Raiding Your Mother’s Closet: What to Keep and What to Toss from the 80s

November 28, 2019 MUSE Magazine

Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice!

Don’t put baby in a corner!

You got it, dude!

Welcome to the 80s, also known as the decade of wild perms, spandex, and boys standing outside your window, boombox in hand. Over the past 40 years, some 80s styles have made a resurgence - proving that fashion trends don’t always go out of style for good. Last month, I substantiated my case by examining the ways in which the 1970s fashion trends continue to inspire our fits in 2019. This week, we’re taking a blast to the past once more, but this time we’re handing in our ponchos and fringe looks, in favour of animal prints, mini skirts, and colour coordinating shoes.

Early 80s fashion trends were much more sombre than those of the mid to late 80s. Warm tones including browns, deep oranges and tans overpowered the colour palette in the industry. Block-like shapes were cool and dressing like a tennis player was an (odd) thing.

The association between the 80s and loud, electric fashion began emerging in 1985, as artists such as Cyndi Lauper and Michael Jackson began diverging from the status quo. Bright coloured and patterned accessories ushered into the everyday wear of the young people - often pairing their look with big, teased hair. By contrast, more conservative women often sported high-waisted “mom” jeans and “Cosby sweaters” aka baggy sweaters that look like they were pulled straight from your grandpa’s closet.

The rise of MTV music videos greatly impacted the fashion industry. Suddenly, youth were instantly connected with the untamed looks of celebrities from across the world and trends spread like wildfire - it was radical!

While many popular 80s looks, such as perms, croakies and leg warmers, are still out of style, 2019 fashion continues to pull inspiration from this animating time in history. So if you want to look like totally tubular, as you party hardy this winter break, then take a trip to your mother’s closet and raid it for some iconic pieces - you won’t regret it.

KEEP High Waisted Jeans