Rocker Girl Clothes From the 1980s

1980s rocker girls wore an eclectic mix of black leather and lace, styled with romantic retro touches.

Whichever fashion camp you were in, the 1980s was experimental and individualistic. Rock stars of the decade became the cool clothing icons of a commercial but youthful style. Unlike music-related fashion movements of previous decades, such as punk, beatnik or mod, '80s rocker style was not rooted in politics. Fueled by music videos, this style was about the songs and a rebellious but glamorous dream of breaking free from conservative tradition. Elements of rocker style inspired the fashions of pop stars like Madonna, but true rocker girls tried for a hard and uncompromising appeal.

Inspiration

Rockers of the 1980s pulled together influences from '70s rock and punk and mixed them with the new styles of the day. Fashions progressed to include goth and metal looks along with a mainstream, hard-edged style championed by music stars. The biker look was extremely popular, along with occasional retro elements from the classic rock-and-roll era.

Essentials

Leather was essential for '80s rockers, worn tight. Girls wore fitted leather pants, micro-mini skirts and leather biker jackets. Boots were thigh-high or gathered, with pointed toes and stiletto heels. Preferred patterns were leopard-skin or stripes, often worn on cropped trousers, miniskirts and tights. Another look blended heavy black biker boots with flowing fabrics.

Styling

With hair big and makeup loud, biker girls also sported sleek clothing. Outfits were tight, pulled in at the waist, showing off an hourglass figure and long legs. Rocker girls dressed up their hard-edged outfits with big spiky hair and sultry black eyeliner. T-shirts and jeans were ripped and layered with laddered tights and fishnets. Rocker girls also wore oversize classic rock T-shirts with tight black jeans, pixie boots and low-slung belts.

Famous Rocker Girls

Fashion icons of 1980s rock include Joan Jett and Pat Benatar, whose 1983 "Love is a Battlefield" video shows her dancing in a ripped backless dress with shredded tights. Heart's 1987 video for "Alone" showcases the romantic trend that developed in the later 1980s. This witchy, nostalgic style is popular for Halloween costumes today. It combines tight black miniskirts and boots with long, flowing coats, fishnet stockings and fingerless gloves.

References

• "Vogue": Amanda brooks: It's Only Rock 'n' Roll
• 80s Exchange: '80s Biographies: Pat Benatar
• V&A: Day of Record: Gothic

Resources

• Rock and Vogue: Holy '80s! The Rise and Fall of Hair Metal
• Pop Dose: Lost in the '80s: Pat Benatar