80s Fashion

Leg Warmers

Leg warmers were a popular fashion trend in the 1980s that became synonymous with the decade's vibrant and energetic style. These were knitted coverings designed to be worn around the lower legs, typically from the ankles up to just below the knees. They were originally intended as dancewear, often used by ballet dancers to keep their leg muscles warm and prevent injuries during rehearsals and performances. However, they eventually made their way into mainstream fashion and were worn as a stylish accessory by people of all ages. They were often worn paired with a short mini skirt. They became really popular among teens in the early 80s after the films Fame and Flashdance came out.

Members Only Jacket

Chances are, if you were into 80s fashion, you had a Members Only Jacket. They were first introduced in 1981 and came in a variety of colors. These jackets were a status symbol and became highly sought-after, being worn by both men and women across different age groups. The jackets gained immense popularity during the 1980s, becoming a symbol of sophistication and exclusivity. The advertising campaign for Members Only, with its tagline "When you put it on, something happens," contributed to the jacket's allure.

Acid Wash Jeans

Acid Wash Jeans were jeans that were soaked in chlorine or some other product that removed the top layer of blue denim and left the jeans looking white with blue undertones. If you were really cool in the 80s you wore the matching acid washed denim coat to match the jeans. Celebrities and pop icons of the 1980s played a significant role in popularizing acid wash jeans. Famous figures such as Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Bon Jovi were often spotted wearing this denim trend. In 80s fashion, you could not have too much denim!

Shoulder Pads

Shoulder Pads were not just worn by football players. Women went for the square shouldered look by putting shoulder pads in their outfits. The primary purpose of shoulder pads was to create a broad-shouldered silhouette, giving the illusion of a more powerful and authoritative figure. This design was influenced by the "power suit" trend that aimed to empower women in the workplace. Shoulder pads were initially popularized by high-profile women in politics and business, and the trend quickly made its way into mainstream fashion, becoming a symbol of the era's bold and assertive style. This form of 80s fashion showed up often on the night time soaps like Dallas and Dynasty.

Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses

Ray-Ban Wayfarers were by far the most popular sunglasses worn in the 80s. Originally designed in the 1950s, the Wayfarer had declined in popularity by the late 70s. That all changed in 1983 when Tom Cruise wore them for his break out movie role in the film Risky Business. Demand for the glasses took off with hundreds of thousands being sold immediately after the release of the movie. The glasses could be seen on many of the top celebrities of the 80s, including Michael Jackson, Don Johnson, and Madonna.

Jellies

Jellies were shoes made out of PVC plastic that, for some reason, were very popular in the 80s. The shoes were transparent and shiny (hence the Jelly name) and usually had some kind of glitter on them. You could usually pick up a pair of these "high quality" shoes for about a dollar!

Swatch Watches

Swatch watches were colorful and affordable timepieces that became a fashion staple for both men and women.

Fanny Packs

These small, zippered pouches worn around the waist were a convenient and trendy way to carry essentials. They were often made of nylon or bright-colored fabrics.

Jelly Bracelets

These colorful, transparent plastic bracelets were a huge hit in the 80s. People would often stack multiple jelly bracelets on their wrists, creating a fun and playful look.

How to style 80s Big Hair

Big, voluminous hair was the hallmark of 80s hairstyles. Women would tease their hair to create maximum height and then spray it with copious amounts of hairspray to hold the style in place. This look was often achieved with the help of hair rollers, curling irons, and backcombing.

The Mullet

Business in the front, party in the back! The mullet was a notorious hairstyle of the 1980s, characterized by short hair in the front and on the sides, while the back was left long. It was a popular choice for both men and women and varied in length and severity.

The Valley Girl Look

This 80s fashion style was made popular by the early 80's movie of the same name. The essential part of this look was pairing a mini skirt with leggings, leg warmers, or both. An off the shoulder top makes a good pairing. Also keep with the 80s colors of pink, yellow, teal, or lime green to complete the look.

Lingerie as Outerwear

The 80s fashion style of Madonna

Madonna popularized the trend of wearing lingerie as outerwear, often pairing corsets, bustiers, and lacy bras with jackets, skirts, or tutus. This provocative style became a hallmark of her early career.

The Flashdance style - Off the shoulder shirt

The Off The Shoulder shirt makes an awesome 80s Halloween costume, because it is so easy to make. Just take a standard grey fleece sweatshirt and cut the neck out really big! Also works with a T-shirt.

Women's Fashion Tips : How to Buy '80s Clothing

Vintage stores are a good source for buying '80s clothes. You can find vintage 80s clothing on Amazon and at thrift shops across the country.

Top 10 Decade Defining Fashion Trends Of The 1980s

Join Mojo as they count down their picks for Top 10 Decade Defining Fashion Trends of the 1980s.

How Teens Dressed in the 80s