How To Dress Like In The 80s With Clothes From Your Wardrobe
So you want to know how to dress 80s with normal clothes you already have?
It’s easier than you can imagine if you follow the following 5 style tips.
No matter how you feel about 80s fashion, you can’t deny its impact on current fashion trends and styles.
Every modern stylistic trend has hints and throwbacks to this iconic fashion era.
Though we may no longer be reaching for the neon pink lipstick en masse, many 80’s fashion looks are timeless staples to modern looks.
80s Outfit Ideas With Normal Clothes
1. Match Cycling Shorts With Formalwear
3. Pair Chunky Knitwear With Wide-leg Pants
4. Put On Oversized Blazers With Shoulder Pads
5. Wear High Waisted Mom Jeans
6. Match Decollete Tops With Tight Flared Pants
Recreating 1980’s looks and trends has never been more accessible, thanks to online clothing stores like Depop and Vinted.
However, there’s no need to rummage through local charity shops or online vintage stores to create a perfect 80s look.
If you know how to match and pair, even the everyday clothes in your wardrobe can make you look like an 80s fashion queen.
Whether you’re going to a themed party or wanting to embrace your inner Janet Jackson, this is how to create an 80s look with regular clothes.
OUTFIT 1
Match Cycling Shorts With Formalwear
Popularised by the late Princess Di, cycling shorts have had a trend rebirth in recent years.
Equally stylish and functional, the 80s cycling shorts can also be worn as activewear and workout clothes.
However, to recreate that 80s fashion look, you’ll have to go for eye-catching colors, like neon peach or mint green.
Throw on a baggy jumper or aesthetic sweatshirt over the top for a maximum 80s effect.
To add more sophistication and make this 80s look even more retro, dress up the shorts with a blazer or oversized shirt – streetwear style.
Wideband Waist Solid Biker Shorts$6 |
A&F YPB 7″ Bike Shorts$45 |
OUTFIT 2
Wear Bold, Bright Colors
One of the most notable 80s trends was the addition of bright, block colors.
In the 80s, bright and bold colors were used and styled to make you stand out in a crowd.
A whole outfit of contrasting bright colors is an excellent choice for a themed house party and even walking down the street if you’re the adventurous type.
For those who prefer subtler looks, go for accents of bright color or mix and match, e.g., a very colorful jacket to a minimalist outfit.
And, for a complete 80s flair, add a pop of color to your nails, such as bright lemon yellow or fuchsia pink.
SHEIN BASICS Mock Neck Solid Crop Tee$7.25 |
BOOHOO Tailored Fitted Bubble Pink Blazer
|
OUTFIT 3
Pair Chunky Knitwear With Wide-leg Pants
Chunky jumpers and sweatshirts are the perfect nods to a great 80s fashion style.
In the 80s, leggings were a great accompaniment to chunky knitwear pieces.
Complete your 80s oversized knitwear look with a pair of clumpy Doc Martens and a fringed leather handbag in matching color.
Color Block Drop Shoulder Sweater$23 |
Everlane The Texture Cotton Crew$100 |
OUTFIT 4
Put On Oversized Blazers With Shoulder Pads
We can’t talk about the 1980s fashion without mentioning oversized blazers, a characteristic look of that decade.
In particular, blazers with shoulder pads are ideal for creating a timeless look if paired with the right clothes and colors.
Go for an androgynous style blazer with large shoulder pads, suitable for both men and women.
The structural cut adds sophistication to the overall outfit, while the shoulder pads assemble a polished silhouette.
If you’re not into padded suits, you can replace them with oversized blazers with structured shoulders.
Either way, you must pair the look with a casual pair of jeans and a classic white tee.
Bonus points for tucked-in 80s-Esque shirts.
Shoulder Pads Lapel Neck Single Breasted Blazer$23 |
River Island Beige Double Breasted Blazer$139 |
OUTFIT 5
Wear High Waisted Mom Jeans
High-waisted ‘mom jeans’ were a trendy style in the 1980s and are a must-have piece if you want to recreate that decade’s look.
‘Mom jeans’ have a flattering cut to all body types and work wonders matched with a cropped jumper.
You can also pair your high-waisted denim with a turtleneck; just make sure you tuck it in for a more relaxed 80s look.
A&F Curve Love High Rise Mom Jeans$89 |
High-rise Peggy tapered jean in Delancey wash
|
OUTFIT 6
Match Decollete Tops With Tight Flared Pants
Bare decollete tops were all the rage in the 80s daywear.
Ideally, you’ll match your off-the-shoulder top with skin-tight jeans.
Another great option – to recreate that 80s fitness look – is to pair your open-chest top with leggings and leg warmers.
The most recognizable 80s style off-the-shoulder tops feature asymmetric cuts to add length to the neck and put a twist on the overall style.
Sweetheart Neck Drawstring Lantern Crop Top$11 |
Anthropologie Convertible Off-the-shoulder Tank$98 |
Conclusion
One thing the 80s stood for was individualism and standing out from the crowd.
Waving goodbye to the flower power times of the 70s fashion, the 1980s were quite eccentric times for fashion.
With bold colors, power suits, shoulder pads to the ceiling, perms, gym leggings, and leg warmers, the 80s fashion had a polarising that impacted even the 90s fashion decade.
Defined by the pop culture and celebs of those days, such as Madonna, Prince, and Whitney Houston, the 80s had an overall ‘loud feel’ and attention-grabbing fashion trends.
Moreover, all 80s trends and styles discussed in this article have stood the test of time and are easy to wear in 2022, albeit a little modernized.
That’s all for now; time to create your own 80s look, with regular clothes you already have in your closet.
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Now it’s your turn…
Which one of these 80s styling ideas do you find the easiest to create?
Do you have any 80s styling ideas for clothes we all have in our wardrobes and want to include in this article? Please share below.
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