Film

FILM

During the 80’s teen girls quickly adopted the fashion of either Madonna or Cindy Lauper whilst teen guys followed the fashion of Judd Nelson, Brat-Packers or Rob Lowe. With this came freedom of expression.

MTV was a revolution in the 1980’s which had a major impact on fashion.

UK 80’s Fashion

Brands such as Depeche Mode, Spandai Ballet and Adam And The Ants became major fashion influences through their success of being on MTV.

Thriller

Michael Jackson was a big part of the 80’s with the release of his album thriller in 1982. Teenagers tried to replicate the look from the hair, clothing, one glove, even the dance moves.

Flashdance

Leg warmers were around long before the 80’s but they only became popular fashion after the release of the movie Flashdance in the 80’s. Girls wore leg warmers with everything from jeans and knit pants to dresses and miniskirts. It could be 90degrees in the shade and girls would still be in their leg warmers.

Madonna and 80’s Fashion

In 1984 Madonna released her single “Like A Virgin” and with that came her “street urchin” look. This was a fashion sensation in its time. Designer Maripol created this look consisting of bleached, unmanaged hair with visible dark roots, layered lace tops, short skirts over Capri pants with fishnet stockings, crucifix jewelry and multi layered bracelets, lace ribbons, beads and fishnet gloves. Layers were big in the 80’s, giving off an amazing effect, Madonna’s street urchin look is a great example of it.

The Miami Vice Look

Also in 1984 an American TV series named Miami Vice brought young and middle aged men the “Miami Vice Look” which consisted of a casual t-shirt worn under an expensive suit jacket including broad shoulder pads and the unshaven “designer stubble” look which became famous by Don Johnson (The lead man in Miami Vice).

Magnum, P.I

Tom Selleck also influenced the way men dressed through the series Magnum P.I. Men were influenced to wear Hawaiian shirts with sports jackets and grow mustaches. In a cologne advertisement Tom Selleck wore Gucci loafers which then also became expensive but casual footwear fashion.

80’s Power Dressing

American soap opera Dynasty had a huge influence in the way women in the 80’s dressed, improving their workplace appearance to that of Linda Evans or Joan Collins from Dynasty resulted in women to be seen as equal to men. Shoulder pads were almost a must to have for business ladies. Velcro was fitted to the inside of the shoulder to allow the change in shoulder pad size so women could choose the size they proffered. Dynasty encouraged women to wear glitzy jewelry, wool, cotton, cashmere and silk as a symbol of openly flaunting their wealth instead of the plain and simple nylons or synthetics.

The Preppy Look

Preppies were the name given to those students that were college bound. Those who wanted to succeed and stay out of trouble. “Pretty In Pink” was a film released in 1986 where preppies were seen as the well-off characters Blaine and Steff. This look consisted of polo shirts, blazers, sweaters, button down shirts, penny lockers, LL bean, turtlenecks, duck boots, rugbys and dress pants. Girls wore Tretorn Tennis shoes, Laura Ashley dresses and Keds.

80’s Ankle Socks

Basically ankle socks became what they were because they were seen on actresses, models and don’t forget MTV. You could wear ankle socks with tennis shoes, low heels but high heels were the best way to wear them.

Isn't it so cute? I think the 80's were an amazing era for fahion.