Images: Imaxtree
There’s no need to check the year. And don’t stress about figuring out what exactly a flux capacitor is. We are still in 2019. Some might question whether we’re in 1989 given the way the 80s have dominated fashion.
The 90s are, like, totally over and noughties’ vibes can’t touch this 80s revival. Whether you lived through the rad decade or not, that statement may make you shudder, given the shoulder pads, the blush, the ruffles, the neon, the crimped hair and, basically, everything. The 80s were unapologetically “the decade of excess” and can make modern minimalists intimidated. We fully admit the 80s were a lot of look, but it’s that bold, unabashed, look-forward-to-dressing-up spirit that makes it welcome in these trying times.
The runways have shown how to remix 80s fashion the right way. Balmain typically nods to the decade every season, but everyone from Marc Jacobs to Saint Laurent to Miu Miu has gotten involved. In recent shows, we saw everything from gnarly acid-wash denim to more-is-more lamé and sequins. The maximalism is infectious, and it’s already heading to the streets.
The runways and the real world show how to strike the right balance of 80s excess with au courant times. A throwback look is good, but appearing like we’re going to an 80s costume party is not, especially when it isn’t October. Word. Some visual guidance is likely welcome, so here’s how to incorporate the 80s fashion trend so it looks cool instead of dated.
[ Next: 12 Subtle Ways to Wear the 80s Trend This Season ]
How to Style the 80s Fashion Trend
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Daytime Shine
The 80s weren't afraid of OTT glamour for day. Black sequined separates with a dropped peplum waist blur the lines of day-to-night dressing without becoming ridiculous. The purple lenses are a twist on the colored frames of the decade.
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Mega Boss
No decade did power dressing quite like the 80s. Project a girl boss mood while incorporating the modern cardigan trend with a softer version of the skirt suit. Double leopard print is as welcome today as it was back then.
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Feeling Frilly
Shoulder pads aren't the only way to achieve statement sleeves. This vivid coat nods to the trend while also incorporating one of the other beloved details of the 80s: frills. The almost neon color with the black accessories is perfect.
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Show Some Leg Warmers
Long socks allow us to continue wearing our minis in cooler weather. Try sleek knee-high socks rather than scrunched leg warmers to avoid Jazzercise vibes. A roomy knit and a double strand of long pearls nail the vintage preppy vibe.
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Glam and Glitz
We're already living in a time when statement earrings, headbands, leggings, animal print and athleisure are trending so combining them together doesn't seem out of place. Wearing shimmering leopard leggings is a fun twist. We encourage you to add the fishnet socks, too.
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Lovely in Lace
Pro tip: Rework popular 80s trends in modern silhouettes to carry off the retro feeling. See the magenta blazer with the trending sheer lace skirt. The round sunglasses and gilded headband prevent the look from leaning too heavily on one decade.
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High Rise
Look beyond mom jeans. Pants with a paper-bag waist have the right high rise. Tuck a chunky sweater into the trousers to show off the pants' detail. Don't forget the white pumps.
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Pretty in Purple
Pretty in pink? More like perfection in purple. Take an unabashed approach to color and wear the same shade from head to toe. Want more? Try a strong-shouldered dress and add glitzy earrings.
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Seeing Double
It's chic double denim, dude. Trending high-waisted tapered jeans play right into the revival spirit as do shoulder-dangling earrings. Bring the look into this decade with an It bag, delicate heels and a popular colored top. See this lavender style.
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Playing With Proportion
A neon miniskirt is totally rad. A fresher way to show some leg is with shorts, neon boots and a long coat. Choose any bright shades. We like this electric yellow and hot pink combo.
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The Frill of It
Frills make anything a bit more 80s. Get creative with placement instead of defaulting to a peplum. A neutral color scheme balances the volume. You can still cinch the waist with a thick belt.
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Go Big
Do not be afraid to make a statement. We are referencing the decade of excess, after all. Turn heads with a coat with exaggerated shoulders (read: they don't have to be shoulder pads), patterned pants, printed boots and a mixed fabric bag.
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Look-at-Me Yellow
This isn't the time to be shy about color and pattern, so layer a neon jacket over a graphic minidress. Don't forget dangling earrings and fishnet socks. Eighties Madonna would be proud.
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Distressed Double Denim
Yes, you can wear double denim. What's more, you can totally rock acid-wash double denim in modern times. Chunky white sneakers with neon socks manage to be super trendy yet retro at the same time. The low ponytail with silk scarf is a more modern finish than a crimped side pony.
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Leg Up
A sequined sweater plus leggings (or even stirrup pants!) and zany ankle boots is, like, totally rad. Avoid headbands or risk looking like a Flashdance extra.
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Take the Plunge
Grab a roll of double-sided tape and choose a mini dress with a daring plunge neckline to balance strong shoulders. A black version with a tough detail (like studs) is easier to pull off than a neon prom style. Pair the frock with calf-length boots and sleek hair. We repeat: sleek hair.
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Lamé All Day
Bring the disco vibes to daytime with shimmering trousers. Balance the shine with relaxed pieces. A roomy bomber jacket adds more 80s credit. Ditto an outsize belt.
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Power Move
Concerned about being overdressed? Like, whatever. Enjoy the decade of excess' love of dressing up. Don't save a belted blazer, lace skirt and tall boots for "fancy" occasions. Wear them together for any event, from brunch to grocery shopping.
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Sun and Shoulders
Forget about black and gray and choose the loudest suit you can find. Extra 80s credit is given if the style has shoulder pads. Rein in accessories to neutral picks and go easy on the blush.
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After 80s
The 80s spirit lives on in many Balmain shows with Olivier Rousteing providing countless ways to rock strong shoulders. This unique version incorporates distressed trousers in a gray marl sweatsuit material. It's glamleisure done right.
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Purple Reign
A mannish oversized coat is actually timeless. Try a royal purple topper paired with coordinating boots for more of an 80s take.
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Wrap Up
An 80s-inspired look doesn't need to scream "totally rad." The fluorescent bomber jacket, massive earrings and logo scarf tick some of the decade's biggest trends, but the mix-and-match styling gives the outfit a cool look that can't be locked down to a specific decade.
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Gnarly Denim
An oversized denim jacket with a bomber-like cut adds a vintage 80s element. Pair with coordinating jeans for an 80s riff on the Canadian tuxedo.
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Logo Love
Logomania is a cyclical fashion trend that sprung up in the 80s, the 2000s and now. The sheer logo skirt is very of the moment, but the belted jacket and power dressing vibe bring a vintage sentiment.
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To the Max Silhouettes
Marc Jacobs was inspired by the great haute couture houses of the 80s for Fall 2018. Take a cue from the runway and shrug on a roomy gray coat with linebacker shoulders. A headscarf and hat balance the strong shape and add some welcome Grace Jones vibes.
