What To Wear In The 80s

Stepping back into the 1980s means getting ready for a truly memorable fashion experience. This era, a bit like a wild party, brought out some incredibly distinct looks that people still talk about today. You see, how people chose to dress then was a way of showing off personality, or perhaps even a little bit of rebellion, against what came before. It was a time when clothes really made a statement, and you could feel that spirit everywhere, from the music videos to the local shopping centers.

People wore clothes that felt very expressive, often featuring colors that really stood out and shapes that were quite bold. It was a period where comfort sometimes took a backseat to making a big impression, and that was perfectly fine for folks at the time. You might find someone in a bright tracksuit one day and a sharp power suit the next, reflecting the many different sides of life back then. It was, you know, a very interesting time for how people presented themselves to the world.

So, if you are curious about putting together an outfit that truly captures that special 80s vibe, you are in a good spot. We are going to explore some of the styles and pieces that were very popular, helping you understand what made them so unique. It is all about getting a feel for the clothes that defined a whole generation, giving you some ideas for your own look, or just for fun, really.

What did people really wear in the 80s?
The Bright Side of What to Wear in the 80s
Denim's Big Moment in What to Wear in the 80s
How did music shape what to wear in the 80s?
Pop Stars and What to Wear in the 80s
New Wave and Punk Influences on What to Wear in the 80s
What about the professional side of what to wear in the 80s?
What accessories completed what to wear in the 80s?

What did people really wear in the 80s?

When you think about what people put on their bodies in the 1980s, a few things probably pop into your head right away. It was a time, you know, when fashion seemed to scream a little bit. We saw a lot of big shoulders, especially in jackets and blouses, which gave people a very strong outline. These padded shoulders were pretty much everywhere, making outfits feel more important, or just, well, bigger. It was a deliberate choice, really, to create a particular kind of silhouette that felt quite powerful. You could see this look on TV shows, in movies, and just walking down the street, so it was a very common sight.

Colors, too, were often quite loud. Think about the kind of shades that really grab your attention – bright pinks, electric blues, sunshine yellows, and greens that almost glowed. People were not afraid to mix these vivid colors together in one outfit, creating combinations that felt very energetic. It was, in a way, a rejection of some of the more muted tones from earlier times. This bright color scheme showed up in everything from t-shirts and sweaters to tracksuits and even makeup. It felt like a celebration of fun, you know, and a bit of playful boldness.

Then there was the hair, which often went hand-in-hand with the clothing choices. Big hair, often styled with lots of volume and maybe even a bit of a frizz, was a very popular look. It matched the larger-than-life clothing, giving people a total appearance that was quite striking. This meant using plenty of hairspray and putting in a good amount of effort to get that particular shape. So, when you think about what people wore, it was not just the clothes, but the whole package, from head to toe, really.

The Bright Side of What to Wear in the 80s

Talking about the bright side of what to wear in the 80s means talking about colors that truly stood out. Imagine walking into a room and seeing outfits that practically hummed with energy. Neon colors were a huge deal, showing up on everything from athletic wear to casual tops. These were not just bright; they were almost fluorescent, like highlighter pens had come to life on fabric. You would see people wearing tops in shocking pink, or maybe a jacket in a glowing green, and sometimes even mixing these together. It was a way, perhaps, of feeling very visible and expressing a lively spirit. This trend was especially popular with younger folks, but you could see it on people of all ages, too, especially for casual outings.

Beyond neon, other strong, clear colors were also very much in style. Think about primary colors, but turned up a notch. Royal blues, deep purples, and fiery reds were common choices for sweaters, skirts, and dresses. These colors often came in solid blocks, making a clear statement. Sometimes, they were paired with patterns, but the base color itself was always very strong. It was, you know, a time when subtlety was not always the main goal when it came to color. People seemed to enjoy making a bold visual impact with their clothing choices.

This love for bright hues also extended to accessories. You would see big earrings in vibrant colors, or perhaps a belt that popped with a contrasting shade. Even shoes got in on the act, with sneakers often featuring colorful accents. It was all part of creating a look that felt very put-together, but also very playful and full of life. So, when you picture someone from the 80s, it is almost impossible not to picture them in something wonderfully, wonderfully bright.

