How to Dress in 1980’s Vintage Clothing

Posted by admin on April 3, 2010

OK, in my last post I covered “how and where to buy vintage 1980’s clothing”; now, here are some tips for you to know what to look for to achieve that classic 1980’s look:

• For a formal or business career look, you’ll want shoulder pads. Boxy thick shoulders were very popular for the 80’s career 9 to 5 woman.  Often, the bigger the better.   Look for shoulder pads in blazers, jackets and some shirts.

• In sweaters and shirts, look for off the shoulder cuts.  Off the shoulder was a look that was hot in the 80’s.  You’ll run across two forms of this style, one that was naturally cut to lay across the shoulder and the other that is a scrunchy look that you would see on a ballet dancer.  Think of the movie Flashdance.

• Vintage 80’s rock band t-shirts are a great way to show off your love of 80’s fashion.  If you are at a loss for 1980’s rock bands, use Google to do some Internet research.  Billy Idol and Madonna are two icons that define 1980’s rocker glam.   At Goodwill and thrift stores they usually have a section devoted to t-shirts. Scanning these racks will almost always produce a vintage 80’s band shirt.  (As a side note, don’t rule out garage sales for this one. Last summer I found 10 vintage rock band t-shirts in perfect condition at a garage sale. Led Zepplin, Billy Idol, REO Speedwagon, etc.  Price? $1 each—HUGE SCORE!!).  EBay is also a great place to snag a vintage rock t-shirt.  Many people who collect these shirts often decide it is time to let them go and since they are a collectible they try and auction them off on eBay.  Try it–it is a fun place to shop.

• In shirts, look for tacky boldly colored bizarre patterns. The 80’s were known for that too.

• Belts are a good accessory, and you should look for thick ones. The stretchy belt was popular then, elastic body with leather or faux leather in the front for the buckle area. You can find these styles new now, as the look has reemerged. But again, if you are a purest you will want to hunt for the real deal!

• Legwarmers are also a great 80’s look. Check Goodwill’s sock/pantyhose area for these.  They are a bit difficult to find, but worth the hunt when you do find them!

• Neon colors were also very popular, again thinking back to the Flashdance movie. Headbands too!

Now that you have a good guide to 80’s vintage fashion, I hope you will have fun trying to score some wardrobe builders. It’s all about the hunt!
Happy shopping!