So, I got this wild idea a while back, right? I wanted to try and nail some of those classic Janet Jackson 80s outfits. You know, from her “Control” and “Rhythm Nation” days. Seemed like it would be a fun project, maybe dig up some cool vintage stuff.
The Initial Spark
I was watching some old music videos, and man, her style back then was just something else. It wasn’t just about looking pretty; it was tough, it had an edge. Michael, her brother, he was already a huge fashion guy, with the sparkly gloves and the military jackets – he practically owned that look. But Janet, she took that and spun it into her own thing. It felt more grounded, more… real, I guess, while still being super iconic.
Diving In: The Hunt Begins
First thing I did was just drown myself in images. Pulled up everything I could find. Lots of black, obviously. The sharp shoulders, the hats, the gloves, those famous key earrings. It all looked so powerful. I thought, “Okay, I can do this.”
My main plan was to hit the thrift stores. I figured, 80s stuff, right? There must be tons of it. Well, that was my first mistake. It’s not like these perfect Janet-esque pieces are just hanging around waiting for you.
The Nitty-Gritty: What I Was Looking For
I made a mental checklist, kind of:
- Shoulder pads: Non-negotiable. And not just any shoulder pads, proper 80s power shoulders.
- Black everything: Pants, tops, jackets. Seemed like a safe bet.
- Military-style jackets: But more utilitarian than flashy.
- High-waisted trousers or jeans: Definitely nothing low-rise.
- That single key earring or keys on a chain: Such a signature detail.
- Gloves: Often black, sometimes fingerless.
- Hats: The “Rhythm Nation” cap, or similar structured hats.
The Actual Struggle: Finding the Goods
Man, finding a good jacket was a mission. I found tons of blazers, but they were either too flimsy, the wrong cut, or just screamed “bad 80s office worker,” not “pop icon.” And shoulder pads? Modern clothes just don’t have them, and the vintage ones with good pads were often in weird colors or fabrics. I seriously considered trying to make my own shoulder pads for a bit there. Pathetic, I know.
Pants were another headache. Everything is either skinny jeans or weirdly baggy in the wrong places. Trying to find that structured, high-waisted, slightly tapered look? Tough. I bought a couple of pairs that I thought might work, got them home, and just… no. Back they went.
I did have some small wins, though. I found a pretty decent black denim jacket that had the right kind of vibe after I messed with it a bit. And I managed to snag a plain black baseball cap that I thought I could modify. For the keys, I literally just rummaged through an old junk drawer and found a single, interesting-looking key. Put it on a hoop earring I already had. Close enough, right?
Putting It All Together: Trial and Error
Then came trying to actually assemble an “outfit.” This is where you realize that Janet and her stylists were geniuses. It’s not just about having the pieces; it’s how they go together. My first few attempts, I just looked like I was trying too hard, or like I was wearing a costume. There’s a fine line.
I spent a lot of time in front of the mirror, swapping things out, tucking things in, rolling up sleeves. It was a lot more work than I anticipated. I’d get one part right, like the silhouette of a jacket and pants, but then the accessories would feel off, or the proportions just wouldn’t click.
The Takeaway: More Than Just Clothes
You know, after all that effort, I didn’t end up looking exactly like Janet Jackson. Shocker, I know. But that wasn’t really the point by the end. What I did get was a massive appreciation for her style and the statement it made. It was bold, it was confident. She carved out such a strong identity for herself, especially coming from such a famous family where her brother was already a fashion king. Her look was part of her message, I think.
Trying to piece together those outfits, even in my own clumsy way, gave me a little taste of that. There’s a certain feeling you get when you put on clothes that feel purposeful, that have a bit of an attitude. It was frustrating at times, sure. I almost gave up on finding a decent pair of black pants more than once. But it was also pretty cool to connect with that era and that specific kind of style. It definitely made me go back and listen to “Control” on repeat for a week.
So, yeah, that was my adventure into 80s Janet Jackson fashion. A lot more fiddly than I expected, but a cool trip down memory lane nonetheless.
