American fashion of the 1980s was nothing like its predecessor and, in many ways, none of the later styles are alike. It was in fact a decade full of bright colors, flashy hair, both tight and loose clothing and tacky accessories.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: For Women
The eighties woman loved bright neon colors, so you should add a lot of color to your outfit, no matter what individual pieces you include. Complete the style with flashy jewels, bold makeup and a voluminous hairdo.
Step 1. Get a shirt or suit jacket with shoulder pads
The accentuated shoulders were particularly fashionable in conjunction with an ever-increasing access of women to the working world. A boxy tailored jacket with noticeable straps gives the idea of an Eighties career woman, while a shirt or dress with thick straps works well for more casual looks.
Step 2. Try a one-size-fits-all shirt
If straps aren't your thing, consider a one-size-fits-all sweater, sweatshirt, or shirt. Look for a garment that has a wide neckline. Solid color is ideal, but you could also consider a jumper with a bright geometric pattern.
Step 3. Put on a mini skirt
Denim mini skirts are especially suitable, but leather and knitted skirts work just as well. If you select a colorful skirt, opt for a fuchsia or other neon color.
Step 4. Put on some decorative leggings or stockings
They work especially well under miniskirts and one-size-fits-all sweaters that reach mid-thigh or lower. Look for socks in plain colors or with geometry like dots, stripes, lace, or other embroidered designs.
Step 5. Opt for stirrup pants
These garments are made of a stretch knitted fabric that reaches up to the ankles; at this point, part of an elastic band that wraps around the heel. Choose a pair of any color or geometry, from black to neon orange.
Step 6. Consider acid wash jeans
Look for an old pair of jeans with bleach stains and holes. Those cut and transformed into shorts with frayed edges are appropriate for a classic 80s look.
Step 7. Remember to wear leg warmers
This trend was especially popular in the early and mid-decade. In the 1980s, leg warmers were available in wool, cotton, and blends of synthetic fabrics. They featured a variety of colors, with the more vibrant ones prevailing over the duller, more neutral shades. Wear the leg warmers with any type of garment, whether you choose a mini skirt or skinny jeans.
Step 8. Bring the “jellies”
These brightly colored shoes were made from PVC plastic. The footwear features a semi-transparent sheen and was often covered with glitter. Most of them were low to the ground, but some had low heels.
Step 9. Wear the right heels
Adult women wore high heels with most of their outfits, whether they were professional or casual. Select a pair of shoes with a well-defined toe, open at the back and with a high, stiletto heel. Choose a versatile option, such as white or black, or consider a bright yellow or pink if you want to respect the reputation of 80s American fashion, made of loud and bright colors.
Step 10. Fit sneakers or boots
In addition to heels and jellies, teenagers and young women also wore sneakers and boots with many of their outfits. Consider a pair of thick-soled, black, lace-up boots. Wear them with anything from mini skirts to acid-washed jeans.
Step 11. Bring the largest pair of earrings you have
In general, popular accessories during this decade were loud and big. Earrings were especially in vogue however. Opt for diamonds or pearls, preferably gold. Pendants that skim the shoulders or collar are best for recreating this style.
Step 12. Toss your hair
No eighties-style American look would be complete without a voluminous, bouffant head of hair.
- Grab a section of hair from the top of the head.
- Comb it down, towards the scalp, using short strokes.
- Spray the hairspray near the roots of the section you just backcombed.
- Repeat the initial backcombing process with a section of hair that is below the previously backcombed one to create a voluminous effect.
- Repeat the entire backcombing process with the rest of the hair.
Step 13. Use makeup to accentuate the cheeks and eyes
Don't be afraid to apply too much. Eighties cosmetics were notoriously flashy.
- Line the entire eye with black eyeliner.
- Apply mascara.
- Apply a bright eyeshadow. Choose a bold color and consider wearing contrasting eyeshadows at the same time.
- Apply the blush on the cheekbones, you can tread your hand to make it clearly visible.
Method 2 of 2: For Men
While men wore neon colors less than women, bright hues and bold geometries were still trendy. Skinny jeans and parachute pants were in many men's wardrobes at the time.
Step 1. Bring a sweater or sweater with bold geometry
Think bright, geometric designs for sweaters and Hawaiian print for sweaters. Look for a chunky, boxy-cut sweater.
Step 2. Put on a Members Only jacket
The authentic jackets had a black patch on the chest pocket that said “Members Only,” but if you can't find a real one, you can just mimic the style. Look for a cotton-polyester jacket with a nylon lining, an elastic waistband, elastic cuffs, a zipper on the front, and snap buttons on the collar. The color can be any.
Step 3. Look for skinny jeans
Acid-washed ones work best. Find a model that is tight on the legs, as men in skinny jeans during this decade were more fashionable than those in baggy jeans.
Step 4. Consider a pair of parachute pants
In the early 1980s, these pants were narrower, but, by the end of the decade, they were exceptionally baggy. Choose a pair made of a shiny synthetic material. If possible, find one with multiple hinges, as they were considered more stylish.
Step 5. Try wearing a pastel suit
If you want a more professional look, opt for a classic-cut suit jacket in pastel blue or another light shade. Match it with white pants. This look is known as the "Miami Vice" style.
Step 6. Wear loafers, which look best when combined with pastel suit jackets and other classic pieces
Step 7. Wear sneakers or heavy boots
If you decide to opt for acid wash jeans or parachute pants, choose a pair of sneakers or boots, such as the black ones with thick soles and laces.
Step 8. Add volume to the hair
Buy a product that allows you to make them more voluminous and full-bodied. Keep them at bay with hair gel or hairspray.
Advice
- Search the internet for photos from the 1980s to get an idea of what kind of look you want. There were many style trends over the course of the decade. Photographers of the era will help you gain an accurate understanding of how to form an outfit.
- Look for authentic 1980s clothing on internet auction sites and thrift stores.
- Try mixing and combining many colorful options.