Denim's Big Moment in What to Wear in the 80s

Denim, that classic fabric, had a really big moment when it came to what to wear in the 80s, but it was not just any denim. This was the era of acid wash and stone wash, giving jeans and jackets a very distinct, faded, and somewhat mottled appearance. Instead of the deep blue we often think of, these denim pieces looked like they had been through a lot, almost like they were already well-loved and worn out, even when they were brand new. It was a look that felt a bit edgy, and also, you know, very casual in a cool way. People wore these jeans with everything, from band t-shirts to dressier tops, showing just how versatile they were.

Beyond the washing techniques, denim also took on new shapes. Jeans were often high-waisted, sitting up above the belly button, and sometimes tapered down to a narrower ankle. This gave a different kind of outline compared to the bell-bottoms of earlier decades. Denim jackets were also incredibly popular, often oversized and worn casually over various outfits. You might see someone wearing a denim jacket with the sleeves pushed up, or maybe even with some pins or patches added to it, making it very personal. It was, basically, a staple for almost everyone.

Then there was the double denim look, which, you know, was a thing. Wearing a denim shirt with denim jeans, or a denim jacket over a denim skirt, was not uncommon. It showed a real commitment to the fabric. This trend felt very relaxed, yet also very much of the time. It was a way for people to feel comfortable but still feel like they were keeping up with the latest styles. So, if you were figuring out what to wear in the 80s, chances are, denim was going to be a big part of your choices, in one form or another.

How did music shape what to wear in the 80s?

Music, probably more than anything else, had a huge say in what people chose to wear in the 1980s. It was a time when MTV really took off, and suddenly, everyone could see what their favorite singers and bands were putting on. This meant that trends spread incredibly fast, almost instantly, across the globe. Artists became fashion trendsetters, and their stage outfits, or what they wore in their music videos, often ended up influencing what ordinary people wore to school, to parties, or just out and about. It was a very direct connection between what you heard and what you saw people wearing, you know, a very strong link.

Different music genres also brought their own distinct styles. Pop music, with its bright, upbeat sound, often came with very colorful and playful clothing. Rock and heavy metal, on the other hand, leaned into leather, ripped clothing, and a darker aesthetic. New Wave bands inspired looks that were a bit more quirky and experimental, sometimes incorporating elements of punk but with a more polished feel. So, depending on what kind of music you listened to, or what concerts you went to, your wardrobe would often reflect that taste. It was a way, you see, of showing what group you felt a part of, or what kind of person you were.

This influence was not just about copying outfits directly, either. It was about capturing the overall feeling or attitude that a particular artist or genre represented. People would take elements they liked and make them their own, mixing and matching to create a look that felt personal but still had that musical echo. So, when you ask how music shaped what to wear in the 80s, the answer is, it did so in a very big, very visible way, really.

Pop Stars and What to Wear in the 80s

When we talk about pop stars and what to wear in the 80s, a few names instantly come to mind, and their influence was, you know, absolutely massive. Madonna, for instance, became a true icon of self-expression. Her early looks often featured lace, fishnet stockings, layered necklaces, and lots of crucifixes. She wore big bows in her hair and often had a somewhat messy, yet styled, look. This was a style that felt very rebellious, very feminine, and very much about doing your own thing. Young women everywhere wanted to dress like her, copying her outfits for school dances or just for hanging out. It was a very powerful statement, really, about breaking free from old ideas.

Michael Jackson, on the other hand, brought a different kind of flair. His signature looks included military-style jackets with lots of buckles and zippers, often in bright colors like red or black. He wore single sparkly gloves, fedora hats, and often had high-water pants with white socks and loafers. His style was sharp, a bit theatrical, and incredibly cool. Boys and young men wanted to emulate his moves and, of course, his clothes. He made it cool to be a bit flashy, and his outfits felt very much like a part of his performance. So, you see, his impact on what people chose to wear was just huge.

Other pop acts, like Cyndi Lauper, also added to the mix with their very individual styles. Cyndi was known for her incredibly colorful, mismatched outfits, often featuring layers of skirts, bright tights, and unique hair colors. Her look was about fun, quirkiness, and celebrating individuality. These artists, you know, truly showed people how to express themselves through clothing, making what to wear in the 80s a playground of personal style.

New Wave and Punk Influences on What to Wear in the 80s

The New Wave and punk scenes had a very distinct impact on what to wear in the 80s, bringing a different kind of edge to the fashion landscape. Punk, which started earlier, carried over its raw, anti-establishment vibe into the new decade. This meant ripped clothing, safety pins, leather jackets, band t-shirts, and heavy boots. It was a look that felt very defiant, almost like a uniform for those who wanted to stand apart. Hair was often spiky or brightly colored, and makeup could be quite dramatic. It was, you know, a very strong statement against mainstream ideas, and it definitely caught people's attention.

