A Decade of Bold Statements: Delving into the Fashion of the 80s The 1980s, a decade of excess, experimentation, and vibrant expressions, revolutionized the fashion landscape. Moving away from the more subdued 70s fashion, the 80s embraced a bold and unapologetic approach to style. It was a time of pushing boundaries, celebrating individuality, and making a statement with every outfit. Think Madonna in her iconic cone bra, Boy George's flamboyant makeup and clothing, or the dynamic power suits sported by working women on the rise. The 80s was a visual feast, a melting pot of influences that created a unique and unforgettable fashion era. The Rise of Power Dressing: Shoulder Pads Take Center Stage Perhaps the most defining element of 80s fashion, shoulder pads became synonymous with the era's style. They added structure and an air of authority to everything from power suits to evening gowns. This trend reflected the rising tide of women in the workplace and their pursuit of power and confidence. Think of powerful female characters like Joan Collins as Alexis Colby in Dynasty, sporting those sharp shoulder lines, embodying the quintessential 80s businesswoman. Shoulder pads weren't just for workwear; they were incorporated into casual outfits as well. Sweaters, jackets, and even dresses were adorned with these padded structures, adding a touch of dramatic flair to everyday attire. Remember those iconic 80s prom dresses with those exaggerated shoulders? They were a statement of youthful exuberance and a desire to stand out from the crowd. This trend, while now often seen as a comical relic of the past, was a symbol of the times, reflecting the era's focus on ambition and achieving success. The power suit, with its sharp lines and padded shoulders, became a uniform for women who were breaking down barriers and making their mark in the professional world. It was a visual representation of the era's burgeoning feminist movement and the increasing confidence of women in the workplace. A Symphony of Color: Neon Brights and Bold Prints The 80s were a kaleidoscope of colors! Neon hues like pink, yellow, green, and orange were highly favored, adding a vibrant energy to the fashion landscape. Bold geometric patterns, animal prints, and abstract designs were everywhere. These vibrant combinations reflected the era's optimistic and energetic spirit. From leggings to dresses, these loud prints were not shy about making a statement. Think of the iconic music videos of the time. Madonna's bold color combinations in 'Like a Prayer' or Cyndi Lauper's flamboyant style in 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun' perfectly captured the essence of 80s fashion. These videos weren't just about the music; they were a visual spectacle, a celebration of color, movement, and self-expression. The 80s was an era where music and fashion intertwined, influencing each other and creating a dynamic and exciting cultural landscape. This trend wasn't just about expressing individuality; it was about embracing a sense of playful confidence and pushing creative boundaries. The 80s were a time when people weren't afraid to stand out, to wear their hearts on their sleeves, and to experiment with different styles and colors. This vibrant explosion of color and pattern wasn't just a trend; it was a cultural phenomenon that reflected the era's energy and optimism. Denim: A Staple of the 80s The 80s saw denim take center stage. From classic jeans to jackets, this versatile fabric became a staple of everyday fashion. Double denim, also known as Canadian tuxedo, emerged as a major trend. Pairing denim jackets with jeans, often in different washes, created a casual and cool look. This trend was popularized by celebrities like Madonna and Cyndi Lauper, who embraced the laid-back and rebellious spirit of the denim. Denim wasn't just about creating casual looks; it was also incorporated into more sophisticated styles. Denim dresses, skirts, and even tailored jackets became popular choices for evening wear. This versatility of denim reflected the era's desire for clothing that could transition seamlessly between different settings and occasions. Remember those iconic denim jackets with patches and pins? They were a way to personalize your style and make a statement about your individual taste and interests. It was about being both stylish and practical. The 80s saw the rise of the 'jeans and a tee' look, a casual and comfortable style that could be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Denim became a blank canvas for expressing individuality, a way to create a unique look without sacrificing comfort or practicality. The Rise of Athleisure: Comfort and Style Collide The 80s witnessed the birth of athleisure as we know it today. Leggings, tracksuits, and sneakers became staples in everyday wardrobes. The fitness boom, led by aerobics and Jane Fonda's workout videos, influenced fashion choices. This trend embraced functionality and comfort without sacrificing style. Remember those iconic neon-colored leotards worn by aerobics enthusiasts? They were a testament to the era's focus on fitness and health. The 80s saw the rise of athletic wear as more than just workout gear. Leggings became a go-to choice for casual outings, often paired with oversized sweaters or denim jackets. Sneakers, which