FASHION

80s Fashion The clothes worn in the 80s depicted people who were trying to find themselves. They looked for ways to express their creativity and individuality. Men wore heavy make up and grew long hair. Women wore short hair and layers of clothing. Both sexes were looking for an identity.  We didn't accessorize - we "excessorized" and LOVED it.

Eighties fashion for women taught us terms like jelly bracelets, jelly shoes, neon clothing, leg warmers, shoulder pads, and Guess jeans . They also brought back polka dots, Preppie clothes and wedgies – which used to be shoes and not an underwear malfunction.  Oversized sweatshirts that could fit a truck inside over tight leggings were the norm. 1980s clothing styles for men included acid washed jeans, jean jackets, parachute pants, high top shoes and T-shirts. Unless, of course you were in the preppie crowd. Then you wore Izod shirts, probably with the collar up, dress pants and penny loafer shoes. And, let's not forget the baggy blazer with the sleeves rolled up. 

Accessories were big and gaudy Accessories were big and gaudy. Necklaces were layered on and had large pendants and medallions. Earrings were long and dangly. Purses were huge or small - no reason not to take it to extremes in both directions. Hair for men and women was long, tall and wide. In short, blow dry it out, use a lot of hair spray (aqua net) to hold it and you were good to go. Now we call it big hair, Mall hair or just shrug and say, “the 80s.”  Whether you liked the styles or not, they showed individuality that had not been seen in generations before. Girls were clamoring to look like Madonna. Boys wanted to be like Michael. And they were allowed to - hey, it was the 80s.

Lacquer Earrings Esprit Leg Warmers

Sunglasses Madonna Accessories Galore!! Acid Wash

Slouchy Socks Preppy Look Converse Chucks Ankle Socks Jellies

Jams Stirrup Pants Overalls Elastic Belts

HAIR!!!