How To Dress 80s With Normal Clothes (Outfit Ideas, Accessories, And Inspiration)
Dressing in 80s style with normal clothes can open the door to fun and creative ways to express yourself without breaking the bank. The 80s were defined by bold colors, oversized silhouettes, and unique accessories, so there are lots of opportunities to replicate the look.
Whether you’re dressing for an 80s-themed party or you just love that retro look, you can use your existing wardrobe to cultivate a look straight out of that decade. In this guide, we offer some styling tricks and tips to dress 80s with normal clothes whilst staying true to your personal style.
Key Takeaways
- The 1980s fashion aesthetic revolves around bright colors, bold prints, and layers, and you can replicate much of it with modern clothing items.
- You may not need to buy an entire new outfit. Your existing wardrobe can be adapted and styled to nail that retro 80s look.
- Accessories like chunky jewelry, fanny packs, and oversized belts are all important for capturing the vibe of 80s fashion.
- We supply high-quality custom patches that you can add to your clothing to capture the essence of the 80s in even more powerful ways.
Table of contents
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How To Dress 80s With Normal Clothes
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What Are Simple 80s Outfit Ideas Using Normal Clothes?
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How To Dress For An 80s-Themed Party With Normal Clothes For Females?
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How To Dress 80s Preppy With Normal Clothes?
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What Are Some Everyday 80s Casual Looks I Can Achieve With Normal Clothes?
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What Kind Of Accessories And Shoes Were Popular In The 80s?
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What Colors And Themes Should I Focus On For An 80s Outfit?
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How To Style An 80s Outfit With High-Waisted Jeans And Normal Clothes?
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What Hairstyle Was Popular With 80s Dress?
How To Dress 80s With Normal Clothes
To create an 80s-inspired outfit using normal clothes, you need to go over your wardrobe and identify the pieces that could fit the style. Look for items that embody fashion staples from the 1980s. You will want to do a little research to learn about the popular fashion choices from that era, but there are many.
Good options include:
- Oversized jackets
- High-waisted jeans
- Bold-colored tops
Layering is important, so don’t be afraid to throw a denim jacket over a bright sweatshirt or combine multiple patterns in a single outfit. Classic 80s features include bold prints, neon colors, and chunky accessories, and you can combine these by mixing things you already have.
Look for graphic tees, high-top sneakers, and scrunchies. You could even work with us to design custom iron-on patches to create the perfect finishing touch, embellishing with 80s pop culture designs and vibrant colors. With a few creative adjustments, your everyday clothes can be used to create a stylish 80s look.
Do You Need To Purchase New Items To Recreate The 80s Look?
You don’t necessarily need to buy new clothes and accessories to recreate the iconic 80s look effectively. There are many staples of 80s fashion that can be found in a typical modern wardrobe. These include:
- Oversized jackets
- High-waisted jeans
- Bright, bold patterns
You can adapt existing pieces with the addition of fun accessories like colorful belts, big earrings, or layering with statement tops. You could even make custom embroidered patches or order them from us to add a personalized embellishment to jeans or jackets. These can be created with any design you want, enabling you to tap into the spirit of the 80s even more.
If you need something a little extra, don’t be afraid to turn to thrift stores for affordable vintage finds. Overall, the right styling can transform your everyday clothes into a retro 80s outfit. Our personalized patches are durable and simple to design, and they add an extra layer of retro charm at an affordable price.
What Are Simple 80s Outfit Ideas Using Normal Clothes?
For a simple, 80s-inspired outfit, consider the following approach:
- Start with high-waisted jeans to capture a true 80s staple that has regained popularity in recent times.
- Select an oversized top to pair with your jeans and enhance the look.
A graphic tee tucked into your jeans, combined with a denim jacket and sneakers, instantly gives off the 80s vibe you seek. Another classic outfit is to pair leggings with an oversized sweatshirt or sweater. You could even cinch it at the waist with a wide belt to enhance the look. And some bright color-coated wristbands might be the perfect solution to complete the aesthetic.
Layering is key, so don’t be afraid to throw on multiple items that might not go together today. For example, a blazer over a hoodie could be a nice touch. Aim to emphasize bright colors, bold patterns, and make the look appear effortless yet playful.
