How to Dress for an 80s Party: 4 Iconic Styles

Summary: The 80s was a decade of experimentation, individuality, and breaking norms. Even today, A-list designers look back to this alternative era as a source of inspiration. Brands and designers can also get a cue from 80s trends and create fresh, exciting designs. 

From sequins to shoulder pads and animal-print mania, the 1980s redefined bold fashion by experimenting with new alternative styles. Be it the power dressing of the early 80s or the eclectic and colorful looks of the later years, 80s trends aren't just a blast from the past. They still influence many designers, brands, and manufacturers today. 

Here is a run-down of the best fashion trends of the 80s that can glam up any collection.

The 80's Rebellion Is Back!

One only needs to look at the punk-rock ruffles and oversized blazer trends to know that 80s trends are having a renaissance. As a fashion manufacturer or designer, keeping an eye on such shifts and incorporating them into collections can help stay on-trend. More than anything, the 80s was a decade of bold fashion. Colors were brighter, pants got bigger, and sequins became shinier. So when it comes to dressing up for a party with 80s trends, many versatile looks can translate the rebellious spirit of the era. Here are our top four: 

1. When in Doubt, Color it Out! An obvious choice for an 80s party is the drama of color. Throw in acid-washed jeans with any brightly colored t-shirt for a classic 80s-inspired look. Brands should also stock up on accessories like oversized sunglasses, neon bracelets, and necklaces. With dynamic neons, bright pastels, and loud colors, these accessories can be turned into effortless statement pieces. 

2. Channel An Iconic 80s Movie or TV Show Character A cheeky way to bring the 80s into fashion is by recreating iconic 80s movie characters or TV shows. Two popular options include Marty McFly from Back to the Future or even a Ghostbuster! Channel them through jean jackets, puffer vests, sneakers, motorcycle boots, sparkly jackets, or a two-piece ensemble. Such looks are also a great canvas for designers to mix and match other elements and drive home the 80s inspiration.
3. Don't Ignore A Bold Skirt In the 1980s, Madonna popularised a fresh take on skirts with her "street urchin" look, consisting of short skirts and leggings. With layered clothing seeing a revival, having a bold skirt is a chic way to pay homage to the 80s dance music scene. Long flared skirts and slinky miniskirts work well for such collections. Throw in some heels and a sensible finish, and these skirts can also double as officewear!

4. Glam It Up As An 80s Musician Last but not least, get inspired by 80s musicians and channel their personal styles from the era. Many iconic looks flaunted by Madonna can come alive with lace tops, tutu skirts, and fingerless gloves. For menswear, the Michael Jackson look, with white suits and glittery gloves will do the trick.

Brands That Defined the 80s

Keep in mind that the 80s were a decade of experimentation. Letting one’s individuality stand out was the driving spirit behind 80s outfits. Hence, looking at what brands and designers were doing that decade can serve as inspiration to create fresh and exciting looks for upcoming collections:

• Power Dressing: One of the main menswear trends of the 80s was power dressing. It was characterized by strong shoulders, sharp tailoring, and an emphasis on masculine-inspired clothing. Brands such as Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and Donna Karan were at the forefront of this 80s trend, popularizing structured blazers, wide-legged pants, and crisp white shirts.
• Sportswear: Another major trend of the 80s was the rise of streetwear and sportswear. During the decade, brands like Nike and Adidas became popular among both athletes and everyday consumers. The rise of these brands led to an increased demand for comfortable and casual clothes. These included tracksuits, windbreakers, and sneakers, arguably making it the most popular 80s trend.
• Retro Fashion: The 80s also saw a renewed interest in vintage and retro fashion. Designers often drew inspiration from past decades to create new styles. Brands such as Vivienne Westwood and Jean Paul Gaultier were popular for their use of vintage prints, new fabrics, as well as their conceptual and eclectic designs.

At An 80's Party, There Are No Rules!

Celebrating 80s fashion in collections means being bold and over-the-top. Mix and match different elements and accessories to create fresh new designs. Whether the inspiration comes from a classic 80s movie character or an era-defining color, the main thing to keep in mind is the spirit of the decade. Diving deeper into subcultures can also offer unique insights for designers. 

It isn't just about nostalgia. With all the iconic looks up the decade's sleeve, even those who didn't live out the era will want to get in on round two. If you want to create a collection with 80s trends, reach out to Fashinza. As a leading AI-driven platform, Fashinza connects fashion brands and designers to experienced manufacturers, streamlining the supply chain. Delivery and logistics can also be tracked transparently, all via a single app!

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Key Takeaways:

• The 80s trends were characterized by power dressing, strong shoulders, sharp tailoring, and an emphasis on masculine-inspired clothing.
• The 80s also saw a renewed interest in vintage prints, retro fashion, and the rise of sportswear. 
• Brands and designers can take inspiration from the 80s trends to create fresh, exciting designs.