80s Fashion Sketches
A croquis is the basic drawing of a model pose that you can trace over and over again while sketching your fashion ideas. You can find croquis to use online or in books, or you can create your own. I created my first croquis years ago by tracing a pose on a vintage pattern. Sketches of 80s Student Fashion drawn from photos, used as source material for student fashions of the day. Photos of 80s fashion Back In The Days documents the emerging hip-hop scene from 1980-1989 – before it became what is today’s multi-million-dollar multinational industry. Aug 2, 2018 - Explore Essence The soul of fashion's board 'my fashion sketches', followed by 225 people on Pinterest. See more ideas about fashion sketches, fashion illustration, sketches. T he awesome 80's were all about doing things big: big action, big drama and of course big laughs. Fancy cars, luxurious houses and wealthy, good looking people were the hallmark of any good 80's show. The 80's were also chock full of great memorable TV families like the Seavers, The Huxtables, The Keatons and more. Did you scroll all this way to get facts about 80s retro fashion? Well you're in luck, because here they come. There are 18619 80s retro fashion for sale on Etsy, and they cost $19.50 on average. The most common 80s retro fashion material is metal. The most popular color? You guessed it: black.
The 1980s often get a bad rap when it comes to fashion. But styles from the era are coming back in a big way -- and a few of them never even left.
Are you wanting to figure out how to recreate the most popular styles from the 80s and do it without looking like you’re on your way to a costume party? Well, have no fear because we’ve got you covered.
What Was Fashion Like in the 1980s?
The 80s were full of bright colors and big hair. None of that less is more nonsense for this decade. Glam rock and artists like Madonna and Boy George created a fashion scene that was like no other. So, how did fashion evolve throughout the 80s? Take a look.
The early 80s (1980 to 1983)
Minimalism was the name of the game in the early 80s. Sweaters and knee-length skirts were popular, and it was all about the accessories. Athletic gear began to become everyday attire. Colors were somewhat subdued at this point, with neutral tones like cream and beige being the most popular. For footwear, sneakers and kitten heels were common, and jelly shoes were just hitting the market.
When it comes to fashion in the early part of the 1980s, Princess Diana was a trendsetter that had a lasting impact.
Image credit: The Vintage News
The Mid 80s (1984 to 1986)
During the mid-80s, power suits and shoulder pads took over in the professional world. TV shows like Dallas and movies such as Working Girls showed women looking fierce in the workplace.
But for those who wanted to have a bit more fun, brighter colors started to become more popular.
It was about this time that Madonna began to make a name for herself, and she took fashion trends in a whole new direction. With fishnets, lace gloves, and messy hair, Madonna was making waves in the fashion scene.
Image credit: Inside the Costume Box
The Late 80s (1987 to 1989)
At the end of the decade, women’s fashion was all about the mini-skirt. Taffeta dresses and poofy sleeves were all the rage. This was when neon colors became trendy, but pastels were in style too.
Leggings were fashionable, especially under a mini-skirt, as were Keds, Swatch watches, and tapered pants. And don’t forget the denim jackets and acid wash jeans.
This was also the age of big hair, and Aqua Net was a girl’s most essential beauty product. Even men got in on this look thanks to the Glam Rock scene, which included bands such as Poison, Motley Crue.
Image credit: Ultimate Classic Rock
What Were the Most Popular Styles in The 80s?
When it comes to fashion, the styles of the past have a way of coming back around. Thanks to shows like Stranger Things and just good old-fashioned nostalgia, some of the most well-loved styles of the 1980s are now seeing the light of day again. What styles were the most popular in the 80s? And how can you recreate them with an updated look today?
Let’s break it down.
Neon Colors
Image credit: Do You Remember
Neon colors are one of the main things the 1980s have been remembered for. Both solids and patterns were popular, but the motto of the decade was the brighter, the better. Will Smith was known for wearing neon colors in his younger days when he was making a name for himself as the Fresh Prince with DJ Jazzy Jeff.
Today, neon colors are once again popular. For a modern take, check out this neon yellow sweater set. The long-sleeved crop top and tight biker-style shorts are sure to make you stand out in a crowd.
Ripped Jeans
Image credit: Eighties Kids
Ripped jeans took hold in the 80s and have never really gone out of style. There’s just something irresistible about a pair of jeans with the knees slashed. The glam rock scene of the 80s helped to make this look popular all those years ago. And so did fashion icons like Madonna and Christina Applegate.
Out of all the looks from the 1980s, this may be the easiest one to pull off in the new millenium. A pair of ripped jeans with a band t-shirt will always be a winning look. Add a pair of heels and a blazer, and you’re ready for a night on the town.
Leg Warmers
Image credit: Flickr
Leg warmers were all the rage in the 1980s. Aerobics queen Jane Fonda was known for sporting this look. While this style may have started in the gym but it was far from only for working out.
Athletic wear, in general, moved outside of the gym during this decade. But leg warmers work with far more than just spandex and leotards.
Leg warmers were -- and are -- the perfect accessory for any outfit. You can pair them with a mini-skirt or jeans and still pull it off with ease. They even look great with a pair of high heels.
Cut-off Sweaters
Image credit: PeakPX
Another popular style in the 80s was the cut-off sweater. Cropped sweaters that were bulky enough to leave one shoulder exposed were a fun and cozy look, so it’s no surprise that this fashion statement is making a comeback.
In the 80s, crop tops, in general, were all the rage. Even men were known to rock a crop top during this decade. Making this look work today is easy. A cut-off sweater looks as great with a pair of ripped jeans as they did all those decades ago. Cut-off sweatshirts are also popular today and are another great throwback style.
High-waisted Jeans
Image credit: Male Raffine
Although high-waisted jeans have been laughed at as “mom jeans” in recent years, this look was quite popular in the 1980s. Like the other styles on our list, high-waisted jeans are once again making waves in the fashion world of today.
Like ripped jeans, high-waisted jeans look great with a cut-off sweater or any other type of crop top. You can also use footwear and accessories to dress this style up or down, depending on where you are stepping out to.
Shoulder Pads
Image credit: Blue17
While shoulder pads were a must-have item in the 1980s, they have been just a distant memory for decades now. Most people thought that this style would never make a comeback.
But surprise, surprise! Shoulder pads are becoming popular again. However, they don’t quite go to the extremes that they did in the 80s. Today, shoulder pads tend to be a little more subtle.
Shoulder pads can give a blazer or blouse more shape and make your frame look stronger. Try wearing a blazer that has shoulder pads with a cropped band shirt and a pair of high-waisted or ripped jeans for a nostalgic look that will stand the test of time.
80’s Fashion Is Coming Back to the Future
When it comes to fashion, styles have a way of coming back around. And that’s precisely what we’re seeing with trends from the 1980s today.
80s Fashion Designer Sketches
There are plenty of ways to wear looks from the 80s in a modern way. Whether you want an upscale look for a night out or are dressing down for a laid back day, you can make 80s fashion work for you.
What is your favorite look from the 1980s? Let us know in the comments below and make sure to share this article with your friends so they can get in on the fun too!
You might also want to look at:
Our Favorite, Most Gothy Music Videos From The 1980s80s Fashion Sketches
80s Fashion Drawings
80s Metal Fashion Must Haves