More once more: Fashion of the Eighties is back

Like it or not, the fashion of the Eighties is making a comeback. Oh yes, folks, trends from the “more-is-more” era are coming back to the fore. So, get ready for powerful shoulder-padded suits, stirrup trousers and ruffles galore. Well, when shoulders began climbing up and out at most runways, it was an early warning sign of sorts, explains designer Shruti Sancheti. She adds, “The era was a touchstone for fashion as well as music and popular culture, and was remembered fondly but with a shudder. And why not? Who can forget Jane Fonda’s colourful aerobics kit, power dressing from popular television series Dallas and Dynasty to sports-inspired trends and the rise of baggy/loose silhouettes! However, having said that, the 1980s or the most disastrous of eras in the history of fashion, was hip and happening.”

Designer Ridhima Bhasin agrees and laughs, “I feel it was a decade that got harsh press. Nevertheless, there’s a generation growing up looking back at it, and they’ll think it’s very cool and retro as they’ll be able to look at it with rose-tinted spectacles, which will help it be picked up again. The 1980s aesthetics were quite unique. Everything was big or like we say more — big hair, big trousers, more colours, big accessories, big shoulders. But in fact, a lot of really cool stuff happened in the ‘80s too. Double-breasted jackets, which are quite fashionable at the moment, are courtesy the 1980s, even though the fit’s slimmer and the shoulder is less terrifying. Pinstripes are fashionable again as well.”

Suggesting a few modern takes, Ridhima says, “A modern take on the 1980s fashion would be pairing an oversized flowy cape with fitted cigarette pants or even a white shirt tucked into fitted acid-washed jeans. It was also all about bright colours and chunky accessories, especially hair accessories like hair bands and hair ties along with neon oversized bags, etc. So you can pair a long oversized shirt with tights and accessorise the outfit to incorporate the trend.”

Designer Pria Kataria Puri suggests, “Big voluminous hair tied up a la Madonna style is easy to incorporate into your daily style. The bolero and a short cropped jacket are other smart options from the 1980s that can be easily  incorporated to make a fashionable statement.” Designer Jyoti Sachdev Iyer, on the other hand, speaks about the dreadful shoulder pads. “Worn by some of the biggest names of the decade, including Princess Diana, shoulder pads have become practically synonymous with the 1980s. Shoulder pads get a bad rap but as Kerry Washington showed us at the 2016 Emmy Awards’ red carpet, they can offer an effortlessly elegant structure to your look. A crisp suit with sharp shoulders was a mega trend among businesswomen of the 1980s. Worn by the likes of Bianca Jagger, Grace Jones and Michelle Pfeiffer, the power suit is now as popular as ever. Crop top was one of the ‘1980s’ biggest trends as well and so was the off-shoulder dress, so if you want to show some skin, now is the time.”

Laying out the do’s and don’ts, designer Pallavi Mohan explains, “Incorporate the ‘80s madness in whichever way you prefer. Since there are a variety of signature looks, you can pick the one that suits your sensibilities the best. But stick to one look at a time. It could be in terms of the silhouettes like shoulder pads or off-the-shoulder or cuts such as deep necklines or side slits. You can go for bright colours, glitter or chic patterns. You can even accessorise your outfit with one single shiny costume jewellery at a time — opt for either a large faux-gold earring, a pearl necklace, a four-finger ring or clothing covered with sequins and diamonds. Choose one element to accentuate your look instead of pairing multiple ideas together. For instance, a sequined dress should be your statement piece and should not be overwhelmed with too much jewellery.”