1980s Women’s fashions

My memory of 80s centred around business suits - but I always cut out the shoulder pads *shudders*. I really hated those pencil skirts, so I tended to go for flared ones - my two were in navy and red tartan, and I only chucked them out this decade. I still wear a black-and white batwing-sleeved jumper, and my daughter borrowed a roll neck polar-bear jumper which she still wears. And I kept one pair of sparkly blue legwarmers for those wintry evenings when my knees need a little help.

The 80s were the decade for designer denim, with Gloria Vanderbilt, Jordache, Calvin Klein, and Guess leading the pack. Designer jeans came in lots of colours and styles: wide leg, stretch pull-on and coloured jeans — especially pink, khaki, and white. They had a high waistline and a snug fit through the hips in the early 80s and a pleated waist and fuller hip in the mid to late 80s. Acid wash or stonewash jeans, previously only worn by subcultures like punks, entered mainstream 1980s fashion in the middle years. The marbled effect could be found on light, dark and black washed denim jeans.

Most people, if asked about the 80s will think of bright/pastel colours and some manner of leisure wear, whether it’s tracksuits (or their close relation, shell suits), leotards or dolphin shorts paired with crop tops. Inevitably accompanied by Lycra leggings, legwarmers and sweatbands.
At the other end of the spectrum were power-dressing suits, pencil skirts and the ubiquitous shoulder pads. And in-between were a stack of large, sloppy jumpers and 40s inspired stylings from practical shirtwaist dresses to farm-girl dungarees (in candy-stripe pink rather than khaki).

Here’s a summary of some of the most popular 80s fashions:
• High waist denim jeans especially in pastel colours and acid wash finishes
• Baggy oversize blouses with shoulder pads, held in by a wide belt
• Ugly sweaters: loose knit sweaters wild patterns and colours
• Off-the-shoulder tops/dresses and especially jumpers
• Rollnecks (aka turtle-necks), polka dots and batwing sleeves all played a part
• Denim jackets, leather jackets, blazer jackets with big buttons layered over shirts and sweaters
• Padded shoulder dresses- metallic fabrics, Victorian lace, satin party dresses
• Track suits, leotards, running shorts were worn all day. Add a terry cloth headband for Jazzercize class
• Power suits: Peplum skirt suits, padded dresses, silky blouses, dressy slacks and heels
• Leggings- Colourful leggings worn under oversize tops. Add leg warmers and white high top sneakers
• Flat shoes with all outfits. White or neo sneakers for sporty looks. Slouch boots for winter
• Tassels and fringes on everything: clothes, boots and handbags
• Huge glasses/sunglasses with bright, primary-coloured frames. Gloves esp lace/elbow-length