were previously considered strictly for athletic activities, became fashionable footwear, reflecting a shift towards a more casual and comfortable aesthetic. This trend was a reflection of the changing social landscape, where people were increasingly focused on health and fitness, and wanted clothing that could keep up with their active lifestyles. The 80s saw the emergence of brands like Nike and Reebok, who became synonymous with the athleisure trend. Their sneakers, with their bright colors and bold designs, became a symbol of the era's focus on fitness, performance, and style. The 80s was a decade that made it acceptable to wear athletic wear outside of the gym, paving the way for the athleisure trend that continues to dominate fashion today. Leg Warmers: A Symbol of 80s Fashion Leg warmers, a quintessential accessory of the 80s, added a layer of warmth and style. Worn over jeans, skirts, or even on their own, these versatile pieces were available in a rainbow of colors and patterns. From simple solids to bold prints, leg warmers provided a touch of playful personality to any outfit. Leg warmers were often seen in conjunction with other iconic 80s trends, like leg warmers with leggings and denim skirts, or with bright neon colors. They were a way to add a pop of color or pattern to an otherwise simple outfit. They were a way to make a statement, to express individuality, and to add a touch of fun and whimsy to everyday attire. Leg warmers represented the era's focus on individuality and self-expression. They were a symbol of the 80s, a decade when people were encouraged to embrace their unique style and to express themselves freely through their clothing. Leg warmers, with their versatility and playful nature, perfectly captured the spirit of the 80s. Men's Fashion of the 80s: A Blend of Bold and Edgy While women embraced bold colors and oversized silhouettes, men's fashion of the 80s was equally distinct. Think of the iconic hairstyles - think mullets and big hair! Men also embraced tight jeans, leather jackets, and bold patterns. This era was about expressing individuality and pushing boundaries. The power suit, a defining element of women's fashion, also made its mark in men's wardrobes. Men's suits featured strong shoulders, bold colors, and statement patterns. The power suit represented a sense of ambition and success, reflecting the era's economic boom and emphasis on career advancement. Men wanted to look sharp, confident, and successful, and the power suit became the uniform of choice for the ambitious professional. But men's fashion wasn't all about power dressing. Casual styles like graphic tees, denim jackets, and brightly colored sneakers emerged as well. The 80s saw a shift in men's fashion, moving away from the more formal and conservative styles of the previous decade towards a more relaxed and expressive approach. This shift reflected a cultural change, where men were embracing a more casual lifestyle and expressing their individuality through their clothing. Remember those iconic band tees, the ripped denim, and the bold color combinations? They were a symbol of the rebellious spirit of the 80s, a time when men were embracing a more casual and expressive style. Men's fashion of the 80s was a blend of bold and edgy, reflecting the era's desire for both sophistication and individuality. From the 80s to the 90s: A Fashion Evolution The 90s marked a shift in fashion. While the 80s were all about excess and bold statements, the 90s embraced a more grunge and minimalist aesthetic. The focus moved towards comfort, practicality, and a less structured look. While the 80s were all about power dressing, the 90s were more about casual and laid-back styles. The grunge movement, born from the alternative music scene, had a significant impact on fashion. Think of ripped jeans, oversized flannels, and combat boots. This trend reflected a sense of rebellion and individuality, a rejection of the more polished and structured styles of the 80s. This shift towards casual and comfortable clothing mirrored the changing social landscape of the 90s. The 90s saw a rise in minimalism, with a focus on simple silhouettes and clean lines. The emphasis was on comfort and functionality, a departure from the more elaborate and structured styles of the 80s. The 90s also saw the rise of the 'supermodel' era, with iconic figures like Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell influencing the fashion landscape. Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy The 80s were a pivotal decade in fashion. From bold colors to oversized silhouettes, it was a time of experimentation and self-expression. These iconic trends, while sometimes seen as outrageous, continue to inspire designers and fashion enthusiasts today. Whether it's the power of shoulder pads, the vibrant neon colors, or the comfort of leggings, the fashion of the 80s left an enduring legacy on the world of style. The fashion of the 80s was a reflection of its time, a decade of excess, ambition, and a desire to make a statement. It was a time when fashion wasn't just about looking good, it was about feeling confident and expressing yourself. The 80s embraced individuality and experimentation, creating a unique and unforgettable fashion landscape that continues to inspire and fascinate today.

