The 80s Are Calling: 5 Fashion Trends from Popular 80s Movies
Trends always recycle themselves and pop back up every so often. In recent years we’ve seen clothing from the 90s and early 2000s in stores everywhere. Now, it seems that the 80s are back! Of course, fashion trends are adapted to the age we live in, but we can recognize them from the 80s movies we all love.
Let’s take a look at some of our hottest trends today and the 80s films that inspired them.
heathers (1989)
Have you ever dressed like you’re from the 80s for Halloween, or is it just me? Well, either way, shoulder pads are essential to any 80s costume and now they’re available as ready-to-wear looks. Shoulder pads were also essential to the outfits in the cult-classic film Heathers. With Veronica and her boyfriend J.D on a killing spree against their high school, the fashion won’t be the only thing you pay attention to.
Dirty Dancing (1987)
Leotards bring 80s workout videos to mind; with chunky belts and leg warmers that are always in neon colors. In Dirty Dancing, leotards were worn to practice the dance routine that Frances ends up taking over for Penny. Frances is “the girl next door” character in this summer retreat in the Catskills. Now, leotards, or bodysuits, are seen as leisurewear. Many people are styling them with sneakers, a hoodie, and a baseball hat for day-to-day wear.
Working Girl (1988)
The power suit is a term from the 80s that everyone used to describe this trend, but now, these relaxed suits are just considered business casual. Working Girl is the perfect movie to represent 80s power suits. This film follows the life of two New York businesswomen, one who's the boss, and the other who’s the boss’s assistant looking for revenge after ideas are stolen. Power suits today have a more straightforward approach. Typically in a bold color, like in 80s fashion, with matching pants and a blazer. Most people style these with a blouse or even a t-shirt to keep it business casual.
pretty in pink (1986)
Pretty in Pink is the obvious choice for this spring’s pink floral trend. This mid-80s movie follows outcast Andie as she falls for popular guy Blane and tries to navigate the complexity of dating across social circles. All while being followed around by her best friend Duckie, who not so secretly has a crush on her. Florals have always been popular when it comes to spring fashion, and this movie perfectly encapsulates all things pink and floral.
Ferris bueller’s day off (1986)
What better way to round off this list than with Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Sloane’s iconic Chicago day look? Now, wide-legged slacks are trending, but following the movie, so are dress shorts. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off follows Ferris, his friend, and his girlfriend (Cameron and Sloane) as they have one last skip day in Chicago before Ferris gets caught at school with his fake sick days. With spring upon us, these dress shirts are also perfect for business casual or a skip day!
With so many fun 80s trends coming back, what are your favorite 80s films and trends? Leave a comment below.