The 1980s are remembered as one of the most daring decades in fashion history. While Kevin Bacon was fighting for his right to dance, and Ronald Reagan was signing off weekly with “thanks for listening, god bless you!,” people everywhere were expressing themselves through the vibrant styles of the era.
Much like the 90s, looks inspired by the 80s have resurfaced today, and many mainstream retailers such as Urban Outfitters, Forever 21, and ASOS have begun to carry 80s-esque pieces. From vivid, neon colors, to puffy sleeves, to gargantuan shoulder pads— the 80s are best characterized as big and bold.
Some of the styles that have begun to emerge in shops today include velvet clothing, windbreakers and athletic wear, cropped or rolled pants, plaid, and denim.
Additionally, television has paid homage to the styles of the 1980s with the sensational success of the Netflix original series, “Stranger Things”, starring 80s film queen herself, Winona Ryder, who notably played Veronica Sawyer in the film “Heathers”, and Lydia Deetz in “Beetlejuice”, both released in 1988. The characters of “Stranger Things” can be found sporting the styles of the decade, including windbreakers, large coiffed hair, vibrant colored makeup, and turtleneck or cropped sweaters.
11th grade student, Hannah Dimemmo, described her affinity for the 80s trends; “Scrunchies, bold colors, and lots of denim are items I always seem to grab for. One of my go to’s include looser fitting jeans, especially ones that are high waisted.”
Dimemmo also expressed that she feels that her style is a form of self-expression. “Bottom line is that I wear what makes me happy and what I feel comfortable in,” said Dimemmo. “By wearing pieces from different time periods than now, it gives my personal style a bit of uniqueness. The bold colors and bold style choices of the 80’s make me feel a little bit more like myself.”