In the 1980s, fashion took a dramatic turn from the 1970s. While in the decade before, baggy bell bottoms were fashionable, individuals traded in their loose trousers for skin-tight pants. Furthermore, the close-fitting blouses of the 70s had disappeared, replaced with ripped, baggy sweatshirts made popular by the hit film, Flashdance. During this unique decade, bright colours were especially preferable and accessorizing was the key to an outstanding wardrobe.

Media had a particularly strong effect on 1980s fashion, blazing the trail for the fashion pioneers of the decade. Daytime dramas like Dallas and Dynasty left their mark, heightening the popularity of women wearing large shoulder pads often attached by Velcro strips on the inside of the clothing. Female shoulder pads often contributed to "power dress," a term coined for women who had emerged as important figures in the workforce.

Continuing the media-inspired fashion frenzy, dance wear evolved in the 1980s in the wake of such films as Fame and Staying Alive, the latter a sequel to Saturday Night Fever. Flamboyant leotards became increasingly popular in the early 80s, and they were often worn with headbands, leg-warmers, and snug tights to complete the look. Around this time, aerobics had taken off, making dance wear essential to every wardrobe not only as workout attire but also as common street fashion.

Music superstars like Madonna also left lasting impressions on the 1980s fashion world. Embracing the dance wear craze born in the same decade, Madonna broke out of her shell with street urchin fashion made unique with tight leggings, tiny skirts, colourful rubber bracelets, fishnets, and unkempt hair. She had a particularly strong influence on women, inspiring the idea of lingerie as outerwear when, prior to her ventures, the accidental display of one's bra was virtually unheard of. In this respect, Madonna shattered through the norm and helped to usher in a new decade with more radical ideals than its predecessor.

Long and oversized hair became extremely popular in the 1980s. By using copious amounts of mousse and hair spray from brands like AquaNet, individuals teased their hair up to the extreme, achieving high volume made popular in the decade. Individuals would often accentuate their respective hairstyles with glitter, headbands, and other forms of flamboyant hair ornamentation. As a rule, hair was not usually parted. More flamboyant individuals favoured the unpredictability of untamed hair whereas businesspeople usually combed their hair straight back for practical purposes.

Style and flair became an important element of the 1980s. With large shoulder pads for women, voluminous hair, eccentric dance wear, and lingerie as outerwear, fashion had reached a new plateau, emerging from the decade before it like a vibrant, unique, and utterly wild animal ready to pounce.

80's Designers & 80's Lifestyle
Ralph Lauren Calvin Klein Thierry Mugler Claude Montana Christian Lacroix Donna Karan Manolo Blahnik Perry Ellis	Gianni Versace Georgio Armani Jasper Conran Bruce Oldfield Jean Muir Pierre Cardin Yves St Laurent	1980s America 1980s Britain 1980s Cars 1980s Films 1980s Interiors 1980s TV Shows 1980s Music 1980s Women