The 80’s women’s fashion pictures showcased a vibrant and diverse era. To truly capture the spirit of this iconic decade, mens-fashion.net offers a guide to explore the unforgettable trends and styles that defined 80s fashion. Dive into our curated collection and discover how to rock those retro looks with confidence.
1. Decoding 80s Fashion Trends
What defined the fashion of the 80s? The decade was known for its distinct style subcultures and trends, which makes it challenging to describe it with one look. To simplify it, we’ll focus on the typical woman’s everyday style. Here’s a breakdown of popular trends:
- High-Waist Denim: Jeans in pastel colors and acid wash finishes were a must-have.
- Oversized Blouses: Baggy blouses with shoulder pads cinched with wide belts were a common sight.
- Ugly Sweaters: Loose-knit sweaters with wild patterns and colors made a bold statement.
- Leggings: Colorful leggings paired with oversized tops, leg warmers, and high-top sneakers created a sporty look.
- Layered Jackets: Denim, leather, and blazer jackets were layered over shirts and sweaters for added style.
- Padded Shoulder Dresses: Dresses with metallic fabrics, Victorian lace, or satin were perfect for parties.
- Flat Shoes: Flat shoes were worn with all outfits, including white sneakers for sporty looks and slouch boots for winter.
- Athletic Wear: Sweat suits, leotards, and running shorts were worn casually, often with a terry cloth headband.
- Power Suits: Peplum skirt suits, padded dresses, silky blouses, dressy slacks, and heels were essential for working women.
2. Jeans and Overalls in the 80s
What types of jeans rose to prominence in the 80s? The 1980s were the era of designer denim, with brands like Gloria Vanderbilt, Jordache, Calvin Klein, and Guess dominating the market. Designer jeans were particularly popular among younger women and girls, available in numerous colors and styles.
Jeans styles included wide-leg, stretch pull-on, and colored jeans, especially in pink, khaki, and white. They featured a high waistline and a snug fit through the hips in the early 80s, evolving to pleated waists and fuller hips later in the decade.
Acid wash and stonewash jeans, once exclusive to subcultures like punks, gained mainstream popularity. This marbling effect was seen on light, dark, and black-washed denim jeans. Whitewash jeans, the most extreme form of acid wash, left dye only at the seams.
2.1 Styling Jeans and Denim
What were the key elements of styling denim in the 80s?
- High-Waisted and Tight-Fitting: The dominant style was high-waisted jeans with a tight fit and straight or tapered cut.
- Pegging: Teenagers often “pegged” their jeans by folding and rolling them up to fit snugly around the ankle.
2.2 Paper Bag Pants
What are “paper bag” pants and how were they styled?
- Gathered Waist: These pants featured a waist gathered to resemble the crumpled top of a paper bag.
- Modern Comeback: Paper bag pants have made a comeback and are now easily available.
2.3 Colors and Patterns
Did jeans only come in denim washes? Jeans came in various colors and patterns, including pink, green, and purple. Prints included stripes, flowers, and paisley. Cotton pants mirrored these cuts, colors, and patterns. Sky blue, pale pink, magenta pink, bright yellow, emerald green, teal blue, purple, white, and black were iconic colors. Big plaid prints were popular in the fall.
2.4 Denim Overalls
Besides jeans, what other denim items were popular in the 80s? Denim overalls, jackets, and shirts were fashionable and fun. Overalls came in traditional blue denim and primary or pastel colors. They were mainly worn by teenagers and young girls, while denim jackets followed similar trends.
2.5 Parachute Pants
What are parachute pants? Parachute pants, made of nylon windbreaker fabric with zippers, were initially worn by breakdancers before entering mainstream fashion, where they were favored by kids and teens.
2.6 Leggings
How were leggings styled in the 80s? Stirrup pants and leggings were popular. Stirrup pants, with a band of material encircling the foot, are also back in fashion. Leggings were often paired with oversized sweatshirts or sweaters.
3. Jumpsuits & Overalls in the 80s
What made jumpsuits a fashion staple in the 80s? The jumpsuit gained significant momentum, offering a wide range of styles from casual to dressy. Young women and teenagers favored jumpsuits for their ease of wear and styling.
3.1 Summer Jumpsuits
What did summer jumpsuits look like in the 80s? Lightweight cotton or chambray jumpsuits in pastel blues, yellows, and pinks were typical. Some featured floral or stripe patterns, crochet, lace appliques, gathers, or pleats. They often had short or elbow-length sleeves with large cuffs.
