The Ultimate Guide to 80s Fashion Pictures: An Era of Glamour and Excess
The 80s was a decade of excess, flamboyance, and glamour. It was a time when people experimented with bold and colorful outfits to stand out from the crowd. Fashion was one of the most defining aspects of the era, and it still continues to inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts across the world.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the world of 80s fashion pictures, exploring the trends, styles, and iconic looks that defined the decade. From power dressing to punk rock, we will cover it all.
The Rise of Power Dressing
The 80s was marked by a significant increase in women’s participation in the workforce. As a result, there was a rise in power dressing, which aimed at creating a sophisticated and authoritative look. Power dressing involved wearing bold, structured outfits with sharp lines, padded shoulders, and neutral colors like black, grey, and beige.
Another characteristic of power dressing was the use of luxurious fabrics such as silk and cashmere. Women can accessorize with gold jewelry, pearl earrings, and oversized watches. Two of the most iconic looks of this style were the ‘working woman’ outfit and the ‘lady boss’ suit.
The Popularity of Punk Rock
The punk rock movement originated in the 70s but reached its peak in the 80s. It was an anti-establishment movement that celebrated rebellion, individuality, and non-conformity. The punk fashion style was characterized by ripped jeans, leather jackets, studded belts, and band T-shirts.
A signature feature of the punk style was the use of safety pins, often used to hold together torn clothing items. Mohawks and spiky hairstyles were also popular among the punks. This look was embraced by many celebrities of the time, including Madonna, Joan Jett, and Billy Idol.
The Craze for Neon
The 80s was the decade of color, and nothing embodied this more than neon. Neon colors such as pink, green, orange, and yellow were everywhere, from clothing to accessories. Neon clothing items like leg warmers, tights, and sweatbands were especially popular among women.
Men also experimented with neon clothing, particularly in athletic wear. Tracksuits, windbreakers and sneakers featured bold neon colors, often paired with white or black. The neon craze was embraced by pop culture icons such as the members of the band Duran Duran and Madonna.
Iconic Accessories
Accessories were an essential part of 80s fashion. One of the most iconic accessories of the decade was the oversized earring. Women wore giant hoop earrings, dangly earrings, and multi-color earrings to complete their outfits.
Another popular accessory of the time was the fanny pack, worn around the waist and used as a handy storage solution for small items. Sunglasses were also an essential part of the 80s look, with Ray-Ban Wayfarers and aviators being especially popular.
In Conclusion
The 80s was a decade of major fashion shifts, leaving an impact still felt in the fashion industry today. Power dressing, punk rock, neon colors, and oversized accessories were just a few of the iconic styles that defined the era. By studying 80s fashion pictures, we learn a lot about the cultural and social influences that shaped the decade.
