The Fashion Folks

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20th Century Fashion History: 1980-1990

The Fashion Folks

If you’re a fan of #girlboss or anything relating, you ought to love today’s post on the 1980s. Never has a decade felt so career-centered and fashion empowered than the eclectic 80s. Here’s a dose of powersuits, more is more and neon – The fashion history: 1980-1990

20th century fashion history 1980-1990 | The Fashion Folks

The Society during 1980-1990

The 1980s feels in many ways like a decade of eclecticism. Work and lifestyles were reflected in people’s choice of clothes spanning from the business people to youths and rockers. The Yuppies (young urban professional) ruled the finance world with their stylish and perfected lifestyles. The music fans had a golden era of Queen, Michael Jackson, Prince, Madonna and so many more. Also, the 1980s had a major focus on health with an upswing of workout videos (just google) and colorful activewear.

The 1980s were also when the supermodel era began with Cindy Crawford, Iman, Brooke Shields, Christie Brinkley and among others. Anna Wintour also began her career on American Vogue (still going strong) and Karl Lagerfeld took Chanel back in the spotlight. A major fashion icon was Princess Diana. Iconic tv-shows and movies from the decade includes Little House on The Prairie, Full House, Baywatch, Breakfast Club, Star Wars and E.T. There are of course, so many more, but as we get closer to present time, Hollywood expanded heavily and more shows and movies made their impact.

Style of the 1980-1990

20th century fashion history 1980-1990 | The Fashion FolksThe style of the 1980s would mainly be about one thing: more is more. No matter which style you preferred, the more is more approach was present. If you went for an office look, your shoulders ought to be heavily oversized and your outfit in strong and contrasting colors. If you went for a funky look, voluminous hair, neon colors and denim on denim. The edgier fashion as in rock went full on with black, leather, animal prints and t-shirts with motives (not to forget the hair for that part too). The decade was voluminous, over the top and went big even when the outfits were rather simple. The inverted triangle was the silhouette to strive for.

The previous decades (actually back to the 1920s) were decades with a distinct use of prints. The 1980s of course used prints, but nowhere near the same amount in the previous decades. Instead it was all about the colors: from pale pastels to neon and primary colors.  The colors were to be paired with one another for a powerful effect. 20th century fashion history 1980-1990 | The Fashion FolksNeutral shades as beige, light grey and white were also common. The prints that would define decades would be animal prints but also funky geometric patterns in energetic shapes.

Something I’ve discussed on countless occasions is the relation between the empowerment of women in society and the tendency of a masculine fashion. And so was the case for the 1980s, women had their own careers and the masculine fashion, and tendency, was present in all the styles. From the edgy fashion (like Madonna) to the casual oversized shirts and blazers that were ultimate. The width of the shoulders made an empowering impression as they took up place literally and metaphorically.

20th century fashion history: 1980-1990 | The Fashion FolksThe clothes between 1980-1990

There are several items that remains clothing pieces of the 1980s. Or how about bodysuits, leg warmers and blazers.? The two former were clothing pieces for workouts, often with matching (or not matching) leggings in a neon shade or any other popping color. The bodysuits had a high cut which made the legs appear longer. Leggings were by the way major for the decade, being important for all styles.

Loose shirts in silk-y materials in combination with high waisted pants and a belt to mark the waist was common. This look was a more sophisticated style of the business woman that went for a statement blazer, a voluminous blouse and matching skirt. Often with elegant earrings and a flowy hair to complete the look. Oversized sweaters were also popular, often in a simple college style but in a statement color or print. For outerwear the coats were often knee-length with an emphasis on the shoulders (what else). The business style of women felt overall really posh and was in line with the elegant style of Princess Diana. A touch of the British 20th century fashion history 1980-1990 | The Fashion Folkscountryside anyone? (Just see above to the left).

For the edgy fashion á la Madonna (see slideshow above). A leather jacket, some lace and high waisted skirts were a must. To go with the look; layers of necklaces, bracelets and lots of hair.  Also some washed out denim would do the look. Animal prints would also help to add to the edgy look, though they were also common for the more elegant life.

Beauty between 1980-1990

The makeup of the decade was either more is more or less is more. On one hand, a lot of questionable colors as hot pink and lilac used in questionable amounts. On the other hand, bushy eyebrows, natural eyes and peachy shades. The most common makeup look for the everyday person landed somewhere in between. With some shadowing for the eyes in a more neutral tone, and 20th century fashion history 1980-1990 | The Fashion Folkscolorful lips in a neon pink or a brown/red-ish shade. Probably always too much blush though in a pink shade being used as both contour and blush.

The hair was all about the flow. A lot of hair going upwards or sideways on the top of the head. Brooke Shields’ hair was ultimate with its thick texture and healthy look. Even if you had short hair, you had to embrace volume. 

