1980s Fashion Aesthetic: How to Dress Over-the-Top and Absolutely Unapologetic

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If you’ve ever wished you could capture the absolute most of fashion—think Joan Collins ruling the boardroom, Madonna commanding the dance floor, or MTV’s color-drenched world—look no further than the 1980s fashion aesthetic. Let’s be honest: the 80s were maximalism at its finest, a glorious celebration of too-muchness. And nothing, I repeat, nothing, was ever enough.

Drawing from Ange Mariano’s delightful breakdown and my own dive into vintage-filled closets, I’m here to show you how to “go 80s” for any mood or moment. Whether you’re craving high-powered shoulder pads or just want to run errands with big hair and an even bigger personality, this decade’s style lets you go bold, bright, and brilliantly yourself.

Why the 80s Fashion Aesthetic Still Resonates

The 1980s were all about expressing your biggest, loudest, and truest self. Here’s why I still turn to 80s style for creative energy:

  • Color! The “unicorn threw up on my eyelids” look is not a joke—neon green, hot pink, electric blue, fire-engine red. No shame.
  • Volume: Hair teased to the heavens and clothing with geometric shape and drama.
  • Statement accessories: Layer every necklace, stack every bangle, clip on the largest earrings you can find.
  • Power dressing = self-assurance: The classic power suit (with those glorious shoulder pads) really does make you feel like you could run a boardroom.

My Approach: How to Dress 80s in Real Life

Let’s break it down with inspiration straight from Ange’s 80s makeover advice, plus some tried-and-true tips from my own wardrobe:

1. Start With More—And Then Add Even More

  • Power Suit:
    • Fit/Style: The secret to an 80s power suit is the structure—shoulder pads are non-negotiable! Double-breasted, bright color or classic black, anything goes.
    • Where to Find: Thrift shops are gold mines. My best find? A cobalt blue, pure wool Escada blazer, size up for drama, (and yes, dry clean only!).
    • Accessories: Pair with a chunky leather belt cinched tight, and if you can, red leather pumps and gloves.
  • For Every Day:
    • Try a bold, almost cartoonish pink jumpsuit (I scored mine at a trending vintage shop).
    • A high ponytail with a scrunchie, some flats for comfort, and enormous hoop earrings.
  • After Hours:
    • Slip into a party dress—sequins, lamé, or tulle all belong.
    • Pink pumps (or metallic, if you’re feeling extra).
    • Pile on necklaces and bracelets.

Pro tip: Always, always more shoulder pads. When in doubt? Add another accessory. It’s the 80s way.

2. Color and Texture: Go Wild

  • Eyeshadow: Neon shades, two or three at once—don’t blend too carefully.
  • Fabric: Wool for blazers, acetate for shiny jackets, faux fur for that iconic white coat.
  • Jewelry: Plastic, rhinestone, faux pearl–all at once!

When I put on my oversized yellow cardigan over a fuchsia tee and acid wash jeans, I don’t check if it matches—I check if it excites me. The texture and color do wonders for your mood and stand out in any crowd.

3. Big Hair, Big Confidence

You don’t have to have a perm (I certainly never dared), but tease, mousse, and spray can transform a simple style into an 80s mane. I love using a round brush, a little dry shampoo for grit, and a banana clip or headband to top it off.

Don’t forget, a statement hat or bold scrunchie can double the impact—and, let’s be real, sometimes goes perfectly with Halloween vibes or an event night look.

4. The Accessories Make the Look

If you only take one step, make it this: pile on the costume jewelry, scarves, hats, sunglasses, and belts.

  • Favorite look: Gold rope chain, three brooches, two bangle stacks, and a pair of giant geometric earrings.
  • Love a theme: Mix with a pop culture or celebrity tee for a wink to MTV, Madonna, or Stranger Things.

5. Don’t Forget the Footwear

  • Boardroom: Red or black pumps, the sharper the better.
  • Errands or Outings: Flats or colorful sneakers.
  • Dance Floor: Glittery heels, or comfy high tops if you’re channeling Jane Fonda.

From vintage to modern brands, pay attention to comfort: I’ve learned not all 80s shoes are made for walking all day, but sometimes the look is almost worth the blisters.

Conclusion: Unleash the Maximalist in You—And Have Fun With It

What I love most about the 1980s fashion aesthetic is its invitation to play. Somewhere between Joan Collins’ Dynasty chic and Jane Fonda’s fitness fever is a look for every mood. The 80s are proof that you never have to make yourself smaller; in fact, sometimes the best way to find your confidence is by going just a little (or a lot) bigger.

So tease your hair, layer on those bangles, pull on the brightest suit you can find, and step out like the world is your runway. If you need a nudge or a new statement piece, try browsing trending 80s-inspired looks, event collections, or sports styles to mix vintage with today.

No matter the era, the most iconic fashion is always the one that makes you feel fabulous. Top that!

Now, what should we throwback to next?

@angemariano How to look like youre from the 80’s #1980s #1980saesthetic #80s #80 ##maximalism##colorful##neon##fashiontok##fashionhistory##1980svibes##1980sfashion##80sbaby##80saesthetic##80sthrowback##mtv##joancollins##strangerthings##color##perms##shoulderpads##powersuits##1980sbaby##aesthetic##80sstyle##80shair##80sclothes##1980svibes##history##madonna##janefonda ♬ Sussudio (From "American Psycho") – Movie Soundtrack All Stars

How to look like youre from the 80’s #1980s #1980saesthetic #80s #80 ##maximalism##colorful##neon##fashiontok##fashionhistory##1980svibes##1980sfashion##80sbaby##80saesthetic##80sthrowback##mtv##joancollins##strangerthings##color##perms##shoulderpads##powersuits##1980sbaby##aesthetic##80sstyle##80shair##80sclothes##1980svibes##history##madonna##janefonda

Sussudio (From “American Psycho”) – Movie Soundtrack All Stars

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how to look like you’re from the 1980s.

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this decade was doing the absolute most.

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from all the colors to wearing no colors at all.

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the 80s was about excess.

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more bigger folder.

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the poor wanted to be rich.

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and the rich, they wanted to be even richer.

00:00:12 --> 00:00:13
nothing was ever enough.

00:00:13 --> 00:00:15
I mean, even the boom boxes were big.

00:00:15 --> 00:00:17
and how do we give ourselves an 80s makeover.

00:00:17 --> 00:00:19
the 80s was the most colorful decade of all time.

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make sure it looks like a unicorn

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threw up all over your eyelids.

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oh, and tease your hair.

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to be as big as it possibly can be.

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when going to work,

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you’re gonna want to assert your dominance.

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by wearing a power suit with shoulder pads.

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red pumps. leather gloves.

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a fancy hat

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and every accessory you own all at once.

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more shoulder pads. more pumps.

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more costume jewelry.

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a white fur coat with more shoulder pads. after work,

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make sure to put on your party dress. pink pumps.

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add more accessories before you move the house.

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when running errands.

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wear a pink jumpsuit.

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a high ponytail

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and a pair of flats cause your feet are gonna hurt.

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and now you’re an 80s material girl.

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what decade should we cover next?