. Throw on a denim jacket for a casual vibe or layer a lace top over a turtleneck for a more romantic touch.
Bare Those Shoulders
Off-the-shoulder blouses and tops were wildly popular, flashing just a hint of skin. Loosely tucked into high-waisted acid-washed jeans or a skirt, an off-shoulder top is sweet yet sexy. Or make it office-appropriate by layering under a blazer. Ruffles, lace and bright pops of color amp up the romance!
Show Your Stuff
Crop tops and bandeau bras flashed just a peek of midriff for a rebellious look. Pair them with high-waisted bottoms to keep things PG. Graphic tees with band logos, flashy prints and slogans also showed off individual style. Layer tanks, blazers and mesh tops for added dimension.
Get Creative with Layers
Use layers strategically to create dimension and highlight different necklines. For example, pair a mesh or fishnet top over a turtleneck, then add an open blazer. Or try a strapless dress with a long-sleeved, sheer lace top for contrast. Have fun mixing materials, textures and colors!
Accessorize Like An 80s Pro
The 80s were all about the statement piece. Pile on chunky necklaces, oversized earrings, and colorful bracelets. Don't forget the iconic plastic bangles and neon headbands! And of course, no 80s outfit is complete without a pair of statement sunglasses, whether it's aviators, wayfarers, or anything with neon accents.
Big and Bold Jewelry
Go big and bold with your 80s accessories! Layer on long, chunky necklaces full of shine and dimension. Mismatched earrings also pack visual interest with dangling, oversized silhouettes preferred. Don’t be matchy-matchy – have fun mixing metals, shapes and colors instead!
Bangle Bonanza
No 80s wrist was complete without a stack of plastic bangle bracelets. The wider and brighter, the better! Slide on a rainbow of colors and patterns for instant 80s charm. Mix with gold and silver metal bangles too for extra shine. These playful bracelets instantly liven up any outfit.
Hair + Head Accessories Galore
Scrunchies, headbands, barrettes and hair clips were bold accessory statements in the 80s. Go for vibrant neons, rich jewel tones, animal prints or pretty patterns. And don’t forget the iconic sunglasses! Oversized round or aviator frames pack a heavy retro punch.
Mix + Match For Maximum Impact
Now that you know the key ingredients, let’s get creative! Here are some easy 80s outfit ideas you can put together with your existing wardrobe:
Preppy Princess
Pair a pastel pink off-the-shoulder blouse with a high-waisted pencil skirt and a chunky pearl necklace. Throw on a blazer with subtle shoulder pads for a polished yet playful look.
Rock Chick Rebel
Black ripped jeans, a graphic band tee, and a leather jacket are all you need to channel your inner rockstar. Add a pair of fishnet tights and chunky combat boots for extra edge.
Neon Workout Warrior
Neon leggings, a leg warmer, and a bright crop top are perfect for an 80s-inspired gym session. Don't forget the neon scrunchies and a headband to keep your hair in place!
Glam Girl Going Out
A sparkly mini dress, oversized earrings, and sky-high heels are perfect for hitting the dance floor. Add a neon clutch and a feathered hairspray for an extra dose of glamour.
Business with a Bite
A power suit with exaggerated shoulder pads and a statement necklace is perfect for commanding attention in the boardroom. Add a pop of color with a silk scarf or a pair of neon pumps.
Remember, the 80s were all about individuality and self-expression. Don't be afraid to experiment, mix and match, and most importantly, have fun! So put on your biggest hair, crank up the synth music, and embrace your inner 80s icon.
Bonus Tips
- Raid your mom's closet! Vintage clothing is a treasure trove of 80s gems.
- Check out thrift stores and online marketplaces for unique pieces.
You never know what you might find!
- Don't be afraid to DIY. Distress your own jeans, cut up a t-shirt, or add some patches for a personalized touch.
- Have fun with makeup! Bold colors, glitter, and heavy blush were all the rage in the 80s.
- Embrace the excess. The more layers, accessories, and bold colors, the better!
