Summer is here, so why not indulge yourself in some 80s summer fashion trends? Sure the 80s may have been a few decades ago, but some of the fashion of the era is timeless, and is definitely worth a try to look great in that summer heat!
So if you’re ready for some easy ways to implement some great 80s summer fashion into your wardrobe, this article will help you nail that look that will make you stand out from the crowd!
80s Summer Fashion
The 80s were a decade of big hair, bold fashion choices, and daring trends. While some of these styles may not be making a comeback anytime soon, they’re still fun to look back on. Here are some of the most popular summer fashion trends of the 80s.
1. Big Hair
The 80s were a time of big hair, big shoulder pads, and biggggg everything. Men and women alike turned to their stylists and said, “Make me look like a rock star!” And that’s exactly what they got.
Big hair was all the rage, whether you were a man or a woman. Guys would use whatever products they could get their hands on to achieve maximum height and volume. And ladies? They would tease their hair within an inch of its life, backcombing until they achieved the perfect “helmet head” look. They weren’t about to be outdone by the boys, and big hair was one of the most memorable summer trends of the 1980s.
2. Ripped Jeans
There was a time in the 1980s when ripped jeans were a fashion staple. Men and women of all ages would purposely tear their jeans so they could show off their bare skin. Ripped jeans were often seen as a sign of rebellion and were popular among people who wanted to stand out from the crowd. Some people even went so far as to buy jeans with holes already in them.
3. Jean Shorts
Another great 80s summer fashion trend that you can implement are jean shorts. These are perfect for hot weather and match with practically any outfit. You can wear some tube socks to compliment the look, or combine it with an oversized top for a carefree ensemble. No matter how you choose to wear jean shorts, it definitely should be a go-to fashion in your summer wardrobe.
4. Crop Tops
A great crop top that shows off your midsection is a fashionable way to stay cool during that summer heat. They are great to wear for working out, or just lounging around the house. These also go great with a pair of jean shorts or dolphin shorts, and a good crop top will definitely help you bring back that bold 80s style.
5. Leg Warmers
In the 1980s, people weren’t content with just keeping their legs warm. No, they wanted to make a fashion statement as well. And what better way to do that than with a pair of leg warmers?
Initially designed for dancers and athletes, leg warmers quickly became a must-have fashion accessory. Men and women of all ages began pairing them with everything from jeans to dresses, and they could be seen everywhere from the latest music video to the local grocery store.
6. Spandex
You probably remember the spandex craze if you were born in the 80s. This fashion trend involved wearing tight, stretchy clothing made from Lycra or spandex. For men, this typically meant wearing form-fitting t-shirts and shorts. For women, it often meant leggings or the latest trendy pair of biker shorts. The tightness of the fabric accentuated every curve, and it wasn’t uncommon to see people walking around in skin-tight outfits that left little to the imagination.
7. Wide Brim Hats
If you’re going to stay cool during that summer heat you’re going to need a great hat, and an 80s wide brim hat is the perfect one for the job! These stylish throwbacks have wide brims that are perfect for keeping the sun out of your eyes while also looking fashionable as well.
8. Acid Wash Jeans
There’s no denying that the 80s were a pretty wild time fashion-wise. Both men and women rocked some pretty outrageous looks, and acid wash jeans were one of the most popular trends.
Essentially acid wash jeans were denim pants treated with a strong acid solution, giving them a unique bleached look. The trend really took off in the early 80s, and both men and women loved the edgy, punk rock aesthetic that acid wash jeans brought to their wardrobe.
9. Rah-Rah Skirts
There’s no denying that the 80s was a decade of truly outrageous fashion. From shoulder pads to acid-wash jeans, it was a time when self-expression was king (or queen). And one of the most popular ways to express oneself was through rah-rah skirts.
These short, frilly skirts were often brightly colored and adorned with sequins, making them the perfect choice for a night out on the town. But rah-rah skirts weren’t just for clubbing – they were also popular with young girls who wanted to show off their dance skills. Whether spinning on the dance floor or just strutting your stuff down the street, rah-rah skirts helped you do it with style.
10. Huaraches
If you need a great pair of sandals for those summer strolls, definitely consider a good pair of huaraches. These sandals are perfect for the beach or just a casual stroll on the boardwalk. They are also fairly inexpensive and a great way to add some subtle 80s flare to your outfit that is both stylish and comfortable.
11. Ray-Ban Wayfarers
A great 80s summer accessory that everyone must have is a good pair of 80s sunglasses. And the one that we recommend is the Ray-Ban Wayfarer. These Ray-Ban sunglasses are a classic 80s fashion that is still very en vogue today. Made popular by movies like Top Gun and The Blues Brothers in the 80s, these sunglasses will keep the sun out of your eye while also keeping you looking too cool for school.
12. Scrunchies
If you could turn back the clock and travel back to the 1980s, you’d find that one of the most popular fashion trends was scrunchies. Scrunchies were basically hair ties that were covered in a soft fabric. They came in all sorts of colors and patterns, and people often wore them as bracelets when they weren’t using them to put their hair up.
Is 80s Summer Fashion Still Popular?
Yes the summer fashion of the 1980s is a timeless one that you can easily implement into your daily wardrobe. So if you’re definitely on the fence about bringing back the 80s, we definitely encourage you to give these summer fashion trends a shot!
We believe that your newfound 80s summer wardrobe will be well received, and a great way to add some subtle (or not so subtle) flare to your wardrobe. So give these 80s summer fashion items a try, we definitely believe you won’t regret it!
