5 Styling Tips from the ‘80s To Love Now

Incorporate Bright Colors Into Your Outfit

There’s always one way to make your outfit shout ’80s: Wear bright neon colors. When putting together a bodacious look, bright and bold hues are the best way to express your personality. Nothing is off-limits color-wise. Royal purple tights with a neon green sweatshirt? Most triumphant. Aqua windbreaker over a fuchsia tee? Totally rad. But for today’s times, you may want to tone down the color clashing a touch. If you’re going for a bold color like neon pink, you can use it as a fun highlight with a statement piece.

When thinking of ways to incorporate more colors into your looks, always consider your bags! For example, the Big Student Hippie Days embraces the full spectrum of the rainbow for an eye-catching look. The pack comes in plenty of other radical colors and patterns too, including bold Mia Brown Mint Julep and bright Happy Hearts Pink.

Embrace Activewear

Ever heard of Richard Simmons? This iconic fitness guru and the aerobics trend he unleashed helped turn neon workout clothes into everyday street style. The same bright hues can be put together to make a ’fit reminiscent of a Jane Fonda workout tape. If you’re going the costume route, something like hot pink tights clashing against a neon orange leotard will get the message across. Throw on some sneaks, leg warmers, and a DIY off-the-shoulder sweatshirt for good measure. And don’t forget the side pony! If you’re going more subtle, just pick one brightly colored piece, like a neon windbreaker or vintage-style tank.

Your athletic look won’t be complete without a duffel like the Weekender, to top off that fresh-from-the-gym ensemble.

Go Big and Bold with Hair

In the ’80s, bigger was better—especially when it came to hair. The more volume you could rock on your head, the more glamorous you were. To get XXL locks, you’ll need to lather mousse into damp hair and work it into your roots. Then, with your hair dryer set to warm, dry your hair while hanging your head upside down. If that doesn’t produce enough volume for you, you can also tease it—a method that requires splitting your hair into small two-inch sections and brushing backward from your ends to your roots. You can also try crimping your hair for that distinctive ’80s wave.

Complement a big ’80s ’do with bold neon fashion, or pair your waves with flower patterns for a softer style. The Main Campus backpack channels the romantic florals of the decade in Bit Bouquet Coconut or you can pick up this classic laptop bag in bold colors like Posh Pink, Peach Bum, or Party Plum.

Rock a Modern Fanny Pack with an ’80s Twist

Hands-free fanny packs are probably the best rebound trend from the ’80s, especially if you like convenience. They’ve been back in style for a while now, and we simply can’t get enough of them. While fanny packs in the ’80s were most traditionally worn on the hip, the latest fashionistas deserve some credit for inventing new ways to wear them, like across your body or through your belt loops.

Unfortunately, ’80s fanny packs were more basic when it came to designs, but that’s what makes the Washington Waistpack the ultimate in cool. This bold pack comes in three color combinations and features the classic JanSport logo for a touch of nostalgia.

Pile on the Accessories

Travel back in time to when Madonna was cutting-edge and controversial. The original Material Girl loved to layer on tons of bangles, statement necklaces, and chunky earrings with every outfit. Pair several chains and faux strings of pearls with a bustier or fitted tank and skirt to go full Madonna, or just stack bracelets for a quieter Madge-inspired look.

Accessories aren’t just limited to jewelry! A metallic mini backpack like the Half Pint in Surreal Shine Gold is sure to complete the look. 

Decorate Your Denim Jacket

The only thing more ’80s than a denim jacket is a denim jacket covered with patches, buttons, and maybe even a dash of bedazzling. Perhaps more than any other decade, the ’80s were all about expressing your personality, and a jean jacket was the perfect blank canvas. With a little online digging, you can find patches for your favorite bands, TV shows, movies, and so much more. Bonus points if any of your denim fashions are acid-washed.

You can continue the patch-obsession onto your backpack too. A jean-inspired Right Pack in Light Denim makes a great base to sport your favorite patches every day.

Go for DIY Tie-Dye

To really imbue the radical spirit of the ’80s into your style, you’ll need to be open to a little DIY—and it doesn’t get more DIY than tie-dye. Combining bold colors with psychedelic patterns, tie-dye always makes a statement, and you really can tie-dye anything. Think beyond the plain T-shirt and consider tie-dying tote bags, headbands, fanny packs, shorts, and even your socks! A little pop of swirling neon colors can add a lot of fun to an outfit.

What about tie-dying your backpack? A white bag like the Landings Pack is the perfect base, or you can complement your DIY outfit with a readymade look like the Central Adaptive Backpack in MJ Cooper Galaxy III.

Break Out the Shoulder Pads

Channel your inner Working Girl or Gordon Gekko with a power suit or boxy blazer. The shoulder pads make it clear that you’re all business. Pair a striking jacket with matching bottoms for the full look, or layer it over more casual duds to give a little nod to the ’80s aesthetic. 

Complete the look with a professional bag like the Station Pack and you’ll be ready to conquer the work world.

What are your favorite ’80s fashion trends and how will you be styling them? Tag us on social media at #LifeUnzipped and let us know!

Additional reporting by: Nicole Price Fasig