So, I got this itch, you know? This idea to really dive into the whole vintage 80s style clothing thing. Wasn’t sure where it came from, maybe just seeing bits and pieces around, or maybe I just wanted to try something different. Anyway, I decided to give it a proper go, not just buy one “80s-looking” t-shirt, but really try to get the vibe right.
My Starting Point: Figuring Out “80s”
First off, I had to actually figure out what “80s style” meant to me beyond the clichés. I started by digging through old stuff. My parents’ photo albums were a bit of a laugh, some questionable choices in there, but also some real gems. Then I went down a rabbit hole of watching old music videos and movies from that era. Not the big blockbuster ones everyone remembers, but some of the B-movies too, you get a better sense of everyday styles sometimes.
I jotted down some key things I kept seeing:
- Shoulder pads. Obviously. Everywhere. In everything.
- Bright colors. Neon was big, but also those bold primary colors.
- Acid wash denim. Can’t forget that.
- Oversized everything. Blazers, sweaters, even shirts.
- Leg warmers and chunky accessories. Though I wasn’t sure I was brave enough for leg warmers out in public.
The Hunt: Where the Real Work Began
Okay, so I had my list. Now to find the actual clothes. This was the fun part, but also the most work. I started hitting up the local charity shops and thrift stores. Man, you really have to be patient. Sifting through racks and racks of… well, mostly junk, to be honest. But then you’d find that one perfect piece, and it felt like striking gold.
I spent a few weekends just dedicated to this. Some days I’d come home with nothing, feeling a bit defeated. Other days, I’d find a couple of things. An oversized blazer here, a weirdly patterned blouse there. It’s not like these things are just hanging there perfectly preserved and waiting for you. Most of the time, they’re mixed in with stuff from every other decade.
I learned pretty quickly that you can’t just look for “80s clothes.” You have to look for the elements – the cut, the fabric, the details. Sometimes a label would give it away, but often it was just a gut feeling based on what I’d seen in my “research phase.”
Putting It Together: Trial and (Lots of) Error
Once I had a small collection, it was time to actually try and make outfits. This is where it got tricky. What looks cool in a grainy music video from 1985 doesn’t always translate well to, you know, going to the grocery store in 2024. My first few attempts, if I’m being honest, probably made me look like I was heading to a costume party. It was a bit much.
The shoulder pad situation, for instance. Some of them were intense. Like, actual linebacker intense. I had to learn to balance it out. If I was wearing a jacket with big shoulders, everything else needed to be a bit more toned down, otherwise it was just overwhelming.
And the colors! So much fun, but also easy to look like a walking pack of highlighters. I found that picking one or two bold 80s pieces and mixing them with more modern, neutral basics worked best for me. It felt more like a nod to the era, rather than a full-on re-enactment.
What I Actually Ended Up With
After a lot of experimenting, I landed on a few go-to 80s-inspired looks that I actually feel good wearing. I found a fantastic oversized denim jacket (acid wash, of course, but a slightly more subtle version). I also got a couple of blazers with decent shoulder pads that I can pair with jeans or simple dresses. And I developed a real love for those slightly garish, abstract-print blouses, tucked into high-waisted trousers.
It’s not like I dress like this every day. But it’s been a really fun project. It made me think more about clothes, about different eras, and about how to pick things that aren’t just the latest trend. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter. People definitely notice when you’re rocking a bit of 80s flair. Some get it, some don’t, but that’s half the fun, right?
So yeah, that was my little adventure into 80s vintage. Took some time, a bit of effort, and a willingness to look slightly ridiculous in my bedroom mirror a few times, but totally worth it in the end.