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How To Dress For An 80s-Themed Party With Normal Clothes For Females?
If you are attending an 80s-themed party and want to look the part using items from your current wardrobe, look for items with vibrant colors and exaggerated silhouettes. Here are some suggestions:
- Lower body: Opt for leggings or high-waisted jeans.
- Upper body: Look for an oversized sweater or sweatshirt.
- Accessories: A wide belt around your waist will create a dramatic shape. You could also add neon bangles, large hoop earrings, or a vibrant scrunchy in your hair.
For a party, you could go the extra mile and crimp your hair, or backcomb it for extra volume. If you happen to have some legwarmers or brightly-colored socks, pair them with sneakers for a powerful 80s vibe. Take it even further by working with us to create 80s-themed iron-on patch ideas to add to your clothing.
The overall goal is to look fun, bold, and carefree when you arrive at the party.
What Are The Key Elements To Dress Like You Live In The 80s?
If you want to dress like you are living in the 1980s, you need to look closely at the key elements that defined that decade. Here are a few things that should quickly come to mind:
- Power suits
- Shoulder pads
- High-waisted jeans
- Oversized blazers
Signature trends of the decade included bright neon colors, animal prints, and color-blocking. You can replicate the 80s look by incorporating these ideas into your modern wardrobe. Consider layering an oversized blazer over a graphic tee, for example, or wearing a high-waisted skirt with a tucked-in blouse.
Our custom embroidered patches can also make great additions to your outfits. You can design them however you want to match the 80s aesthetic and help create a look that stands out whilst capturing your personal style and that iconic vintage vibe. By combining your own aesthetic with that of the decade, you will really capture the spirit of living there.
How To Dress 80s Preppy With Normal Clothes?
The fashion history timeline gives plenty of insights into what was popular from 1980-1989. If you are interested in the 80s preppy style, it was all about clean lines, layered outfits, and a polished appearance.
You can achieve this look today with certain items that are commonly found in a modern wardrobe:
- Layer a collared shirt under a sweater.
- Pair that with high-waisted trousers or a pleated skirt.
- Stick to classic, neutral colors like navy, white, and pastels.
- Accessorize carefully - things like loafers, pearls, and leather belts will fit nicely into the preppy style.
It is relatively simple to create this style with modern clothes. Items like button-down shirts, sweater vests, and tailored blazers can all be combined to capture the right vibe. Consider adding in a headband or some subtle jewelry to complete the preppy look. Get all the elements just right and you will have a timeless, put-together outfit.
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make your custom patchesWhat Are Some Everyday 80s Casual Looks I Can Achieve With Normal Clothes?
To achieve a casual 80s look, keep the focus on comfort and oversized silhouettes, making considered choices about clothing and accessories. Here are a few casual looks that shouldn’t be too difficult to achieve:
- Pair mom jeans or high-wisted denim with a tucked-in t-shirt to create a classic outfit that the 80s would definitely approve of.
- Throw on a denim jacket or an oversized sweatshirt layered over a tee to pull off the slouchy, 80s vibe.
- Complete any look with the addition of casual sneakers like high-tops and bold accessories like hoop earrings or scrunchies.
You might even want to think outside the box with ideas like putting patches on bomber jackets to add a playful and iconic touch to your overall look. Remember that bright colors and bold patterns are ideal for channeling the playful side of 80s fashion. The key is to look comfortable, relaxed, and effortlessly cool with a retro twist.
What Kind Of Accessories And Shoes Were Popular In The 80s?
The 80s is known for bold, statement-making accessories that you may not often see in a modern ensemble. When you look at pictures and videos from the time, or watch a classic movie of the 80s, you can’t help but notice the outrageous accessories and footwear.
Let’s take a look at a few widely popular accessory choices from the decade:
- Oversized hoop earrings
- Chunky jewelry
- Fanny packs
Women would often wear wide, colorful belts to cinch in oversized tops and dresses, resulting in some dramatic silhouettes. Headbands and scrunchies were usually the go-to for hair, while leg warmers are an iconic 80s choice that add a fun, athletic vibe.
