1980s Teen Clothing Styles

Teens who wanted to stand out from the crowd loved the punk look.

Some people saw the '80s as a time when young people wore bad clothing, crazy hairstyles and heavy makeup. But for others, the '80s was a time when people embraced their own style. Teenagers who lived through the '80s were lucky enough to rock a variety of clothing styles.

Workout Gear

The '80s was the beginning of an exercise craze in the U.S., and Jane Fonda and her workout videos were a heavy influence, according to the People History. Girls wanted to be thin, so they could wear gym-wear at anytime. Work-out clothing in the '80s comprised jogging suits, spandex leggings and tube tops. Accessories included plastic visors, large sunglasses and terrycloth headbands. Ladies often wore large, round sunglasses that even covered their cheeks and eyebrows. Leg warmers were another '80s must-have, and they came in many colors and patterns. Teen fashionistas often wore matching oversized sweaters, leg warmers and high-top sneakers.

Punk

In the '80s, the punk lifestyle, known for rebelling against cultural norms, featured a number of fashion trends, reports The People History. Teens who wanted a punk look altered their clothing any way they could. They cut off their T-shirt sleeves, ripped their jeans and wore men's shirts as dresses. Teens used duct tape and safety pins of all sizes to keep the slits together. In addition, they wore tight leather pants and acid jeans, torn fishnets and plaid skirts in neon colors. Teens accessorized with belts, bracelets and collars that featured spikes or studs. Footwear included platform heels and Doc Marten boots with zippers or studs.

Madonna Look

Madonna, the fashion chameleon of the '80s, represented everything the '80s was all about, the People History says. Teen girls emulated their music idol's taste in clothing to wear lacy corset blouses, capris under poufy mini-skirts, mesh vests and fishnet stockings. They accessorized with fingerless lace gloves, layers of crucifix necklaces, bracelets (metal and jelly) and long dangling earrings. Ballet slippers or black ankle boots finished this look, according to the People History.

Parachute Pants

When we think of parachutes, we typically think of jumping out of a plane, but thanks to dancer M.C. Hammer, '80s teens began to wear "parachute" pants, says the People History. These shiny pants were made of parachute material, and they were extremely loose around the hips and thighs and narrowed as they reached the ankles. The design originated with break dancers who needed the extra room and looseness to move easily.

References

• The People History: 1980s Fashion -- 1980's Fashions Including Prices