If you were paying any attention to the spring runways last September, you would know that one trend was prominent all across the boards: ‘80s revival.
While that might bring to mind massive shoulder pads and not much else, the designers' takes on ‘80s fashion were actually pretty fascinating. On one end of the spectrum, we saw tributes to the broad-shouldered pantsuits that the badass power women of the decade once wore. On the other, we saw much more playful, youthful trends resurfacing: neon Day-Glo pieces, Flashdance-inspired off-one-shoulder tops, and metallic, puffy-shouldered ‘80s prom dresses of all sorts.
Of course, while all of these looks may hint at some of our favorite moments in Pretty in Pink (or that semi-embarrassing throwback photo you found of your mom), they’re reimagined today in a much more modern way.
Being that spring is finally here, we’ve seen the trend trickle down from the runways and right into our favorite shops (and soon, our very own closets). Below, see which ‘80s trends are totally making a comeback this spring, and how to rock them accordingly. Of course, don't forget to check out our video from behind the scenes of the shoot.
Photographer: Ricky MichielsStylist: Sam BatesMakeup: Clara RaeHair: Junya NakashimaPhoto Assistant: Steven TurnerModels: Tamara Ryzhenko at Muse Model Management, Kota at MSA, Sophia Pastorius-Young and Danielle Gordon at IMG, and BB Jean at Heroes.
Wild printsThe ‘80s are known for having some wild prints, and spring’s offering certainly does not lack in them. The more daring will wear them from head to toe, but try mixing printed pieces with solids for a more subtle approach to the trend.
Kota is wearing a Lacoste dress and DKNY shoes. Tamara is wearing a Lacoste dress. Sophia is wearing a Lacoste top and trousers. BB is wearing an Agnona jacket and jumpsuit.
The tracksuitAthleisure, who? This season, we’ll be bringing back those crazy, patterned nylon jumpsuits that were synonymous to the ‘80s—only this time, they’ll have a much more flattering fit. We’ll be pairing them with our modern sneakers and keeping our hair slicked back and simple to not take away from the allover print.
Sophia is wearing a Lacoste top and trousers.
Day-Glo and denimWhile we find ourselves incorporating more color into our wardrobes every time spring comes around, this year we’ll be going all out with Day-Glo-like neons. If resembling a glowstick isn’t your thing, pair these pieces with your favorite vintage-fit denim jacket (or actual vintage, if you can score one) to tone it down.
Danielle is wearing a Zara jacket and Cotton Citizen top. Tamara is wearing a Made Gold jacket and jeans and Cotton Citizen top. Kota is wearing a Made Gold jacket and Cotton Citizen sweatshirt. Sophia is wearing a DKNY bra and Cotton Citizen sweatshirt. BB is wearing a Cotton Citizen top.
The power suit While pantsuits with a more feminine fit may have been on the rise over the past few seasons (especially once Hillary started running for office), their ‘80s counterparts are coming back. The boxy, broad-shouldered, more masculine power suit is making its way back into stores (and into our hearts).
Sophia is wearing a Vivienne Westwood blazer and blouse and DKNY trousers. BB is wearing a Jil Sander jacket, Tibi blouse, and Libertine trousers. Danielle is wearing a Pyer Moss jacket, Simone Rocha blouse. and Libertine trousers. Kota is wearing a Jil Sander suit and Libertine blouse. Tamara is wearing a Pyer Moss jacket, Libertine blouse, and DKNY trousers.
LeopardLeopard may very well be one of the ‘80s biggest trends, though it's definitely appropriate for the wilder at heart anytime. Full-on printed pieces, such as coats or trousers, should be paired with solids so that they’re not too overwhelming. Try tying a leopard sweater around your waist for a subtle way to style the print.
Tamara is wearing a Kenzo jacket, Vivienne Westwood t-shirt, and Libertine trousers. Danielle is wearing a Libertine jacket, Carven blouse, Tibi trousers, and Libertine shoes. Kota is wearing a Namilia leotard, Libertine jacket, and Zadig & Voltaire skirt.
Metallic All things metallic are on the rise, in an array of fabrics and textures. Lamé not your thing? Why not give gold leather a try?
BB is wearing a Manfredonia jacket, top, and skirt.
SpandexOkay, so maybe the ‘80s aerobics Spandex trend isn’t coming back quite as literally as the others, but we’re definitely seeing a lot of fitted, skin-tight silhouettes. If you’re going to go for bodycon (which, for 99 percent of humans, can be pretty unforgiving), distract the eye by rocking it in a totally ‘80s print—see example one (wild) and five (leopard).
Danielle is wearing a Simone Rocha jacket, Xuly.Bet dress, and DKNY shoes. Tamara is wearing a Xuly.Bet jacket and dress.