3.2 Coverall-Style Jumpsuits
What were coverall-style jumpsuits? These jumpsuits had a workwear-inspired look with roomier sleeves and legs, often incorporating zippers, snaps, and buckles. They were made with heavier fabrics, including denim, and featured button-down bodices with wide convertible collars and shirt pockets.
3.3 Jumpsuit Silhouettes
How were jumpsuits typically cut? Jumpsuits were generally cut very full, with loose bodices and tapered legs, cinched at the waist with a wide belt, yoke, or narrow tie to emphasize the hourglass shape. Pleats at the waist added fullness at the hip, and legs tapered to a straight or slim cut at the ankle. Shoulder pads became common in the mid-1980s.
3.4 Evening Jumpsuits
What did dressier jumpsuits look like? Evening jumpsuits were available in draping knit fabrics or shiny woven materials. Styles for teenagers and young women had bolder cuts like V-necks or fitted bodices, featuring bright colors and metallic threads. The fit was loose, with pleats or ruching around the padded shoulders and waist.
4. The Rise of Powersuits
What role did powersuits play in 80s fashion? As women entered the workforce in greater numbers, they adopted menswear-inspired power suits to look the part.
4.1 Blazers
What distinguished 80s blazers? Blazers were instantly recognizable by their extended shoulders, thanks to large shoulder pads. These blazers are still easy to find secondhand today, and shoulder pads are making a comeback, though not as exaggerated.
4.2 Coordinating Pieces
What accompanied the blazer? Women typically wore coordinating slacks or A-line midi skirts. Slacks were high-waisted with a pleated front and straight-cut legs.
4.3 Blouses
What blouses were popular with power suits? Power suits were often paired with crisp cotton shirts or shiny satin blouses, often button-down. Many blouses resembled Victorian-era styles with high necklines, detailing (scarves, ties, bows), and voluminous sleeves.
4.4 Styling Without a Jacket
What did blouses look like when worn without a jacket? Blouses worn without a jacket often had full shoulders, high necks, and cap or dolman sleeves, sometimes with their own shoulder pads for a sharp-shoulder look.
4.5 Prints and Patterns
What prints were common on blouses? While solid colors were common, some blouses featured animal prints, abstract art, geometrics, colorblocks, vertical styles, and polka dots.
4.6 Completing the Look
How was the professional look completed? Women wore coordinating pumps and nude pantyhose (or black nylons with dress slacks), accessorizing with earrings and a matching necklace or a scarf or tie.
5. Sweater Styles in the 80s
What defined the sweater trend in the 80s? Sweaters were a universal trend, with knitted patterns made of different-colored yarns. Geometric shapes, stripes, Icelandic/snowflake patterns, flowers, polka dots, abstract designs, and argyle were common.
5.1 Knit Patterns
What types of knit patterns were used? Cable knit, rib knit, and other decorative stitch patterns added texture and subtle patterns.
5.2 Novelty Sweaters
What are novelty sweaters? Christmas sweaters and sweaters depicting animals, objects, or scenery were also popular.
5.3 Colors and Styles
What colors were popular for sweaters? Pastel sweaters in pink, yellow, blue, and coral were popular for women, while teens and young girls also wore primary and bright colors. For winter parties, dark-colored sweaters with metallic yarn designs were common.
5.4 Cardigans
Were cardigans common in the 80s? Both oversized pullover and cardigan styles were available, with pullovers being more prevalent. Necklines included crew neck, turtleneck, V-neck, cowl neck, and off-the-shoulder styles.
5.5 Oversized Sweaters
How did teenagers style sweaters? Oversized sweaters were a must-have for teenagers, long with loose, baggy sleeves often pushed back. Dropped shoulders and large armholes contributed to the loose fit. Patterned sweaters were paired with jeans or slim-cut pants.
5.6 Brands
What brands were popular for sweaters? Esprit and United Colors of Benetton were the go-to brands for colorful, oversized sweaters. Esprit was known for bright colors and abstract patterns, while Benetton featured repetitive, intricate patterns.
5.7 Sweater Vests
What about sweater vests? Sweater vests were another popular style for both men and women, with V-neck pullovers and cardigan styles. They came in patterns and solids, with argyle being a classic pattern.
