Fashion Through the Years – 1980′s Style

There are few eras in fashion more identifiable than the neon loving, aerobic chic, fingerless gloved, acid washed 1980s. When it came to style, the fabulous ladies of the eighties said, “Hey, the louder the better!” 

The Cold Shoulder

Next time you wear that killer off-the-shoulder top you scored dirt cheap from Nasty Gal, give a nod to trends of Fashion Past. Eighties darlings like Ms. Ringwald knew the casual-sexy-cool vibe cast by a drapey off-the-shoulder look. Hey, maybe giving the cold shoulder isn’t always such a bad thing!  (Photo Credit: 80s Style Rad Fashion)

Blue Eyed Beauty

Now, I’m not talking about biologically blue-eyed beauties here! If you had any cosmetic know-how in the 80s, you knew how to properly cover your lids in every shade of blue under the sun. This trend didn’t exactly carry over into the decades to come, but it fit in quite nicely with the legwarmer donning, hair teasing divas of the 80s, don’t you think?  (Photo Credit: 80s Fashion Things From the 80s)

A la Cosby

There are few thrift finds I love scoring more than fun 80s sweaters and crewnecks, Bill Cosby style. These ladies weren’t afraid to go bold, and I’ve gotta say, few things make rainy days brighter or more bearable than bundling up in one of these.  (Photo Credit: 80s Fashion Things From the 80s)

Jellies! 

One of the more comical trends served up by the 1980s, jellies were the footwear of choice for every it-girl! Now, I’m a 90s kid myself, so could someone weigh in on the comfort level here? Those things scream “Blister City” to me!  (Photo Credit: Things From the 80s)

Serious Shoulders

For those in need of office friendly 80s attire, look no further than a great structural coat! This is one 80s trend that I refuse to let die. I think there’s something so chic about a bold shoulder, and these ladies did it right! They knew how to tell ’em who was boss.  (Photo Credit: Fashion – 1980 to 1989 Modern Times)

Acid Wash

Take it from the queen of the 80s herself (Madonna, hello!): You can never have too much grunge girl glam. You were seriously out of the fashionable loop if you didn’t have at least two pairs of belly-button grazing acid wash jeans and an edgy denim jacket to pull it all together. I must admit, a pair of high-waisted acid wash skinnies just found its way into my closet and I’m pretty pumped about it. (Photo Credit: Flashy Trends Fashion – 1980 to 1989)

Workout Chic

Okay, okay, we know how a trip to the gym usually goes and there’s really not one chic thing about it. That being said fashionistas of the 80s, being girls after my own heart, never let a good workout be an excuse for not looking fabulous. (Yes, I am that girl who wears mascara to the gym, and I’m not ashamed to admit it!) Anyone who’s anyone owned a pair of legwarmers for every color in the rainbow. These girls also developed a healthy relationship with neon spandex. I don’t know about you, but I’m not quite there yet.  (Photo Credit: Things From the 80s 80s Fashion Flashy Trends)

And there you have it, Divas! Fashion of the 1980s. Which of these trends have you kept alive? Which ones have you just forsaken forever?  Let us know in the comments below.

Until next time, wear your heels well!

Fashion’ista Diva-In-Training

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