Spotlight of 1980-1990: Chanel/Karl Lagerfeld

No one else than the one and only Karl Lagerfeld would take over the legendary fashion brand Chanel (still going strong). Chanel was the perfect fashion label for the 1980s with Coco Chanel that had dressed women for independence since the 1910s. That in combo with the brand’s elegant style, and 20th century fashion history 1980-1990 | The Fashion Folkslove for blazers and pencil skirts, Chanel ought to lead the decade. With Lagerfeld starting in 1983, he would keep the elegance and empowering clothes for women with sets of blazers, pants and skirts. Amongst other looks, he designed a black and white set of a jacket and skirt with gold details, a look that remains iconic to this date. His 1980s style consisted of a lot of classic black and white combos. Also some touches of pink and red.

Transition to the 1990s

The 1990s is similar to the 1980s in many ways. The oversized silhouette is there, if less dominant, also the pastel shades and the use of denim and strong colors. The decade often feels like a less glamorous style of the 80s, with functional clothes as well as street style being more prominent. I like to think of the 90s as a mix of the 80s and the 60s, as mini skirts and short dresses, amongst other features, would be popular again. Clothes of the late 1980s and the early 1990s are quite similar and not that easy to separate, something that indicates 20th century fashion history 1980-1990 | The Fashion Folkson the smooth transition. As the 80s went on, the emphasis on the inverted triangle silhouette would decrease  and a slim and defined fashion would emerge. The supermodels of the 80s continued to dominate the fashion world during the 90s, but with new stars as Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista and Claudia Schiffer.

1980s  styling edition:

As 1980s is the hottest decade in the fashion world at the moment, I thought I’d add some styling tips on how to pull off the 1980s in a modern day context. There are mainly two things to be aware of:

  1. Pick either colors or style

When going for a 1980s look, pick either the style or the color/prints for an outfit. If you’re going for an oversized blazer in a pastel purple, you risk looking like you belong in a time capsule. If you just go for the pastel purple, choose a blazer that’s more contemporary and defined. In that way you’ll add the vibe of the 80s but you’ll still look trendy. Same goes for the style/silhouette. If you’re heading for the shoulder statement, pick it in a chic color/print that would work today. Perhaps an all white blazer or a blush shade? The key here is to keep a balance between the 1980s and today. There is a difference between dressing like you’re still in the 1980s and dressing like you’re inspired by the 1980s – The difference is centered to mixing the old vibes with contemporary ones.

  1. Balance with a modern touch

Even if you pick a clothing piece that’s a mix of now and then, it’s still important to add modern elements to feel and look new and “fresh”. This is of even bigger importance if you shop vintage, or picks a piece that’s a core reflection of the 80s. Add trendy and modern details to balance the old vibes. Add a pair of skinny leather pants or a blouse with ruffles. Go for a defined leather jacket to the voluminous pants or add distressed denim to your oversized blazer. If you’re going for the 1980s makeup look (are you sure though?) work it with a modern or timeless outfit. If you’re going for 1980s clothes, keep the hair and makeup + accessories as stylish as you can.  It all goes back to finding the perfect mix of old and new, then and now. Though I have to say, the look below is from 1984 (?) and is painfully stylish, would kind of work today. So keeping it to timeless colors is another trick!

3. Look for the right inspiration

Turn to social media or the runway to see how the contemporary 1980s looks like today. Here are some posts featuring 1980s looks/styles as of 2016/2017: 

Folks! Hope you loved the post as much as I loved writing it. I have to say that for each week passing by it gets harder and harder to summarize the fashion as more and more styles and influencers emerged. Gosh. Anyways, if this week was about the empowered business women, next week is all about the 90s kids! Xx

20th century fashion history 1980-1990 | The Fashion Folks

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62 thoughts on “20th Century Fashion History: 1980-1990”

  3. I feel like when certain decades’ style comes back into fashion, we get a chance to do it again, but better. I grew up in the 80s and 90s, and I felt like the style then was too much for me (i.e. puffy shoulder pads, acid washed jeans, hammer pants, umbros, primary colors, etc.). But now we can take our favorite trends and like you said, modernize them. Also some of those beauty trends were too much. I remember I used to want a perm and I’m so glad now my mom refused me. We are still teasing our hair today, but now to create smoother shapes, rather than wild, frizzy manes. Anyways I could go on, but I do enjoy seeing old trends revamped for the modern age.

    xx Yasmin
    http://banglesandbungalows.com

    1. Hahah the only way you feel like you get to do it better is because we always love the current fashion and style. In 10 years you’ll probably cringe the same way you do about the early 00s fashion today! Haha but yes, it’s fun with fashion that comes around! Xx

      https://www.thefashionfolks.com

  9. I think you’re so right. It’s all about balance. I do love a lot of aspects of 80s fashion but I don’t think I could ever go all out in 80s otherwise you would like you’re in a time warp lol. I do love that the girl boss trend was heavy then and we’re seeing more and more power suits and pinstripes these days. I love adding a more modern tough though like a corset belt (what I did for fashion week recently) or more modern hair and makeup. And oh Chanel! I didn’t know that was the era that Karl took over but it makes a lot of sense!

