Fashion
Women
Men
Hair
  • Feathered Hair
  • Rave, tons of it
  • Stick-up bangs
  • Multicolored
  • Crimped
  • Side Ponytails
  • Ultra-Teased
  • Platinum Blonde
  • Glitter
  • Rainbow
  • Mohawks
  • Long & Layered
  • Slightly Teased
  • Long
  • Frizzy w/Bangs
  • Curly

The clothes worn in the 80s depicted people who were trying to find themselves. They looked for ways to express their creativity and individuality. Men wore heavy make up and grew long hair. Women wore short hair and layers of clothing. Both sexes were looking for an identity.  1980s clothing styles are back on the shelves now, and we take a look at what makes these eighties fashions for women endure the test of time.

Baja Hoodies

These shirts are forever associated with, well, stoner chic. Thanks to the 1982 movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Sean Penn’s now-legendary zoned out surfer dude character, the Baja is, in fashion circles at least, a bit of a joke. Granted, Spicoli did dress his red-and-white-striped pullover up a bit by adding a white turtleneck underneath. He was wearing it in the scene where Spicoli orders a pizza during class, much to the dismay of teacher Mr. Hand (Ray Walston).

 

80s Leg Warmers

When people think of 80s fashion leg warmers almost always come to mind. After all, who didn’t wear leg warmers during the decade of decadence? Anyone with even the least bit of fashion interest had at least a half a dozen pairs of leg warmers in their dresser.

Reebok Hightops - So High, So Cool

Most high-tops are basketball shoes, but not in the 80s! In the 80s, they became a fashion statement – so ubiquitous were the Reebok Hightop Aerobic shoes that they became a fashion staple – a must-have!

80s Dresses Show the 80s at their most . . . well, 80s

Distinct features of 80s dresses:

• Ruffles
• Polka Dots
• Shoulder Pads
• Drape-y fabric
• Rouching at shoulders
• Big buttons, bows or other accessories
• Bright colors
• Floral

Paint Splatter Fashion

80s Parachute Pants

In the late 80s and early 90s parachute pants went from being tight to being extremely baggy thanks to the notorious fashion sense of Mr. MC Hammer. The name shifted from referring to the type of material to the size and volume of the material. 

Princess Diana

Oh the fashion statements of Princess Di. A fashion trendsetter, to say the least. In the 90s "the people's princess" was taken away from us, but in the 80s she was very much alive and well and charming the masses. The funny thing is, however, that although Princess Di became an 80s fashion icon, the princess's wardrobe didn't start out as amazing or impressive!

When you think about clothes worn in the 80s, what is the most popular style that comes to mind? Madonna. The pop icon was discovered and elevated to her most popular days in the 1980’s. Her style was the most copied and sought after look. After all, Madonna was omnipresent in 80s culture, appearing on TV in many music videos, on the big screen in movies, on cassettes in every home and car, and in concert.

This “Gloved One” was certainly in a league of his own. he took the pop music world by storm in the 1980s. With his leather jackets, white socks, and rhinestone glove, he definitely stood out.

Funky 80s Hairstyles

The I'm-Closer-to-God-Than-You Bangs.

The Side Ponytail: Only In My Dreams, Debbie Gibson.

The Uncle Jesse - Mullet

The Rodent or Water Fowl


Fads from the 80s

  • Baby On Board Signs
    The little yellow sign that looked like a yellow warning sign. 
  • Boom Boxes
    The "ghetto blaster." The portable radio, with two speakers as a minimum, the heavier and the bigger, the better
  • Rubik Cube
    The toy that was a real pain in the butt to solve, unless you peeled the stickers or pulled it apart.
  • Skateboarding
    Skateboarding really hit a peek in popularity during the 80s, it seemed like everyone was doing it at one point.
  • Trivial Pursuit
    The game that made people start memorizing useless crap in order to win. Probably one of the biggest crazes when it came out though.
  • Video Arcades
    There are arcades now, but during the 80s, they were the *in* place to hangout.
  • Wrestling
    Although it has made a comeback in recent years, nothing even compares with the classic years of the WWF, and the NWA.
  • Break Dancing
    Remember the parachute pants and cardboard boxes we danced on.
  • Cabbage Patch Dolls
  • Roller Skating