6. Shirts & Sweatshirts in the 80s
What were the key shirt styles in the 80s? Blouses with collars and/or bows or ties at the neck, reminiscent of the 40s, were popular for both work and everyday wear. Button-down blouses were available in different colors, patterns, sleeve, and collar styles. Victorian or peasant-style blouses with ruffles, eyelets, and lace were also trendy.
6.1 Casual Shirts
What patterns were popular for casual shirts? Casual shirts like button-downs, polos, T-shirts, and knit tops came in stripes, tropical or floral prints, and pop art/abstract patterns.
6.2 Oversized Shirts
What was the oversized shirt trend? The mid-80s saw the rise of the oversized button-down shirt trend, often pulled in by a belt loosely around the hips, paired with pants or leggings. Flipping up the collar was a trendy touch.
6.3 Graphic T-Shirts
When did graphic tees get popular? Graphic T-shirts gained prominence in the 80s, sporting messages, logos, and images. MTV, Esprit, Coca-Cola, political slogans, TV/movie characters, and musicians were popular motifs.
6.4 Sweatshirts
What colors were popular for sweatshirts? The mid-80s saw the rise of fluorescent or neon colors in knit tops and sweatshirts, especially for children, teens, and athletic wear. Colorblock pastel or primary colors were also trendy.
6.5 Novelty Sweatshirts
What were some features on novelty sweatshirts? Novelty sweatshirts featured cartoons, TV shows, vacation destinations, food, and popular brands for teens. Solid color plain pastel crewneck sweatshirts were also common.
6.6 Off-the-Shoulder Sweatshirts
When did off-the-shoulder shirts get popular? In 1983, the movie Flashdance started the off-the-shoulder cut-off sweatshirt trend, mainly worn to the gym but sometimes integrated into everyday style.
7. Jackets / Outerwear in the 80s
What outerwear options were available? Women had many choices for outerwear. Long coats with belts and wide collars were standard for fall and winter, often falling below the knee.
7.1 Fur Coats
What types of fur coats were worn? For nicer occasions, fur jackets or full-length fur coats were worn, made of real or faux fur.
7.2 Leather Jackets
What was the appeal of leather jackets? Leather jackets offered a more rebellious and edgy alternative to fur coats, available in various styles like motorcycle jackets, dusters, blazers, and tailored jackets.
7.3 Denim Jackets
When were denim jackets popular? Denim jackets followed the same trends as denim jeans, available in acid washes, colors, and prints. They were primarily worn by girls and teens.
7.4 Windbreakers
When did windbreakers gain popularity? Windbreakers took off in the 80s, worn by all ages and genders, typically made of brightly colored, often color-blocked nylon.
8. Dresses in the 80s
What styles defined 80s dresses? The 80s saw a revival of dress styles from the 1940s and 1950s.
8.1 Daytime Dresses
What were shirtwaist dresses? Shirtwaist dresses, buttoned down the front, were popular with women, offering a comfortable and flattering A-line skirt and cinched waist.
8.2 Shoulder and Neckline Details
What details were common on dresses? Shoulders and necklines were a focal point, with shoulder pads, puffed sleeves, bows, decorative collars, or fabric ties.
8.3 Summer Dresses
What defined summer dresses? Summertime brought out sundresses, sleeveless or short-sleeved with A-line skirts, made of lightweight woven polyester or polyester blends, fitted at the waist with a waistband, belt, or tie. Prints included stripes, flowers, or polka dots.
8.4 Peasant and Sailor Dresses
What about peasant and sailor dresses? Early 80s saw peasant or boho-style dresses with gathered or off-the-shoulder necklines, featuring lace, ribbons, ruffles, or tiers. Mid-80s saw the rise of drop-waist sailor-style dresses with sailor collars and large bows.
8.5 Party Dresses
How did party dresses differ from daytime dresses? Formal or party dresses followed 80s trends more closely, featuring lace, velvet, bows, puffy sleeves, and big shoulders, made of velvet, acetate, and taffeta, in colors like black, red, blue, and green.
8.6 Summer Party Dresses
What did light, airy dresses look like for summer? Light and airy dresses in white or pastel colors made of chiffon and/or lace were worn for daytime summer events, falling below the knee, with drop-waist styles reminiscent of the 20s.
8.7 Skirt Lengths
What skirt lengths were popular? Skirt lengths varied from knee-length to mid-calf, with floor-length dresses reserved for very formal occasions.