These 8 women artists worked in obscurity for years before finally finding the recognition they had long deserved.

Futzing around on social media, as one does, I recently stumbled upon a meme that hit close to home. Over a picture-patterned sofa in an autumnal-colored ...

Photographer Rob Bremner talks to us about his new book The Dash Between featuring striking portraits from Liverpool in the 80s

For Gen Z, they may already be mere relics from the past, but these images can reveal a lot about what was happening at the time.

Indulge in a nostalgic journey with Figurines diet bars, the crispy, low-calorie delight from the 70s and 80s that were discontinued in the 90s, leaving dieters frustrated forevermore.

Futzing around on social media, as one does, I recently stumbled upon a meme that hit close to home. Over a picture-patterned sofa in an autumnal-colored ...

While the 1980's are hot when it comes to clothing, toys, and pop culture, 80's home decorating doesn't seem to have come into its revival yet - when you see 80's style decor, you still tend to think - ugh, dated! And not in the good way. ;) Will the 80's end up being a lost decade as far as interior design goes, or has its time just not come yet? I came across a stack of home magazines from the 80's - from about 1982 to 1985, to be exact. I decided to go through them and see if I could identify some of the trends from those years, and maybe see if there was anything that I could envision becoming popular again. Some things definitely popped out at me, so grab a cuppa and a snack, this is going to be kind of a long post (as always, click to enlarge the photos to see them full size)... Pastels, pastels, pastels - they were everywhere in these magazines. This bedroom combines two trends actually - pastels and stripes. Ruffles and baskets seem like they were also really popular. I kind of like the stacked baskets at the end of the bed - it's similar to the stacked suitcase look that you see a lot these days. Here's another pastel bedroom - this one has several trends in it as well. Stripes, geometric/abstract designs, and a metal bed. The shiny metallic trunk and lamp I didn't see too much elsewhere - with good reason, I don't see too much to love about those... Pinks in the 80's tended to lean more toward a dusty mauve shade, like this bedroom. See the dainty florals? Those seem to be a big trend too - a more frilly, girly feel than the big bold florals of the 70's. Here we see ruffles again, and another metal bed too. Here's another frilly/girly floral bedroom with a metal bed, and those damn ruffled pillows - whoever was in the ruffled pillow business in the 80's was likely very, very rich. I didn't see too many craft rooms in the magazines, but here is a beauty, again in pastel shades. It also has girly florals, baskets, and blinds rather than curtains (another trend). Oh and don't forget about the track lighting - we'll definitely be seeing more of that before this post is done! The pink in this home office is more on the coral side - paired with the dainty florals again. I see a few things in this room that are popular now - the metal desk lamp, the mod magazine rack, and the brass animal figurines on the side table... Here's another home office - track lighting again, and how cool is that stairway/loft thing? The abstract/geometric pattern is seen here again, and this is our first look at another big trend - mirror walls! How many of those get torn out on those home improvement shows? They NEVER keep them - and it's one trend I can't really see ever making a comeback... Here's another office - metal lamps again, with pastel green and peach ruffled pillows, and, yes, baskets! Pastels weren't the only color trend I noticed - dark colors also had a good showing, like this hunter green. Maroon and brick red popped up a lot too, and dark woods in the furniture. Another popular trend that this room has is quilt patterns - on the bed AND on the wall. The ruffles are here as well, this time on the bed skirt and the pillows, and the stripes make their appearance on the chair fabric. This spread was devoted to track lighting, and this room has several other of the trends in it as well - a mirror wall, baskets, the geometric/plaid pattern on the couches... There is also a glass topped table - apparently these were the MUST HAVE item in the 80's, they