New Wave, while sharing some of punk's rebellious spirit, often had a more artistic or polished feel. Think about bands like The Cure or Depeche Mode. Their followers often wore skinny ties, sharp blazers, and shirts with interesting patterns. Hair might be styled in a more geometric way, or perhaps dyed dark. There was a certain intellectual coolness to the New Wave look, a bit more subdued than pop, but still very expressive. It was about creating a mood, you see, a slightly mysterious or artistic one. This style felt very different from the bright, bouncy pop looks, offering another option for what to wear in the 80s.

Both punk and New Wave, in their own ways, pushed boundaries. They encouraged people to experiment with their appearance and to use clothing as a form of personal art. While punk was more about breaking things down, New Wave was often about building something new and unconventional. These influences meant that even if you were not fully immersed in these subcultures, elements of their style, like black clothing, unique accessories, or a certain attitude, found their way into more general fashion. It showed that what to wear in the 80s was not just one thing, but many different things, all happening at once, really.

What about the professional side of what to wear in the 80s?

Moving away from the pop and punk scenes, the professional side of what to wear in the 80s had its own very particular look, often called "power dressing." This was a time when more women were entering the workforce in significant roles, and their clothing reflected a desire to be taken seriously and to project authority. The most iconic piece from this era was, you know, the power suit. These suits often featured very prominent shoulder pads, making the wearer appear broader and, in a way, more imposing. The jackets were often double-breasted, and the skirts were usually knee-length or just below. It was a very structured and formal look.

Colors for professional wear were typically more subdued than the neon casual wear, but still strong. Navy blue, charcoal gray, and black were common, but you would also see powerful reds or deep purples. The idea was to look capable and confident. Fabrics were generally crisp and well-tailored, giving a very neat and polished appearance. Accessories were also important, with often large, chunky jewelry, like bold earrings or necklaces, adding to the commanding presence. It was, basically, about looking the part in a very competitive world.

For men, the professional look also involved suits, but with a similar emphasis on broad shoulders and a strong silhouette. Pinstripes were popular, and ties often featured bold patterns or bright colors, a nod to the overall vibrancy of the decade. It was about looking successful and ready for business. The professional attire of the 80s was, in some respects, a visual representation of the decade's economic boom and the ambition of its workers. It showed that even in the office, what to wear in the 80s had a very distinct and memorable character, really.

What accessories completed what to wear in the 80s?

No outfit from the 1980s was truly complete without the right accessories, and these bits and pieces were just as important as the main clothing items themselves. They really added that extra layer of personality and flair. Think about jewelry: it was often big, bold, and sometimes a bit flashy. Large hoop earrings were incredibly popular, as were chunky necklaces, often layered together. Bracelets, especially bangles, were worn in multiples, creating a jingling sound as you moved. Gold-toned metals were very common, giving a sense of luxury, or at least, you know, a desire for it. It was about making a statement, even with the smallest details.

Hair accessories were also a huge deal. Scrunchies, those fabric-covered elastic bands, were everywhere, holding up ponytails or just worn around the wrist. Headbands, especially wide ones, were also very popular, often in bright colors or with interesting patterns. And let us not forget the side ponytail, often held high on the head, which was a very distinct hairstyle of the era. These hair adornments helped to create that characteristic big hair look, adding volume and a playful touch. So, in a way, your hair was just another canvas for accessorizing.

Footwear, too, played a big part in what to wear in the 80s. Sneakers, particularly high-tops, became incredibly fashionable, worn not just for sports but as everyday shoes. Brands like Nike and Adidas saw huge popularity. For more casual looks, brightly colored leg warmers, often scrunched down, were a common sight, especially after the movie "Flashdance." For dressier occasions, pumps with pointed toes and perhaps a kitten heel were popular. And of course, there were the fingerless gloves, often made of lace or fishnet, adding a bit of edge to many outfits. All these little things came together to create the full 80s picture, really.

The 1980s was a time of truly distinct fashion choices, from the bold colors and big shoulders of everyday wear to the influential styles of pop stars and the sharp lines of power dressing. Denim took on new forms with acid wash, while accessories like chunky jewelry and scrunchies completed many looks. Music had a significant impact, with artists setting trends that people eagerly adopted, creating a lively and varied fashion scene.