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Seven 80s clothing styles worth giving another look at today

January 10, 2018

The eighties will be remembered for daring styles and flashing colours. Here are seven 80s clothing styles that are worth considering as part of contemporary wardrobes

From high-waisted pants to ripped jeans and shiny leather jackets – the eighties set fashion standards that have been emulated ever since. These seven 80s clothing styles are now finding their way back into many wardrobes across the UK

The Allure of The 80’s

By alice_bag [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

By alice_bag [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

The 80’s were a simpler time than today. The economy was doing well, and people were much more relaxed than they are now. The economic boom of that period gave cause to popularise movements like Thatcherism. Fashion trends of that decade were definitely influenced by the power suits worn by Britain’s Iron Lady. But there were other iconic styles that also came to define the UK’s fashion scene, and those across the globe.

 

Here are seven iconic 80’s clothing styles that have survived throughout the decades, and never seem to fade away:

  • Seven 80s clothing styles – The Die-Hard Bomber Jacket

     

    80s bomber jacket

    80s bomber jacket

     

Flying high onto the world stage in the 1910s, the bomber jacket was the comfort of “fly boys” making bombing runs during the Big War. Originally designed from leather with sheepskin and fleece lining, this iconic piece made its transition from military wear to fashion wear over the decades following the war.

 

The jacket became an 80s fashion icon long before Tom Cruise donned one on for his 1986 hit Top Gun. Since then, designers have been creative and innovative with redesigning the most popular jacket of all time. Today, they are ranked among our seven popular 80s clothing styles, with hip-hop artists, Boy Bands and even U.S Presidents alike seen wearing versions of the stylish garment.

  • Seven 80s clothing styles – Daring Crop Tops

The second of our ever popular seven 80s clothing styles, is one that was made famous by teen rock idols of the 80s. It started off as a way to flash some skin and toned tummies during animated concerts. Soon, performers were baring midriffs and navel jewellery on stage. Today, crop tops have once again gained centre stage with artists like Rihanna, Taylor Swift and Diane Kruger turning heads during performances, wearing contemporary versions of that 80s fashion icon.

  • The Washed Jean Craze

     

    By Abroe23 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

    By Abroe23 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Jeans had been popular long before they made it into the list of seven 80s clothing styles to remember. But designers and manufacturers took the humble pants and perfected the chemical process that transformed it into the now famous washed jean.

 

Unlike back in the 80’s, when navy blue was the colour of choice, today men and women can get a washed jean in almost any colour in the rainbow, including shades of blues and blacks. Paired with contemporary washed jackets, it makes a perfect modern-day casual outfit for any occasion. You could access great deals on the washed jean of your choice on purchases made through our links in this post.

  • High waisted jeans

Blue17 vintage_80s high waist jeans

Blue17 vintage_80s high waist jeans

 

What started out as a “functional” trouser, for women working in fields and factories, from Levi in the 1940s, quickly became a fad. Through subsequent decades, the high-waisted jeans quickly captured the imagination of everyone. When brand owner Guess started it’s 80s fashion marketing campaign to promote the high-waisted jean – everyone had to own a pair!

 

Today, these jeans have made a comeback, in more designs and shapes than ever before. Not only will you see them on fashion runways and concert stages, but also in shopping malls and parks. That’s why they made the cut into our seven 80s clothing styles list.

  • 80s Fashion One Shoulder Top

     

    Seven 80s clothing styles - Off the shoulder animal print top

    Suzanne Somers entertains the crew aboard the aircraft carrier USS RANGER (CV-61). Date 1 November 1981.See page for author [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

 

Back in the 80s, it wasn’t just crop tops that stole the show on fashion runways and Academy Award night. The single shouldered top was yet another 80’s icon that has not only survived but thrived through the decades.

 

Recently, the Saint Laurent’s 2017 Spring collection featured Rosie Huntington-Whiteley making a bold one-shouldered statement. That proves that this item from our seven 80s clothing styles list hasn’t got the cold shoulder yet!

 

  • Track Suits

     

    Seven 80s clothing styles - Red Tracksuit By Allan warren (Own work)

    By Allan warren (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (https://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

 

Even before they became a staple 80’s fashion icon, track suits were standard issue for athletes and sports lovers. But somewhere along the line, they found a way to sneak out of the gym, locker room and sports field, and make their way into the wardrobes of many 80’s fashion lovers.

 

That track suit is still popular today, though it is now made from more than just terry-cloth, and sports a myriad of shapes, designs and sizes. It’s seen on hip-hop artists, Hollywood hit-makers (think Will Smith), and on anyone going out and about town!

 

  • Reebok Pumps

Seven 80s clothing styles By ReebokUSA (Own work)

By ReebokUSA (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Any mention of seven 80s clothing styles would be incomplete without talking about 80s footwear that’s ever popular even today!

 

Back in the 80s, the Reebok Pump stole the hearts of teenagers – both boys and girls alike, mainly because they looked “cool”. But that wasn’t the only reason they caught on. Designed with special “inflation mechanisms”, this 80s fashion icon was known to be able to control the tightness (or looseness?) of your sneaker.

 

Since Reebok, many other designers have stepped up to design their own version, which are available today in Pink, Blue, Black, Grey and a host of contemporary colours. You can access some of them through links to retailer sites provided in this post.

 

Seven 80s clothing styles, Why Me?

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Shop 80s clothing now

 

Crop tops 80s style – but wear it your way with vintage

crop-tops 1980s

 

 

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