A Decade by Decade view of Women’s Fashion in the 20th Century. This 10-part series covers the styles and changes in women’s fashion from 1900 to the year 2000. We discuss everything from designers to fabrics, hem lengths to sleeves. This week we look at vintage fashion from 1980 to 1990. Follow along with us each week as we delve into another decade.
Today we flashback to what women wore from 1980-1990. Punk rock, Disco, and over-the-top everything defined the 1980s. Life became bigger and bolder. Shoulder pads were back; huge, giant hoop earrings, glitter, rhinestones, and bright colors were back in style. Fashion icons of the day included Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and Tina Turner.
The flip side of that look was the more sophisticated look of Joan Collins and Princess Diana, even though everything was still big, the colors were more subtle and the sparkle was turned down a few notches.
Music was a big influence on the 1980s fashion. Joan Jett’s tough slick look, Madonna’s lingerie on the outside, grunge bands of the Pacific Northwest, and Debbie Harry’s punk rock eclectic ensembles gave us lots to choose from.
We mixed drainpipe pants with flowing romantic pirate blouses. We permed our hair to balance out our oversized clothing styles and added bold jewelry in bright colors to complete the look. We also wore torn jeans and faded and ripped t-shirts, grew out our hair, and dug out our old Converse All-Stars.
There were other options for what women wore in the 80s. For those who were not into the “look at me” culture, preppy was the chosen style. Much more subtle with minimal decoration usually only consisting of a single small logo on the breast pocket signaling one’s ability to afford high fashion clothing. This look was worn by the more sedate young adults who if not from wealthy families, wanted the look nonetheless.
While we may remember a young Brooke Shields and her famous line “You want to know what comes between me and my Calvin’s, nothing”, Calvin Klein was only one of the many designers that came out of the 1980s. The era of designer jeans had arrived. Everyone from Jordache to Dickies got in on the trend. Walk into any store selling clothing today and you will find an assortment of designer-style jeans.
Gianni Versace known for his flamboyant and sexy outfits used vibrant colors and threw out the rules of fashion, along the way elevating fashion models to stardom. He not only designed clothing but branched out into home goods, perfume, accessories, and even cars with the Lincoln Mark VII in 1984 and 85.
Carrying the torch of bright and colorful over-the-top looks, catapulted those bold colors and designs into the world of Haute Couture. Ralph Lauren whose look was a respite from the bright overpowering styles ushered in the preppy look. The Japanese designer Issey Miyake who was known for his technical look is also credited with reviving the pleated designs of Mariano Fortuny. The line is known as Pleats Please and is still available today. Thierry Mugler who shocked the fashion world before anyone had heard of Alexander McQueen, gave us a feminine theatrical look with outsize shoulders and slim hips. His runway shows known for their largesse and drama included everything from massive theatrical shows to drag queens, and trans models.
Wear the Look of the 1980s
Explore the other decades by clicking here.
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