It's easy to forgot the incredible fashion moments the 80s served when, in the last few years, we've all been so deeply consumed by the reinvention of 90s style. But although it may not initially seem like it, much of our recent sartorial preferences are partly in thanks to the trailblazers of this majorly OTT era.
In fact, we've started to notice the 80s creeping back into focus — perhaps most notably, on runways. Michael Rider's debut for CELINE was heavily influenced by the decade, from vibrant colour blocking to shoulder pads that pack a punch. Saint Laurent, Balenciaga and even Bottega Veneta have also nodded to the decade's love of volume, glamour and unapologetic excess in recent seasons: a welcome return to boldness after years of clean lines and quiet luxury.
In case you need a quick refresher, nothing was off the table when it came to 80s fashion, and unlike the minimalist aesthetic we've been living by these past few years, trendsetters of the decade believed in a very different motto. The bigger – and more statement making – the better. Neon was king and graphic prints were sprawled across oversized t-shirts, bomber jackets and sweatshirts. 80s fashion reminds us of the thrill of taking risks, and while not all the fashion choices paid off, there are certainly a few worth remembering.
Below, we pay homage the 80s fashion trends we're still dreaming of wearing today – shoulder pads, Miami Vice white-on-white attire, high-cut swimwear and all.
Boxy blazers
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We value structure as much in our wardrobes as we do in our adult lives (though, we're still working on the latter part), which is exactly why the boxy, shoulder pad blazer continues to be a mainstay in our sartorial roster. The popularity of the oversized blazer isn't news to anyone, but the drawcard of shoulder pads is that they create a much more polished, tapered and flattering silhouette. Paired with trousers or thrown over a simple mini dress, the boxy blazer was an 80s fashion staple.
Sportswear
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Our obsession with sportswear can also be traced back to the 80s. Gym culture was at an all time high, thanks in part to the popularity of films such as Fame, Flashdance and the rise of aerobics, (we know you've seen the videos). While we're certainly not suggesting that high-cut leotards and leg warmers are the way forward, we can't deny that the street-style aesthetic has been significantly influence by the oversized sweaters, gym shorts and chunky white sock and sneaker combo of the 80s.
Miami Vice white
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In 1984, the hit detective drama, Miami Vice launched onto the screens of households across the globe, and just like with any other pop culture sensation, left a very impressionable and lasting mark. Don Johnson's character, James Crockett, famously sported an iconic collection of white suits; a move that would see all-white ensembles become synonymous with the 80s and Miami Vice. Four decades on and there's still nothing that we love more than a crisp white power suit.
High-cut swimwear
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Serving up major Baywatch vibes, the high-cut bikini is a familiar face in 2021. Edging on the sportier side, which was a key aesthetic of 80s fashion, the swimsuit favourite appeared in several renditions; but we simply can't go past this jet black, latex style.
Statement jewellery
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From Cyndi Lauper, to Madonna and the supermodels of the Chanel and Versace runways, statement jewellery played an integral role in 80s fashion and we'd be lying if we said we didn't indulge in its grandeur still today. There were no rules to adopting this trend – whether you wanted to layer-up, or keep your approach more understated with a matching necklace and earring combination. When it comes to adding the final touches to your outfit, a piece of statement jewellery can take you far.
