Take a Trip Down Memory Lane

Fashion and Costume Trends of the 1980s

• The fashion of the 1980s was a reaction against the 1970s and embraced bright and vivid colors.
• Women's fashion consisted of heavy makeup, including bright-colored lipstick, dark and thick eyelashes, and pink or red blush.
• The top fashion models of the 1980s included Brooke Shields, Christie Brinkley, and Elle Macpherson.
• Early 1980s fashion included minimalism and an aerobics craze, while increased formality and professional fashion became more popular later in the decade.
• Mid-1980s fashion featured bright colors and power dressing, while late 1980s fashion was more consumer-friendly and included Asian fashion influences.
• Men's fashion included athletic clothing, the preppy look, and the Miami Vice/Magnum P.I. look, while late 1980s fashion included Doc Martens and parachute pants.
• Hairstyles for women included big and eccentric styles with an excessive amount of mousse and glitter, while men's hairstyles included short hair, quiffs, mullets, and designer stubble.
• Subcultures of the 1980s included heavy metal, punk, new romantic, rockabilly, rude boys and skinheads, casuals, skaters, rap and hip hop, and preppy.
• The fashion of the 1980s was heavily influenced by film and music stars.
• The side ponytail and the scrunchie became common hairstyles for girls and women in the late 1980s.
• Men's facial hair trends included designer stubble, while blue-collar men commonly wore mustaches.
• Aqua Net hairspray was popular among fans of glam metal bands.