How to Style an 80s Workwear Look with Modern Thrift Finds: MalloryHeart’s Guide

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If you love the bold power dressing of the 1980s but don’t have a closet full of vintage originals, you’re in luck! MalloryHeart proves you can channel authentic #80sfashion using modern and thrifted pieces—all while keeping the look fun, wearable, and totally you. In her recent video, Mallory debunks the myth that you need all-authentic vintage to nail the retro aesthetic, showing viewers how to creatively style a timeless outfit for work or play.

Whether you’re heading to the office, dressing for a themed party, or just want to inject some #vintagevibes into your daily wardrobe, here’s how to pull together a killer 80s-inspired workwear look, step-by-step.

Why 80s Workwear Still Inspires Style

The 1980s are famous for their distinctive silhouettes, unapologetic prints, and bold accessorizing. But 80s fashion wasn’t born in a vacuum—Mallory points out that many of its shapes drew on 1940s tailoring, giving today’s thrifters plenty of leeway to emulate the look using pieces from other decades.

The big secret? It’s all in how you put things together—hair, makeup, accessories, and attitude are just as important as the clothes themselves.

Step-by-Step: Building Your 80s Workwear Outfit

Start with the Pussy Bow Blouse

Mallory begins with a pussy bow blouse—an icon of ladder-climbing secretaries and trendsetting executives through the 70s, 80s, and 90s, and a style that’s back in both vintage and modern stores.

  • Thrift Tip: Don’t stress about finding true 80s pieces; look for pussy bow tops in modern shops or secondhand hauls.
  • Why it works: The statement tie and flowy material instantly evoke that classic, empowered 80s look.

Pair With a Pencil Skirt—Bonus If Thrifted

Next, Mallory picks a pencil skirt—part of a suit possibly from the 90s but perfectly on-theme:

  • Classic Pencil Skirt: Timeless and figure-skimming, this skirt grounds the boldness of the blouse.
  • Thrifted Suit Jackets: Even if the label’s more 90s than 80s, a tailored jacket plays up the power dressing vibe.

“You could style this [skirt] 1940s if you wanted to… It’s timeless.”

Add Signature 80s Touches: Shoulder Pads and More

Don’t skip the era-defining details:

  • Shoulder Pads: Slip a pair into your blouse or jacket to create an unmistakable 80s silhouette—strong shouldered, cinched waist, and confident.
  • Big Earrings: “It’s not an 80s outfit without some big earrings.” Raid your mom’s jewelry box or pick up vintage costume pieces online.

Hair and Makeup: The Real 80s Transformation

Mallory reminds us that good vintage style is all about commitment:

  • Hair: Backcombed volume, bouncy bangs, or artfully pinned sides—don’t worry if it’s not perfect, just go big!
  • Makeup: Bold blush, defined brows, and a pop of lipstick complete the transformation.

“If it’s not great, it’s accurate”—embracing imperfection makes retro looks authentic and fun.

Shoes and Accessories: Complete the Look

No power outfit is finished without great accessories.

  • Shoes: Mallory goes with “80s Oleg Cassini pumps with an asymmetrical vamp”—true vintage! Look for bold colors, pointed toes, or unique lines if you’re hunting for something similar.
  • Briefcase or Structured Bag: Her vintage Coach briefcase is a perfect finishing touch, but any structured handbag works for this look.

The Takeaway: Timeless Foundations, Era-Specific Finishes

Mallory’s 80s workwear outfit isn’t about head-to-toe period accuracy. Instead, it’s a lesson in how modern, thrifted, and even 90s pieces can be styled with the right details to capture a past era’s spirit. A timeless pencil skirt, statement blouse, and killer accessories become whatever decade you dress them for when you layer in hair, makeup, and attitude.

She encourages everyone to get creative—and not be discouraged if your thrift finds aren’t true vintage. “If it’s not great, it’s accurate.” In other words: have fun with it!

Where to Find 80s-Inspired Pieces

Ready to build your own vintage-inspired wardrobe?

Conclusion: 80s Style Is All About Creativity and Confidence

MalloryHeart’s playful approach to vintage fashion proves you don’t need a closet full of expensive originals to dress retro. Armed with styling hacks and the willingness to have a little fun, you can make any outfit party, office, or #OOTD ready—80s style!

Would you mix modern and vintage pieces for your next retro look? Share your thoughts below—and tag your best finds with #80sfashion for a shout-out!

@malloryheart trying a new format #80sfashion #vintagefashion #retrofashion #retrostyle #80saesthetic #ootd #vintagevibes ♬ original sound – malloryheart

malloryheart trying a new format #80sfashion #vintagefashion #retrofashion #retrostyle #80saesthetic #ootd #vintagevibes

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This is a pussy bow blouse,

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and it’s a perfect example of how you can dress in 1980s style

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without actually having 1980s pieces.

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I thrifted this a while ago.

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I’m certain it’s a modern piece.

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However, this is a style that was popular in the 80s.

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It was popular in the 70s and the 90s, too,

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and it is a fairly timeless style.

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We’re going for a workwear type look today.

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I love 80s workwear. However,

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the skirt I’m about to show you,

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I don’t think is actually from the 80s, either.

00:00:28 --> 00:00:30
I thrifted this suit about a year ago.

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When I got it, it still had the Woody’s tag on it.

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And it went out of business in 1995,

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so this suit had to have been made some time before that.

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I do believe it’s a 90s suit,

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though I’m not 100% sure.

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The skirt that comes with it is a classic pencil skirt,

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which is timeless. And you could style this in so many ways.

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You could style this 1940s if you wanted to.

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I think this blouse would benefit from some shoulder pads

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that would also be very 80s,

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so we’re gonna add those. Trying to dress like a specific time period.

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Hair, makeup,

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and accessories can make all the difference.

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A lot of 1980s silhouettes are actually based on 1940 silhouettes.

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But to make it look 1980s,

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you need to get the hair, makeup,

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and accessories correct.

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It’s not an 80s outfit without some big Earrings.

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So let’s find some of those.

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It’s for my mom’s in the 80s.

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And have YouTube beauty gurus in the 80s.

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So I tell myself if it’s not great,

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it’s accurate.

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I feel like once I do the hair,

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it’ll start reading a lot more 80s.

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I went a little shorter than I normally do,

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and the side combs aren’t working,

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so I think we’re just gonna use Bobby pins.

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For shoes,

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I was thinking these 80s Oleg casino pumps with an asymmetrical vamp.

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These are actually from the eighties.

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My vintage coach briefcase.

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And there we go. There is my 80s workwear look

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with my modern top and a skirt that you could probably get modern to.

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Because it’s the pencil skirt. It’s timeless.