When it comes to an 80s outfit for men, fashion was all about opulence. The name of the game was big and bold, whether it was color or silhouette as a whole. While we're familiar with miniskirts for women, puff sleeves and neon-colored looks of the decade, the '80s trend for men sounds just as loud when it comes to fashion statements we still love to this day. This style has been common in the past, ranging from casual pleated trim of slightly faded denim shirts tucked into slim medium wash jeans to tailored suits that often had oversized shoulder pads, similar to women's clothing. Decades ago, there were rolled-sleeve T-shirts, bomber jackets, and other pieces that filled every fashion-conscious man's closet.
The 80s were undoubtedly an interesting time for fashion. Featuring bold designs and bright colors, the men of the decade fully embraced trends and proudly showcased their style. Of course, the bold look slowly disappeared over time. This then gave way to the style of the minimalist 90s and 2000s.
However, this fashion is now making an incredible return. From fanny packs and chunky sneakers to dad jeans and windbreakers, the best of '80s men's dressing is back and better than ever. For example, if you think of hair from the 80s, you probably immediately think of perms, mullets, andBoxer cuts for men. They all come back with varying degrees of irony. But all of this is also difficult to implement.
So in this post you will learn how you can wear a modern 80s outfit for men in today's world. Designers like Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci and others have brought back some of the most statement-making looks of the long-ago decade. These quickly influenced not only the specific fashion style but also the entire men's fashion. We're talking from tracksuits to tailored suits and everything else that goes with it.
Below you will find the greatest 80s men's fashion that we still find relevant today. Blame the internet, blame irony, but it used to be that such a look would disappear for two decades before being rediscovered and appreciated. However, now everything is back on the catwalks.
Retro look with a modern touch
It can be said that every style since the war has repeatedly influenced modern men's fashion in some way. The 1940s were reflected in the sportswear of the Olympic Games. The 50s in Cuban collared shirts and pleated trousers. The 60s of motorcyclists etc. There is a fondness for 70s fashion, with everyone relating to the 90s, and in some areas the ghosts of the year 2000 have even been evoked. But now the 80s are back again. What's even stranger is that the decade combines the '50s and '90s with '80s style. It's a self-consuming kaleidoscope of jeans, boxy blazers and slicked-back hair.
It also feels like an 80s outfit for men has been back in fashion for about 10 years. The collision of different decades at the same time seems to be just part of the way fashion works right now. This can be exhausting to implement, but if you give in to this euphoria, you could add indescribable energy to your wardrobe. Although the style is both questionable and stylish, it makes the demarcation between chic and casual equal parts forward-thinking and nostalgic. In other words, no matter where we go, we don't need rules. So buckle up and travel back to the future with us with these 1980s trends that still look great today.
Sportswear from the 80s
Working out may be popular today, but workout clothes have long been a popular look for men. In the '80s, workout fashion was hugely important and was introduced as a range of sporty styles and everyday wear, including chunky sneakers, joggers, tracksuits, windbreakers and athletic shorts. The 1980s was the time when casual wear became mainstream, driven by theExplosion of gyms, fitness videosand the growing sense that the body inside was at least as important as the clothing that covered it. This is actually not that different from today's fashion trends. Of course, back then the gap between sportswear and the rest of your wardrobe was still wide. You could wear a full tracksuit like the hip hop pioneers did, but don't try pairing your sweatpants with a blazer.
Such combinations have largely disappeared these days. In fact, mixing up styles is the best way to avoid looking like a poorly styled guy from the past. Above all, you should wear something that is both modern and relevant. For example, a bucket hat would be a good start because this is also good for updating your credentials. Choose '80s clothing by wearing something that doesn't directly have its roots in that era. That means focusing on new brands rather than relying on those that defined the look back then. So your look should imitate and be inspired by retro fashion for men.
What suits did you wear?
In the 80s, oversized suits with broad shoulders were worn. Pinstripe suits were a favorite for businessmen, and men often paired them with a shirt, tie and suspenders. Pastel-colored suits were worn outside the office and were regularly paired with crew-neck T-shirts instead of buttons. After the heady days of men's clothing, men's athleisure and its many offshoots, suits ended up in most wardrobes.
But such an 80s outfit was also characterized by tailoring of the prevailing type. This means that it is now mature enough to replace the two-piece model. However, if you only own a thin suit that was unmatched a few years ago, you need to update your silhouette again today.
For example, the oversized blazer is a symbol of fashion in the 80s. He points to the countless brands and designers who are channeling Richard Gere in “American Gigolo” for their latest collections. You don't necessarily have to go high-end, but it's a trend worth investing in. It will probably take a few seasons for this trend to catch on because such a men's suit is difficult to wear.
However, just think of it like a thick coat. You can wear a modern sweater or shirt underneath. The blazer also looks good with jeans or simple, tailored trousers. You can even tie a soccer scarf over it and finish your outfit with simple sneakers or heavy, solid-colored boots. Basically, you shouldn't overthink it and let your imagination run wild.
The 80s shirt
It has long been a style rule that short-sleeved shirts with tropical prints were reserved for truck drivers. But then Prada came along and reinvented the Magnum PI and the 'Club Tropicana' favorite by drawing on its 1950s roots. This decade and the 1980s were all about extravagance. That's why both are perfect for a generation that shares every moment on social media. And there the Cuban collar shirt is suddenly unavoidable. So there were two main types of shirts back then: casual shirts and business shirts. In business, banker shirts and striped shirts were very popular. For casual wear, loose shirts with colorful, abstract prints were preferred. Polo shirts were also a favorite item of the decade.
According to fashion experts, the '80s trend is partly inspired by TV shows, both of which feature bold printed shirts throughout. But since we can't all wear show-stopping Prada pieces, it's easier to keep your emblems subtle and floral. Plant motifs are never a must, but Hawaiian motifs are inevitable. Treat colors in the same way as you would with darker shades. These can contain dark bases with one or two accents, ideally in colors. However, be sure to avoid the popular neon colors that are only suitable for shoes.
The 80s jeans
While acid wash jeans have yet to make a comeback, 80s dad jeans are back in style. To wear this classic denim outfit today, simply pick up a faded medium blue style in a relaxed fit. Also choose a tubular cut. Dark and slim cutDenim or denim jacketshave been obsolete for several years. Now the jeans du jour are also available in all fits and styles, from high-waisted to loose and pleated models.
Bleach is the best way to implement the 80s outfit men's trend. Both fit well with the current preference of club men's fashion. Just avoid anything that has to do with punk. If you prefer to stick to your style with skinny jeans, make sure they look vibrant and stylish. Ripped denim pants or an overly washed-out look gives rise to post-punk, especially when you throw one of those tent-like blazers over it. The top-heavy silhouette was an '80s classic. If you have any doubts about this, you can look at actor Jeff Goldblum then and now for comparison.
