Finding Yourself in 80s Office Fashion: Why Sincerity is Always in Style
Have you ever seen someone so committed to their unique sense of style that they almost become a character—yet, somehow, you sense it’s not an act at all? Maybe it’s a colleague who rocks bold shoulder pads as if every day were Wall Street circa 1986, or a friend who wears vintage clothing the way others wear their hearts: with honesty, pride, and sparkling self-assurance. Recently, I stumbled upon a video about a girl confidently wearing full-blown 80s office fashion, even at family dinners. She was, as the transcript put it, “doing full blown 80s office cosplay… and she looks sick because it’s sincere.” This struck me because it highlights something central to all great fashion: authenticity.
Let’s dig into how you can use 80s office fashion—and any style trend, really—to celebrate the real you.
Why 80s Office Fashion Keeps Inspiring Us
The 1980s office look is impossible to miss:
- Wide, confident shoulder pads
- Sharp, tailored blazers
- High-waisted trousers
- Rich textures and bold colors
Maybe these references remind you of Melanie Griffith in “Working Girl,” or the legendary Joan Collins as Alexis Carrington. For some, these looks could seem over-the-top or purely costumed—but when worn sincerely, they can spark something original and magnetic.
How Sincerity Elevates Shoulder Pad Outfits
Here’s what stood out about that girl in the video: it wasn’t just the outfit. It was her intention. The care she took with every accessory (likely found after hours of searching flea markets or trending collections), the knowledge she had about each reference, and, most importantly, the way her choices all felt in sync with who she is.
When I was transitioning my own wardrobe a few years ago, I fell deeply in love with a boxy, powder-blue blazer I’d scored second-hand. The brand label said Escada—yes, the Escada—and its wool fabric was heavy, lined, and unapologetically structured. At first, I worried I’d look like I was headed to a costume party, but when I wore it out, something changed. I felt powerful but also unmistakably like myself. The key difference? I didn’t wear it as a joke or an ironic throwback. I wore it because it spoke to me—its quality (that weighty wool! those careful seams!) and the color that made my skin glow. And yes, the shoulder pads. I kept the rest simple: well-fitted jeans, a soft white tee, boots scuffed just right.
If you want to try out 80s-inspired clothing and make it your own, here are some tips:
- Choose meaningful pieces. Look for items that genuinely excite you, whether it’s the fabric’s texture, the tailoring, or the story behind the brand.
- Balance proportions. 80s pieces are often oversized, so pair boxy blazers with slim bottoms, or wide-legged trousers with sleeker tops.
- Add personal touches. Pin your favorite brooch on that lapel or wear the heels (or sneakers!) that fit your lifestyle and your feet.
- Be thoughtful with color. Don’t be afraid of bold hues, but try to find shades that light you up. Experiment with power reds, jewel tones, or classic black and white.
- Take care of your finds. Vintage wool and tailored pieces often call for gentle washing—hand-wash or dry clean when needed to preserve their structure and stretchiness.
Making Vintage Clothing Inspiration Part of Your Everyday Life
The thing about style—true, lasting style—is that it doesn’t have to be trendy to be chic. Owning your look, whether it’s 80s office fashion or something totally your own, is about letting your outside reflect your inside. What makes you feel good? What makes you stand up a little straighter? That’s what matters.
If you’re looking for places to find authentic vintage gems or pop-culture inspired styles, check out collections like pop culture and celebrity or event and tour fashion. There’s a world of unique looks waiting for you!
Let’s be real: sometimes returns or exchanges are tricky with vintage or pre-loved finds, so always double-check the size, fit, and materials when you shop. Have patience as you hunt the treasure troves—a perfect piece is absolutely worth waiting for.
Conclusion: You Look Cool Because You Look Like Yourself
The most powerful style tip I’ve ever learned (and lived) is this: the coolest people in any room are always the ones who look like themselves. Whether you’re channeling 80s office fashion in all its shoulder-padded glory or expressing yourself through something else entirely, do it with sincerity. That authenticity is infectious, inspiring—and so much more memorable than any fleeting trend.
Wear your references proudly, study what excites you, and let your personality shine brighter than any neon power suit. And if you need more inspiration, explore trending styles, or check out sports or political statement pieces—because the best-dressed person isn’t following rules, they’re leading with confidence and joy.
Because truly, as someone who has fallen in love with a stubborn blazer or two, I promise: when you dress like yourself, you never go out of style.
@malloryheart styling video @malloryheart I have a reputation as the 80s office girl now ig #80sfashion #retrofashion #vintagefashion #1980s #80shair #80smakeup #shorthair #OOTD #80sofficegirl ♬ original sound – Caroline 👢
00:00:00 --> 00:00:05
There is a girl on this app who is doing full blown 80s office cosplay.
00:00:05 --> 00:00:09
every single day she is at dinner with her parents in shoulder pads.
00:00:09 --> 00:00:11
And she looks sick because it’s sincere.
00:00:11 --> 00:00:14
You can tell these are really thoughtfully and well informed.
00:00:14 --> 00:00:18
She understands the references that she’s making,
00:00:18 --> 00:00:21
and she looks cool because she looks like herself.
00:00:22 --> 00:00:24
That’s the piece that some of you are missing.
00:00:00 --> 00:00:05
There is a girl on this app who is doing full blown 80s office cosplay.
00:00:05 --> 00:00:09
every single day she is at dinner with her parents in shoulder pads.
00:00:09 --> 00:00:11
And she looks sick because it’s sincere.
00:00:11 --> 00:00:14
You can tell these are really thoughtfully and well informed.
00:00:14 --> 00:00:18
She understands the references that she’s making,
00:00:18 --> 00:00:21
and she looks cool because she looks like herself.
00:00:22 --> 00:00:24
That’s the piece that some of you are missing.