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1980's fashion immediately conjures up the images of power dressing and Diana Princess of Wales. Everything was big in this decade; shoulders pads, hair, wedding dresses and spending! The economy was beginning to boom again after the recession which meant consumers were spending money left right and center on clothing. They coveted clothing that would show off their new found wealth; from luxury designer wear to labelled sportswear, sunglasses, accessories and perfume.

Power dressing:

Women were told that to get ahead in the business world that they needed to look the part. Guides at the time told them to wear masculine style matching suits. They were told to prioritise looking professional and that looking feminine was considered detrimental to career growth. They looked to role models like Margaret Thatcher who was the first female president of the United Kingdom and held the position for the whole decade. Shoulders pads were worn to create the appearance of wide shoulders, demonstrating that women could wear the same load as men in the office. Shoulder pads became so popular they were not only worn with suits, but stitched into t-shirts and knits.

Lingerie:

Under the sombre suits women expressed their femininity by wearing push up bras in delicate lace styles. One woman who didn't hide her femininity was Madonna, she wore a bra shaped like ice-cream cone cups performing.

Diana Princess of Wales:

All around the world people watched the frumpy kindergarten teacher turn into a princess. Women rushed to copy any look that Diana sported, including her wedding dress. 1980's wedding dresses therefore featured huge puffed sleeves, full skirts and long trains.

The influence of Television soaps:

Television soaps like Dynasty and Dallas both had an impact on fashion that trickled down to the everyday person. Think beaded t-shirts, ornate costume jewelery, lasce teddy's and ornate gold buttons on jackets.

Shoes and accessories:

Hats were big in particular; the pillbox, picture and oversized styles. Charm bracelets were worn by many women, along with bum bags. The quilted Chanel bag and Louis Vuitton luggage was coveted. Hosiery became popular once again, with women wearing patterned, brightly colored and embroidered tights.

Doc Marten shoes were worn with everything including feminine dresses and brand name sneakers were all the rage. Other popular shoes included metallic sandals, wedges and low pumps which were made popular by Princess Diana. Shoes and bags were expected to match so fashion labels sold them in matching hues. Foot less leg warmers in all sorts of colors were also popular.

Hair and beauty:

Volume was big in the 1980's, think teased Dynasty style hair. Women wore eye shadow shades in electric colors like bright pink or blue.

Designers:

Popular designers included; Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Prada and Jean Paul Gaultier. Gaultier was popular for his corsetry and Calvin Klein underwear became "the" underwear.

With so much happening in the 80's and many overpowering looks it's no wonder there was a backlash to minimalism when the 90's emerged!

Learn more about this author, Kimberley Heit.
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