8.8 Styling Party Dresses
How were party dresses styled? Dresses were paired with nude or black pantyhose, coordinating heels, jewelry, and a small evening bag.
8.9 Prom Dresses
What made 80s prom dresses unique? Prom was a highlight of the high school experience, and prom dresses reflected this, varying in length from mini to floor-length, in pastels, neons, and jewel tones. Metallic and sequined prom dresses were also trendy.
8.10 Prom Dress Styles
What were some prom dress styles? Victorian or princess-style ballgowns were very popular, with long, full skirts and fitted bodices, trimmed with bows, ruffles, lace, ribbons, and flowers.
8.11 Necklines and Sleeves
What necklines and sleeves were common? Many prom dresses were strapless, off-the-shoulder, or one-shoulder styles, with spaghetti straps as an alternative to traditional sleeves. Necklines were typically sweetheart or straight.
8.12 Skirt Alternatives
What skirt styles were available for prom dresses? Besides ball gown-style skirts, girls could choose from sheath, high-low, flared skirts, and drop-waist styles. Another alternative was the pouf or bubble dress, with a short, voluminous skirt that “bubbled” out.
8.13 Bohemian Prom Dresses
What were bohemian prom dresses like? For a less dramatic look, bohemian-style prom dresses came in white, off-white, or pastels, with long, slim A-line skirts and ruffled hems.
8.14 Accessories
What accessories were essential for prom? Aside from makeup and hair, matching heels and pantyhose, either in nude or a color to match the dress, were essential. Matching hairpieces and/or gloves were also worn.
8.15 Jewelry
What jewelry completed the prom look? Coordinating jewelry, particularly earrings and necklaces or bracelets, completed the look. Drop or dangle earrings worked well with princess or Victorian-style dresses, while hoops or large studs complemented flashier styles.
9. Workout Clothes in the 80s
Why did workout clothes become popular in the 80s? The 80s saw an increase in health consciousness, leading to a need for separate workout outfits.
9.1 Tracksuits
What defines the quintessential 80s workout outfit? The tracksuit, consisting of a jacket and matching pants made of nylon, velour, fleece, or polyester, typically came in solid or color-blocked colors.
9.2 Leotards
How were leotards styled? Leotards, worn for dance, aerobics, or Jazzercise, were typically in solid bright colors or thin stripes for adult women, while girls and teens could choose from patterned leotards.
9.3 Styling Leotards
How was the leotard outfit completed? Colored tights or leggings, leg warmers, soft-soled exercise or ballet slippers, and a headband/sweatband completed the outfit.
9.4 Dolphin Shorts
What are dolphin shorts? Dolphin shorts, very short nylon shorts with an elastic waistband, contrasting trim, and rounded edges, were worn by men, women, and teenagers, often with a T-shirt or knit top.
9.5 Athletic Shoes
What made athletic shoes so popular? With the craze for athletic wear, athletic shoes became a prominent feature of the footwear market, with brands like Nike, Adidas, Reebok, Converse, Puma, and Pony partnering with sports figures to promote their shoes.
10. Shoe Styles in the 80s
What shoe styles defined the decade? Despite the bold fashions, shoes in the 80s were relatively basic, including classic pumps, canvas sneakers, moccasins, wedges, penny loafers, boots, and sandals.
10.1 Pumps
What pumps were worn? Pumps were worn by working women to the office, often in basic colors with minimal decoration, featuring textures or details like a small bow or contrasting toe cap.
10.2 Sandals
What sandal styles were popular? Strappy heeled sandals were popular, with straps at the ankle and straps that criss-crossed over the vamp of the shoe. Huaraches, or shoes with a woven leather upper, were also common.
10.3 Jelly Sandals
When did jelly sandals become available? Jelly sandals, made of PVC plastic, were a new option, typically in transparent colors or with glitter. They were cheap, comfortable, and could get wet, making them popular with women and girls.
10.4 Flats
What were popular flat shoe styles? Skimmers, or ballet flats, were worn everywhere by women and girls, driven by the athletic wear craze. Loafers, moccasins, and boat shoes gave a preppier look to casual outfits.
10.5 Canvas Shoes
How popular were canvas shoes? Canvas shoes, such as Keds and Converse, were highly popular. Keds were favored by women and girls, while Converse were worn by all ages and genders.
10.6 Boots
What boot styles were common? Boots varied from booties to Western to Victorian. Booties were short boots with flat soles. Western boots came in leather and suede in different heights, colors, and embroidery styles. Victorian-style boots laced up and had a short heel.
