About 80s Clothing

In the 1980s, clothes were all about being loud, zany, colorful, wacky and, most importantly, fun. The '80s were perhaps the most outrageous clothing decade in all of history. From trends such as crimped hair, leg warmers and fingerless gloves to parachute pants and shoulder pads, the '80s was truly the time period in fashion when absolutely anything (whether good or bad) was possible.

Expert Insight

The '80s had numerous wacky trends. Some were shoulder pads, neon colors, parachute pants, layered socks, fingerless gloves, leg warmers, oversize sweatshirts, acid washed jeans, jean jackets, high-top shoes, Izod shirts and off-shoulder shirts. Other items considered to be fashionable during the time included 3/4 sleeves, thick belts, miniskirts, chains on leather and pastels.

Types

There were many popular brands in the '80s considered iconic when it came to essential fashion items of the moment. Some of the most loved '80s brands were Esprit, Keds, Reebok, LA Gear, Jordache, Guess, Adidas, Vans, Ralph Lauren, Izod, Kaepa, Liz Claiborne, Banana Republic and Ocean Pacific.

Theories/Speculation

The '80s tends to be a fashion decade most people look back on while cringing. Many people consider '80s clothing to be a total fashion faux pas. Some of the most cringeworthy (for most people) '80s clothing items are acid wash denim, shell suits, ankle socks (especially in neon colors), bulky shoulder pads (made famous by shows such as "Dynasty" and "Dallas") and precreased shirts.

Features

There were several '80s clothing styles that were simultaneously going on during the decade. Some of the best known fashion movements of the time are the New Romantic (New Wave fashion born out of United Kingdom nightclubs -- think Adam and the Ants), power dresser (made popular by strong working women as displayed on programs such as "Dynasty"), dance and exercise gear (think "Flashdance" and the Olivia Newton John "Physical" video), Madonna's style (miniskirts over leggings and fishnet gloves) and the notorious "Miami Vice" look (laid-back shirts combined with expensive suit jackets).

Potential

To create an authentic '80s look, you can check vintage stores in your area for time-appropriate items.These days, '80s items are a lot easier to find than clothing from the decades before. Otherwise, you can check excellent online '80s vintage retailers such as Backward Glances, Viva la Vintage and Blender Clothing.

Resources

• 80s Xchange
• Backward Glances