Recreate 80s Styles With Clothes You Already Have
Dressing 80s with normal clothes is easier than you think and requires just a few style steps.
And if you know how to match and pair, even the everyday clothes in your wardrobe can make you look like an 80s fashion queen.
So, 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.
80s Outfit Ideas With Normal Clothes
1. Match Cycling Shorts With Formalwear
2. Rider 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
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 in a streetwear style.
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OUTFIT 2
Rider Leather Jacket With Jeans
As a must-have in any fashionista’s wardrobe, rider leather jackets are timeless and stylish.
The rider leather jacket confers a superb 80s classic style when paired with jeans.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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 with the right clothes and colors.
Go for a blazer in an androgynous style with large shoulder pads for a polish or a loose-fitting look; both are trendy right now.
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.
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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 pair your high-waisted denim with a turtleneck; make sure you tuck it in for a more relaxed 80s look.
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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.
SHOP THE LOOK
FAQs
What Did 80’s Attire Look Like?
There are two of the main stylistic themes that define the 80s attire.
The first one is bold and neon colors of 80s workout clothes, including spandex leggings, leotards, windbreakers, and tracksuits.
The second one is the boxy silhouettes of 80s formalwear, such as power suits and padded shoulder dresses.
Overall the 80s attire had a ‘loud feel’ and attention-grabbing look, defined by the pop culture and celebs of those days, such as Madonna, Prince, and Whitney Houston.
What Did Females Wear in the 80s?
Waving goodbye to the flower power times of the 70s fashion, 80s females wore bold colors, power suits, shoulder pads, perms, gym leggings, and leg warmers.
The 80s fashion for women stood for individualism and standing out from the crowd, which impacted even the 90s fashion.
Conclusion
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.
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.
Finally, recreating 1980s looks and trends has never been more accessible, thanks to online clothing stores like Depop and Vinted.
There’s no need to rummage through local charity shops or online vintage stores to create a perfect 80s look.
That’s all for now; time to create your 80s look with regular clothes from your closet.
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Now it’s your turn…
Which 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 them in this article?
Kindly leave your comments below; we always appreciate and use them to learn, improve, and update our 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.