10.7 Socks
What role did socks play in 80s fashion? Socks were an essential part of the wardrobe. Slouch or scrunch socks, loose socks that bunched around the ankles, were a huge trend, especially with teens and girls. Layering slouch socks in different colors was super trendy.
10.8 Lace-Trim Socks
When did lace trim socks get popular? Lace-edge socks, with white lace on colored socks or colored lace on white socks, were another trend, worn with flat shoes and sandals to show off the lace cuff.
10.9 Tube Socks
What were tube socks? Tube socks, knee-high and usually striped, were typically worn pulled all the way up, used as a fashion item by men and as athletic wear by both women and men.
11. Fashion Accessories in the 80s
What made 80s accessories stand out? Jewelry was big, bold, and flashy, emphasizing stacking, mixing, and matching.
11.1 Earrings
What earring styles were in vogue? Large earrings were a hallmark of the 80s, including big hoops, studs, and long dangling earrings, often paired with matching bracelets and necklaces.
11.2 Necklaces
What types of necklaces were worn? Long pearl necklaces were worn for dressy looks, while beaded necklaces, pendants, and chunky metal necklaces were worn for casual or dressy occasions. Necklaces and bracelets were stacked for an individual look.
11.3 Teen Jewelry
What jewelry was popular among teens? Jelly bracelets, Swatch watches, and friendship bracelets were popular jewelry trends. The more jelly bracelets and Swatch watches, the better!
11.4 Belts
Why were belts popular? Belts were a big trend for women, used to cinch the waist and counteract wide shoulders and flared skirts. Belts could be thin or wide, with big or decorative buckles, worn over long shirts, sweaters, or dresses.
11.5 Hats
When did hats make a comeback? Hats saw a resurgence as fashion items, with styles like fedoras, newsboy caps, berets, and bowlers making a comeback.
11.6 Baseball Caps and Visors
What other hats were trending? Baseball caps were ubiquitous, and visors were another trendy style, especially with the health and fitness craze.
11.7 Sunglasses
How would you describe 80s sunglasses? Sunglasses came in lots of styles, including the Ray-Ban Wayfarer. Most women’s sunglasses were large, often with colorful frames, in round or geometric shapes.
12. Hairstyles in the 80s
What characterized 80s hairstyles? 80s hair was known for its volume. Big, fluffy, curly looks, often with bangs, were common, achieved through crimping, curling, or perms.
12.1 Alternative Styles
What were some hair alternatives? Alternatives included short and straight hair with bangs, a feathered look, or a short, almost masculine cut.
12.2 Hair Accessories
What accessories were popular? Hair bows, clips, headbands, barrettes, and scrunchies were popular. Headbands were worn straight across the forehead, and bandanas were wrapped around the head like headbands.
13. Makeup in the 80s
How would you describe 80s makeup? Like other aspects of 80s fashion, makeup was all about more. Thick black eyeliner, red or pink blush, and bright lips characterized the look.
13.1 Foundation and Bronzer
How was the base of makeup applied? Women started with a thick layer of foundation, then used bronzing powder. Self-tanning was also popular.
13.2 Eye Makeup
What shades were most popular? Eye makeup was all about color, with eyeshadows in all shades, and eyeliner and mascara in new shades like green, blue, and purple.
13.3 Blush
What was blush like in the 80s? Blush was thick and red or vibrant pink, applied under the cheekbones and drawn toward the temple.
13.4 Lips
How were lips styled? Lips were lined first in a slightly darker color, then coated in brick red, bright pink, scarlet, fuchsia, chocolate, mauve, or orange lipstick.
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FAQ: 80s Women’s Fashion
- What was the defining characteristic of 80s fashion?
The 80s were defined by bold, maximalist styles featuring bright colors, oversized silhouettes, and diverse subcultures. - What jeans styles were popular in the 80s?
Popular jean styles included high-waisted jeans, acid wash jeans, and colored denim. - How were leggings styled in the 80s?
Leggings were styled with oversized sweatshirts, leg warmers, and high-top sneakers. - What kind of jumpsuits were popular in the 80s?
Jumpsuits ranged from casual cotton styles to dressy metallic evening wear, often featuring shoulder pads and cinched waists. - What was the significance of power suits in 80s fashion?
Power suits were essential for women entering the workforce, featuring padded shoulders and tailored
