The Rise and Fall of 80s Fashion Trends: A Trip Down Memory Lane
The 1980s was an iconic decade for fashion trends that shaped the way people dressed. From punk to Madonna, leg warmers to shoulder pads, the 80s had it all. However, despite its popularity, the decade’s fashion trends were not without controversy. Here is a closer look at the rise and fall of 80s fashion trends.
The Beginnings of the 80s Fashion
The 80s was a decade of extremes, with fashion reflecting the economic boom the world experienced during that period. Many iconic fashion trends from the 80s, such as punk and new romanticism, originated in the UK. Punk culture, which began in the late 70s, rejected the mainstream fashion of the time. The result was a style that celebrated DIY fashion, safety pins, and bold hairstyles.
The new romantic fashion movement, on the other hand, was all about grandeur and flamboyance. With elaborate hairstyles, excessive makeup, and elaborate outfits, the trend defined an era in fashion.
The Popularity of 80s Fashion
The 80s was a decade of unapologetic joy and indulgence, which reflected in the fashion trends of the time. For instance, power dressing became a popular fashion trend among women in the 80s. The trend was characterized by formal suits, shoulder pads, and bold accessories, in an effort to express confidence and power. The male equivalent was the “yuppie” style, characterized by expensive suits, flashy watches, and designer labels.
Fashion trends from the 80s also included leg warmers and neon colors that were perfect for aerobic workouts, a trend which swept the world, thanks to Olivia Newton-John’s song “Physical.” MTV’s influence also played a significant role in shaping 80s fashion, with Madonna’s punk-influenced looks and Michael Jackson’s signature white socks and red leather jackets.
The Downfall of 80s Fashion
The 80s were not without their fashion controversies. While neon colors and bold prints were popular, some fashion trends from this period have not aged well. Some 80s fashion trends, such as acid-wash jeans and mullet hairstyles, became a source of ridicule in the following decades. Shoulder pads, once a symbol of power and confidence, started to be seen as outdated and were phased out by the end of the decade.
However, the most significant reason for the downfall of 80s fashion trends was the rise of minimalism in the following decades. The anti-excess approach in the 90s focused on simplicity, clean lines, and muted colors. The post-80s era’s fashion was all about comfort and practicality, focusing on basic shapes such as denim, t-shirts, and sneakers.
Conclusion
Few decades have influenced fashion trends as much as the 80s. The decade’s fashion was a reflection of the world’s economy and culture. Even though some 80s fashion trends became outdated, others, such as power dressing and punk fashion, continue to inspire designers to date. The 80s proved that fashion is not just about following trends but about expressing oneself and making a statement.