    Hope you’re having a lovely weekend.
    xoxo
    Rina Samantha
    http://www.andshedressed.com

    1. I think it’s great to have a balance of some 80s elements and some modern touches, like the corset belt! Loved you look from the fashion week, it was so stylish! Xx

  11. Though I tend to gravitate towards style choices that are more symbolic of that of the late 60s and 70s, there’s no denying that the 80s and 90s hold sentimental value to me, as I was born in the 80s and raised in the 90s! Fashion and music was EVERYTHING! It inspired the way many dressed and you’re so right, professions and lifestyles were translated into the way one dressed and expressed oneself. I still remember having matching body suits in every single color and fabric imaginable with my mom! I remember trying to tease my hair the way she would and try and put on her oversized gold hoops, haha. I love the bold colors that were so widely embraced and the overall energy of the decade, nothing like today that’s for sure, lol. I love the suggestions you’ve given on styling vintage pieces from the decade now in a more modern way, it’s all about creating a balance for sure to avoid appearing dated, rather stylish and inspired. I love the idea of a bold shoulder blazer with a pair of skinny or boyfriend jeans, so cute! Thanks so much for sharing this historical recap with us, gorgeous girlie, and I hope you’re having a great weekend so far!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    http://www.thestylecontour.com

    1. Hahah that sounds quite lovely though, nothing like matching mother and daughter!Hahah I wonder if society will always be this scared of colors? There are at least some fun ones people should embrace, lol! Also crushing on the idea of going bold blazer and bf jeans – I think it’s a great balance of old and new. Thank you babe! Xx

  15. I was looking for some old photos the other day and I found some of my mum before she had me, she was so stylish in her 80’s clothes and those exaggerated shoulders!!

    Yiota
    PinkDaisyLoves

    1. That’s so cool, haha love to see fashion from the 80s worn by parents. So fun to feel the connection! Xx

  16. Loving this little fashion history lesson! What’s shocking is that lots of these trends are coming back in style now!

    XoXo,

    Tamara – LoveofMode.com

  17. WOW! Thank you for sharing such amazing article. I love how you summarized 1980’s and 90’s so well. It had to take you a lot of time to write it. I really enjoyed reading it because I love the fashion of movies from 1980’s!
    X
    Miri

    http://currentlywearing.com

  18. I can see how the 80’s would be a difficult decade to summarize, but I think you did a fantastic job Mia! This is one of my favorite decades to reference, though you probably wouldn’t know by looking at me. A lot of great things came from the 80’s (ie clothes, music, film). I can do without the neon though lol.

    I hope you have a great weekend Mia!

    Amber – amberelb.com

    1. Thank you Amber for the support! A lot of great things came from the 80s indeed, hahah especially some of the fashion! Xx

    1. Thank you babe! I saw that trailer, hope there’s a great focus on fashion! Xx

  21. Great post 🙂 I still remember when I was a child – we were wearing so many strange clothes but now they are popular again 😀

  22. Great and very very interesting post, hun!!!
    I’m not a Girlboss kind of girl, but i do appreciate the colorful and “athletic” side of the 80’s!
    sure there were years full of super interesting inspirations!
    And I looooved your tips to bring that style today! very smart and useful!
    have a great week, sweetie!
    xxx
    S
    https://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.it

    1. The colorful and athletic style of the 80s was something indeed. So energetic and empowering. Thank you love, glad you liked it! Xx

  23. Wow, the colours are way too bright and bold for me back then but I am a very neutral and minimal girl at heart. I have really been enjoying your fashion through the ages series.

    1. Hahah the colors were something indeed! Thank you so much love, that makes me so happy to hear! Xx

  25. Your tips for wearing 80s inspired clothing is spot on! Adding modern elements can really update the look!

  27. I was little in the 80s, so I remember it a little bit, although the 90s are when I started to pay attention to fashion and clothes. It’s really interesting what you said about masculine fashion + empowerment of women too. I never really thought about that before. You’re just a wealth of knowledge, lady! 🙂

    1. Hahah thank you love! The masculine fashion was something indeed and such an interesting aspect, Xx

  30. Yes, so loving the empowered business woman vibe! I haven’t given the 80s much credit – aside from making a killer Halloween costume 😉 – but, seriously, I can get behind blazers and huge hair. I’m not a huge fan of prints – however, I’m loving the rest!

    xx http://www.qustomquinns.com/blog

    1. Hahah well Halloween costumes are important too! Hahah, the empowered blazers are so good though! Xx

  31. I have never been a fan of more is more, I prefer less is more. I wonder if I’d think the same, if I was from 80s 🙂 I totally agree with you in terms of balancing the 80s style with modern touch to make it belongs to now rather than the time capsule. When I was a kid, I always admired Princess Diana and I thought I’d wear like her when I grow up…

    It was an interesting read and for someone who’s not really into fashion, I learnt quite a few 80s fashion trends and what can I do to make it more wearable 🙂 Great post! x

    Ela BellaWorld

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