1980s' Fashion Clothing

It was the time when pop diva, Madonna crooned 'Like A Virgin' in her lacy top and fishnet stockings, worn with short skirts. Perceived by some as 'shockingly bold', she left an indelible mark during her time. Yeah! We are talking about the rocking 80s. There are many reasons why we still have the 80s fashion in our minds. Perhaps it's because of the legendary artists, celebrities, and influencing people who've left their mark behind. As fashion keeps re-evolving itself, we can't help but get sucked back in to the past and think of those days. With its one-of-a-kind fashion trends, 1980s was a time to follow exciting fashion fads. Which is why, we have brought back a little reminder for you all; a small glimpse to what the rockin' 80s were like. Get the entire scoop on some of the hottest trends of that era.

*Click on the images for a better look.
With heavy influences from the music industry and MTV, it was during this time, the younger generation, in their bid to be hip and cool, rushed to all the nearest shopping areas to emulate their favorite star. Movies like 'Footloose' and 'Flashdance' with their ripped sweatshirts made a huge style statement and influenced the minds and hearts of the younger generation. To identify the 80s, think of shoulder pads, heavy mascara, stonewashed jeans, leg warmers, mini skirts, leather jackets, hoop earrings, and fingerless gloves. When you see any of these items, you'll know it was the 80s highest fashion trend.

Fashion in the 80s was also more than just influences from movies and the music industry. It was about a whole lot of people trying to make a statement about their own individuality.
High on bling, it was also the time when people turned adventurous in terms of the fabrics being used or the way their hair was styled. The denim got a new look being acid washed and it found its way into the wardrobes of many. These streaked jeans became hugely popular with both male and female fashion enthusiasts. Teamed with red or black studded jackets (inspired by Michael Jackson) and accessorize with fingerless gloves, it was not an uncommon sight to see the teens trying their best to emulate their pop idols. This was the time for flashy bling. Right from the shoulder pads to the earrings, it was all screaming for attention. Bands like the 'Human League' popularized the asymmetrical look in hairstyle, which could be wild as if teased by the wind or simply splashed with loud colors.
Volume for the hair, topped with glitter for some, caught on hugely. Rock bands and artists like 'Bon Jovi' and 'Scorpions ', also flaunted their big hair-dos with flamboyance. The old adage 'bigger is better' was truly personified by these groups.

Apart from big hair and bling, tattoos and body piercings, wearing multiple watches on one arm, or even sporting funky shades at night were some of the varied trends that took shape in the 80s. Teenage boys and girls were known to pierce their ears, irrespective of what the adults would think. Men even went to the extent of using eyeliner and lipstick as worn by the likes of 'Boy George'. This was just what the 80s represented. Even though there were people against such bold moves, it wouldn't stop teenagers and enthusiasts from wanting to live life their way.
When it came to footwear for women, things got a little uncomfortable. But the hardcore fashion enthusiasts would do anything for fashion and how! The loud red or pink high-heeled stilettos, which were in vogue, were given stiff competition by see-through flat sandals. These scored high on looks, but were very low on the comfort level, being made of plastic. But like they say, anything for fashion! Colored and metallic clutch bags helped to complete the look.

With the popularity of aerobics, dancewear gained impetus and it was no longer restricted to the dance floor. It became a style statement when combined with casual wear. Available in varied colors, and even sizes, one could simply team them up with denims and boogie the night away. (Inspired from Jane Fonda's aerobic videos.)
Of course, there were different styles of being dressed in the 80s. The 1980s' fashion clothing was filled with shoulder pads and loose-fitting tops. For women, these were the hottest new trends anyone could follow. We may think that the broad shoulder look can be a bit extravagant, the reason behind such fashion choice was the fact that women would look more slender. Broader shoulders and slimmer arms gave the visual idea of glamor, poise, and slender beauty.

As for the loose-fitting tops, well, remember 'Footloose' and 'The Bill Cosby Show'? These loose, over-sized tops, sweaters, t-shirts, and sweatshirts were hot and in style. They were often accompanied by flashy belts.
Although there are some 80s fashion trends that have not made a comeback (and hopefully they don't), we can't help but look at the ones which did. I'm talking about leg warmers, leggings, pointy-toed stilettos, snoods, high top sneakers, splatter prints, shoulder ruffles, chunky bangles, Hammer (harem) pants, blazers, etc.; all these trends have been redesigned to fit today's fashion curiosity.

Well, what do you think? Do you have any 80s trends that you've brought in this century? Personally, I love wearing leggings and am getting into wearing bold, bright colors to liven my wardrobe.

The journey of fashion is ever-growing and ever-changing. The 1980s' fashion clothing may not be very important or followed now, but it was a period in time that set many trends; some of which are prevalent even today! With the past fashion trends to consider, designers today are coming up with new and more bold designs and trends to be followed for another decade.