were everywhere, in all different styles. A glass topped coffee table here is in front of an oh-so-80s dusty rose couch. The living room furniture in these magazines tended toward that puffy style for sure. One thing I really think is neat in this room is the frosted design on the windows - that's something you don't see every day! Here is puffy combined with another big furniture trend - rattan. These have a tiki feel to me, and I really dig that coffee table! Here is another rattan living room - this one has neon colored accents. I didn't see a lot of those, I think this room is from the 1985 magazine, so maybe neons were starting to come into style then... Blue and white was another very popular color scheme, this room has that as well as wicker furniture, which was also in a lot of the magazines. And, of course, we have ruffles - you can't get away from them! At least they went with the quilt pattern on the pillows, which I think are kind of nice. Here's a dining room - this one has the track lighting, a mirror wall, and a glass top table, as well as vertical blinds, which were in every single magazine. (Aren't those one of the other things that are always immediately scrapped in renovations?) There are 2 other trends here that I haven't mentioned yet - butcher block on the side table, and check out the chairs - there were a lot of different styles of these types of chairs, with metal frames and cane backs. They were in all the magazines also, I kind of like them actually... Here's a kitchen with another version of those chairs, along with, of course, a glass topped table. There are two other trends here - white laminate cabinets, and patterned laminate flooring. I really like the lighting, and can you make out the pots on the stove? They have big numbers on the side of them - I want some of those for sure! Here's a kitchen in the popular blue and white, with a brick wall, which I also saw a lot of in the magazines. Another thing that was in nearly every kitchen was a pot rack - I can't remember the last time I have seen one of those in a kitchen, can you? A lot of the kitchens were really dark like this one - and here is the butcher block, the brick, the pot rack, and the laminate flooring that I mentioned before. I like the creepy dead animal tile on the end of the island, I wonder if you could find something like that now? Another kitchen with all the trends - plus another one, the copper pots on the pot rack. Copper was apparently HUGE in the 80's... See? Copper. This kitchen takes the pot rack idea to the next level, with a utensil rack. The huge hamburger artwork is pretty cool! Just in case you thought I was lying about the copper, the pot racks, the baskets, the butcher block, and the blue and white... I HAD to throw this one in - check out that taxidermy chic! Was taxidermy an 80's thing? If so that is one 80's decorating trend that is definitely making a comeback... Last but not least, is the La-Z-Boy. Every magazine had an ad for recliners in it - and not even ONE of the photo spreads featured one actually in use in the room. People still love their recliners, and I think they are STILL shunned by interior designers. You can't beat comfort though, I don't think these will ever really fall out of style... :) So what do you all think - are any of these trends bound to make a comeback? Or are they going to be forever labeled "dated"?

Photographer Rob Bremner talks to us about his new book The Dash Between featuring striking portraits from Liverpool in the 80s

Since '80s fashion is officially back, we decided to have our moms do some digging for old photos of them slaying the style scene back in the day.

At the age of 80s, elderly women wants stylish clothes that give comfort & decent look to them in front of their grand children, so we are introducing trendy, stylish clothes for 80 year old woman.

Vintage Crochet Granny Square Halter Tops, PATTERNS 1970's***PDF instant digital download***NOT a finished item, instructions only

There are two things that keep my spirits up when everything seems to be going wrong—daydreaming and nostalgia. If you’ve got the blues, there’s nothing like cuddling under a warm blanket, grabbing a mug of hot tea and some childhood snacks, and thinking back to the good old days. (Preferably with an old movie, game, or soundtrack to help you get in the right mood.)