80s Outfit Ideas
Fashions in the 1980s offered much in the way of creativity and self-expression. From Princess Diana to a Flock of Seagulls, the inspirations for fashion ranged from classic to extreme, which allows for many choices when trying to put together an outfit that represents this versatile decade. Does this Spark an idea?
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Oversized and Awesome
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Inspired by the movie "Flashdance," oversized sweatshirts represent the 1980s when they drape off one shoulder, are worn over a tank top and stand out in neon colors. Oversized button-down and silk shirts also evoke the decade, especially when tied with a wide, low slung belt. Pairing a big shirt with skinny leggings, a mini skirt or jeans is totally rad, especially when legwarmers are added.
Casually Cool Hot Looks
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Shiny, baggy parachute pants were an 80s fad, but no pants define the decade like acid washed jeans in navy or black. Eighties cool is taken to the max when the jeans are worn with an acid washed jacket. Members Only jackets also represent the 80s as does the slouchy Miami Vice suit in white or a pastel, worn open to show a solid, brightly colored T-shirt. The South Florida look is completed with loafers, but no socks!
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Preppies and Prom Queens
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Bright pink and green Polo shirts reflect preppie staples of the 80s and should be worn with the collar turned up. Khaki pants and knee-length skirts, or plaid wrap skirts, are the choice pair-up, while adding a sweater tied around the shoulders, penny loafers and an add-a-bead necklace screams "Pretty in Pink." Prom queens favored gowns with puffy sleeves, one-shoulder or off-the-shoulder styling, often in organza. Must-have accessories are satin shoes, rhinestones and a wrist corsage.
Madonna or Princess Di
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The pop queen pushed fashion to the extreme. One of her most copied looks combines a short skirt with a bustier style top in black, worn with leggings, black ankle boots and lace fingerless gloves. Dangly earrings and a wrist full of bracelets accessorize, but the look isn't complete until heavy eye make-up is applied and a big bow is tied on top of the head. By sharp contrast, ladylike dresses of modest length also identify the times and include floral, polka dot and paint-splatter patterns as well as bright colors. Many 80s dresses have ruffles, big buttons and bows and shoulder pads that could rival those of a linebacker.
Punkers and Metal Heads
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The 80s punk rocker look is captured with tights and a skirt, either in black or bold stripes or plaids. Combine with black combat boots or high top tennis shoes and a T-shirt, either in black or one expressing an in-your-face message. Pale skin contrasted with black eye makeup and red lipstick, along with a choker necklace and fake nose ring add to this style's shock value. Metal fans might opt for the Axl Rose look featuring a black leather jacket and a bandana tied across the forehead and around the head like a medical bandage. Sunglasses are placed over the forehead, on top of the bandana, instead of over the eyes.
Crowning Glories
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Hair was part of the package during the 80s. It couldn't be too big, so the more teased, fluffed and feathered it is, the more it represents 1980s excess. Gathering it up into banana clips mimics a popular do from the decade as does a Debbie Gibson-style ponytail, which is worn on one side of the head. Collar-skimming feathered locks say "80s guy" as does the mullet cut, especially when worn with a black muscle T-shirt and a bandana tied around the neck.
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