BEST Way To Dress 80s With Normal Clothes You Already Have
Dressing 80s with normal clothes is easier than you think and requires just 5 style steps.
No matter how you feel about 80s fashion, you can’t deny its impact on current fashion trends and styles.
Every modern stylistic trend has hints and throwbacks to this iconic fashion era.
Though we may no longer be reaching for the neon pink lipstick en masse, many 80’s fashion looks are timeless staples to modern looks.
80s Outfit Ideas With Normal Clothes
1. Match Cycling Shorts With Formalwear
2. Ride Leather Jacket With Jeans
4. Pair Chunky Knitwear With Wide-leg Pants
5. Put On Oversized Blazers With Shoulder Pads
6. Wear High Waisted Mom Jeans
7. Match Decollete Tops With Tight Flared Pants
Recreating 1980’s looks and trends has never been more accessible, thanks to online clothing stores like Depop and Vinted.
However, there’s no need to rummage through local charity shops or online vintage stores to create a perfect 80s look.
If you know how to match and pair, even the everyday clothes in your wardrobe can make you look like an 80s fashion queen.
Whether you’re going to a themed party or want to embrace your inner Janet Jackson, this is how to create an 80s look with regular clothes.
OUTFIT 1
Match Cycling Shorts With Formalwear
Popularised by the late Princess Di, cycling shorts have had a trend rebirth in recent years.
Equally stylish and functional, the 80s cycling shorts can also be worn as activewear and workout clothes.
However, to recreate that 80s fashion look, you’ll have to choose eye-catching colors, like neon peach or mint green.
Throw on a baggy jumper or aesthetic sweatshirt over the top for a maximum 80s effect.
To add more sophistication and make this 80s look even more retro, dress up the shorts with a blazer or oversized shirt – streetwear style.
A&F YPB 7″ Bike Shorts
$45
Wideband Waist Solid Biker Shorts
$6
OUTFIT 2
Rider Leather Jacket With Jeans
As a must-have in any fashionista’s wardrobe, rider leather jackets are timeless and stylish.
When paired with jeans, the rider leather jacket confers a superb 80s classic style.
Matched with high-waisted blue jeans and a white tee, a brown or black, a good quality rider leather jacket will enhance your overall appearance fast.
Carolyn Quilted Distressed Brown Biker Jacket
$295
Alison Black Leather Biker Jacket
$290
OUTFIT 3
Wear Bold, Bright Colors
One of the most notable 80s trends was the addition of bright block colors.
In the 80s, bright and bold colors were used and styled to make you stand out in a crowd.
A whole outfit of contrasting bright colors is an excellent choice for a themed house party and even walking down the street if you’re adventurous.
For those who prefer subtler looks, go for accents of bright colors or mix and match, e.g., a very colorful jacket to a minimalist outfit.
And, for a complete 80s flair, add a pop of color to your ombre nails, such as bright lemon yellow or fuchsia pink.
SHEIN BASICS Mock Neck Solid Crop Tee
$7.25
BOOHOO Tailored Fitted Bubble Pink Blazer
$80 $32
OUTFIT 4
Pair Chunky Knitwear With Wide-leg Pants
Chunky jumpers and sweatshirts are the perfect nods to a tremendous 80s fashion style.
In the 80s, leggings were a great accompaniment to chunky knitwear pieces.
Complete your 80s oversized knitwear look with a pair of clumpy Doc Martens and a fringed leather handbag in matching color.
Color Block Drop Shoulder Sweater
$23
Everlane The Texture Cotton Crew
$100
OUTFIT 5
Put On Oversized Blazers With Shoulder Pads
We can’t talk about the 1980s fashion without mentioning oversized blazers, a characteristic look of that decade.
In particular, blazers with shoulder pads are ideal for creating a timeless look if paired with the right clothes and colors.
Go for an androgynous style blazer with large shoulder pads, suitable for both men and women.
The structural cut adds sophistication to the overall outfit, while the shoulder pads assemble a polished silhouette.
If you’re not into padded suits, you can replace them with oversized blazers with structured shoulders.
Either way, you must pair the look with a casual pair of jeans and a classic white tee.
Bonus points for tucked-in 80s-Esque shirts.
Shoulder Pads Lapel Neck Single Breasted Blazer
$23
River Island Beige Double Breasted Blazer
$139
OUTFIT 6
Wear High Waisted Mom Jeans
High-waisted ‘mom jeans’ were a trendy style in the 1980s and are a must-have piece if you want to recreate that decade’s look.
‘Mom jeans’ have a flattering cut to all body types and work wonders matched with a cropped jumper.
You can also pair your high-waisted denim with a turtleneck; make sure you tuck it in for a more relaxed 80s look.
A&F Curve Love High Rise Mom Jeans
$89
High-rise Peggy tapered jeans in Delancey wash
$138 $29.99
OUTFIT 7
Match Decollete Tops With Tight Flared Pants
Bare decollete tops were all the rage in the 80s daywear.
Ideally, you’ll match your off-the-shoulder top with skin-tight jeans.
Another great option – to recreate that 80s fitness look – is to pair your open-chest top with leggings and leg warmers.
The most recognizable 80s style off-the-shoulder tops feature asymmetric cuts to add length to the neck and put a twist on the overall style.
Sweetheart Neck Drawstring Lantern Crop Top
$11
Anthropologie Convertible Off-the-shoulder Tank
$98
Conclusion
One thing the 80s stood for was individualism and standing out from the crowd.
Waving goodbye to the flower power times of the 70s fashion, the 1980s were quite eccentric times for fashion.
With bold colors, power suits, shoulder pads to the ceiling, perms, gym leggings, and leg warmers, the 80s fashion had a polarising that impacted even the 90s fashion decade.
Defined by the pop culture and celebs of those days, such as Madonna, Prince, and Whitney Houston, the 80s had an overall ‘loud feel’ and attention-grabbing fashion trends.
Moreover, all 80s trends and styles discussed in this article have stood the test of time and are easy to wear in 2023, albeit a little modernized.
That’s all for now; time to create your 80s look with regular clothes you already have in your closet.
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Now it’s your turn…
Which one of these 80s styling ideas do you find the easiest to create?
Do you have any 80s styling ideas for clothes we all have in our wardrobes and want to include in this article?
Please share below.
Please leave your comments below; we always appreciate them and use them to learn, improve, and update these articles.
Alice Hartwell is a fashion and style professional from Brighton, United Kingdom, driven by an obsession for anything beauty and aesthetics, from fashion runways to red carpet events and style awards. Harnessing writing as a tool, Alice turns her passion into visual storytelling and memorable moments featured in notable fashion and beauty publications, demonstrating the transformative power of style in creating confidence, self-love, and self-expression.
