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Break out your acid-washed jeans, off-the-shoulder tops, and legwarmers, because the 80's are back. The 80's were a decade that was a breeding ground for new and lasting fashion trends, and in the year 2007, these same trends are being incorporated into every designer's collections, ranging from Anna Sui to Marc by Marc Jacobs. Although you may think that the Day-Glo brights and pastel hues of the 80's aren't for you, there's a way that every fashionable woman can bring some of this time period into their everyday wardrobe. Here are some tips and tricks that I follow when searching for the perfect 80's inspired piece to put into my daily wardrobe.

1) Only wear one 80's piece at a time, please!
We've all lived and experienced the 80's, and when young teenagers that were inexperienced in the world of fashion paired a neon orange top with pastel green Converse, the results were not pretty. When looking for some 80's flair to spice up your drab everyday wardrobe, take it one piece at a time for the best effect. For casual errands, such as yoga class or a low-key lunch with a friend, I pair bright layered tanks in 80's inspired colors (such as fluorescent blue with pastel pink) with So Low heather gray foldover pants for a casual but stylish look. These tanks can be picked up at H&M or American Apparel, and I prefer the racerback variation with added stretch for a slimming fit. For a black tie gala, I usually gravitate towards vintage minidresses manufactured in the 80's; my personal favorite is a black sequined Nicole Miller minidress that was inherited from my mother. You can choose to keep or chuck the shoulder pads on these stunning numbers, but either way you're displaying the style of the 80's.

2) Wayfarer sunglasses are for everyone.
We've all seen countless celebrities sport the famous Wayfarer sunglasses, including Tom Cruise, Madonna, and the cast of Ferris Bueller's Day Off, but now they are available to average Americans just like you. Although sunglasses are usually associated with the steamy days of summer, you can wear them in the winter if it's an unusually sunny day; they look best paired with a chic sundress and flip-flops for a laid-back look. In the chilly days of winter, you can wear your Wayfarers with virtually anything, but I suggest pin-straight hair and leggings for a chic look that is still 80's. You can find Wayfarers at any retailer that sells Ray-Bans, and there is also a limited selection of these glasses in the American Apparel online store.

3) Acid washed jeans are cool, but should be worn in moderation.
We all remember our high school years where virtually everyone was wearing acid washed jeans, but these days you don't see too many stylish women wearing this particular style of jean. They're about to make a comeback, but if worn the wrong way, they can cause a major fashion mishap. High-end labels such as True Religion and 7 For All Mankind offer light, dark, and gray variations of the acid-washed jean, and I feel that all are perfectly acceptable for casual wear. The best top to wear with an acid washed jean is one with little to no detail, because the splatter spots on the jean are enough for one outfit. I suggest a loose C & C California shimmer tunic paired with Marc by Marc Jacobs flats for a super-chic look that is reminiscent of the 80's.

I hope I've taught you how to successfully incorporate the hottest 80's trends into your everyday wardrobe; just remember my tips! Please, help those who are stuck in a fashion rut, because everyone was stuck at that point at one time or another. Happy shopping!

Learn more about this author, Julia Elizabeth Lynch.
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