When you look back at the 80s, you’ll likely see a series of fashion no-nos. We’re talking about neon legwarmers and those awful (but also, like, not) netted fingerless covers. The 80s was also a time for being bold and along with fashion faux pas came a whole lot of fashion inspiration. Here are some of the essentials.
Big Hair, Don’t Care
Cyndi Lauper was a champion for huge hair with lots and lots of hairspray. Big hair was everywhere in the 80s and although we’re not quite rocking the Lauper, modern fashion loves volume.
Androgyny
Like David Bowie, Prince was a leader in the way of feminine-masculine fashion. Recently, we’ve seen a rise in male makeup on the red carpet and on the high street. Prince would have been proud.
Peroxide
Blondie was an ambassador for the peroxide whiter-than-lightning platinum hairdo. The likes of Lady Gaga and Miley Cyrus may be more recent champions of white blonde, but Debbie Harry paved the way.
Risque Fashion
The 2020 spring summer Fashion Week catwalk indicated that underwear as outerwear is going to be hotter than ever this year. Back in the 80s, Madonna pushed the boundaries of fashion so that we could make more risque choices in our wardrobe.
Leather
Squeaky clean Olivia Newton-John was perfectly cast as Sandy in the iconic musical, Grease. When she steps out in leather trousers with larger than life hair, she became an instant fashion icon.