With regards to footwear choices, there are a few things that were all the rage. Popular choices include high-top sneakers, jelly shoes, and brightly-colored pumps. Just remember that bold, neon colors and oversized geometric shapes were common. And accessories played a significant role in defining the playful and experimental fashion of the beloved decade.
Tips To Use Accessories Effectively To Get 80s Look
Accessories are an easy way to transform a regular outfit into an 80s-inspired look. Even if you don’t have the ideal clothes to capture the look of the decade, a few choice accessories can quickly modify your appearance for that retro feel.
Here are some things to seek out that will instantly capture the right vibe:
- Bold, colorful items like chunky necklaces or large earrings.
- Wide belts, often in bright colors, to add volume to your silhouette and create the signature 80s shape.
- Fanny packs to add a retro touch that is also practical.
- Headwear like scrunchies, headbands, and even hats can be very helpful to complete the look.
- Clothing patches - custom designs allow you to capture the perfect aesthetic, and you can explore differences between iron-on vs sew-on patches for the perfect solution.
The key is to go big and bold. Layer multiple accessories and don’t be afraid to mix and match when it comes to textures, colors, and patterns.
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What Colors And Themes Should I Focus On For An 80s Outfit?
You may or may not have noticed, but the 80s are influencing 2023 style trends with bold geometric prints and bright colors and vests. Let’s take a look at some of the most prominent color choices for clothing in the 1980s:
- Pinks
- Greens
- Oranges
- Yellows
Not only were these bold color choices, but they were often neon versions of them, and they were everywhere in geometric prints and color-blocked designs.
If you want to create an 80s-inspired look, focus on these vibrant shades and mix them with playful patterns. Think polka dots, stripes, and animal prints to get the right visuals. You can even feel free to combine clashing colors and experiment with bold themes like punk-inspired pieces, preppy styles, or athletic wear.
The more playful and eclectic you go with your outfit, the closer you will get to capturing the true 80s aesthetic. It’s up to you to decide how far you want to take it.
How To Style An 80s Outfit With High-Waisted Jeans And Normal Clothes?
High-waisted jeans were a real staple of 80s fashion and they have seen a resurgence in modern trends as well. If you want to style them the way they were worn in the 80s, you should pair them with an oversized sweater or a cropped top. If you want to achieve a casual, laid-back look, you could tuck a graphic tee into your high-waisted jeans and combine the look with a sleek denim jacket.
You have various options to accessorize:
- Chunky jewelry
- A wide belt
- Sneakers or high-top shoes
- Custom patches for jeans
By accessorizing with these things, you can complete the retro vibe with style. Think about creative ways to combine them for a unique appearance.
High-waisted jeans are versatile, enabling you to dress up or down whilst staying within the iconic 80s aesthetic. And it is convenient that they are a staple of many modern wardrobes as well.
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make your custom patchesWhat Hairstyle Was Popular With 80s Dress?
One of the most defining features of the 1980s was large, voluminous hair. There are countless images of icons and regular folks from the 80s sporting oversized hairdos that you wouldn’t usually find in contemporary fashion.
Among the most popular choices of the time were ideas like:
- Perms
- Crimped hair
- Backcombing
These are all integral to how to dress 80s with normal clothes, creating that iconic, larger-than-life look.
If you want a more casual style, side ponytails with scrunchies or headbands were all the rage. If you want to recreate these hairstyles, you will need to use volumizing mousse or hair spray to add height, or consider a crimping iron for textures weaves.
Accessorize your hair with things like scrunchies, hair clips, and colorful headbands to add the finishing touch to any 80s-inspired hairstyle. Remember, color and fun are the order of the day for an 80s vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions About How To Dress 80s With Normal Clothes
How To Dress Like The 80s With Normal Clothes?
We recommend that you focus on oversized and height-waisted pieces. Layering is key, and you should emphasize bold patterns, bright colors, and accessories like big belts and chunky jewelry.
What Colors Should I Focus On For An 80s Outfit?
You need to emphasize bold, bright colors that stand out. Create contrast with bold primary colors or black, and incorporate geometric prints, color blocking, and playful patterns to achieve that iconic style.
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