The Weirdest Ways People Tried to Impress in the 1980s
The 1980s were an era where extravagance and excess were part of everyday life, and people impressed with fashionable outfits that stood out for their vibrant colors and incredible designs.
Whether strolling, skiing, or walking the streets, people sought to stand out with their colorful clothing, from panda-print sweaters to leather jackets and Bill Cosby-style jumpsuits.
In addition, typical streetwear for women in the early 1980s included ripped jeans, leggings, and sweatpants. Sneakers also became popular.
Fluorescent T-shirts and dresses, along with voluminous and extravagant hairstyles, were commonplace during the 1980s, before the arrival of smartphones, social media, and technological gadgets.
Spectacular '80s Outfit
An urban warrior, 1985, NYC.
Runners
“My parents running a race in matching outfits on their wedding day, late '80s.”
Friends
“Friend showed me a picture of her parents in the 80's and it is truly pure '80s.”
Fashion '80s Couple
A couple on the stroll at SunFest Festival, West Palm Beach, 1989.
Ski Look
Woman with mid '80s ski look.
Vintage 1980s
London teens in the '80s.
Phone Call
Taking the phone message, 1987.
Spiky Hair
Rocking the acid wash, spiky hair and sunglasses, 1984.
'80s Style
Rabbit fur jacket, big glasses, cylinder bag, 1980.
'80s Look
Paint-splattered style, 1987.
'80s Holiday
“My parents on their first holiday in the '80s. My dad is never allowed to question my wardrobe again.”
Urban Outfit
“My parents in the '80s looking like they should be in an urban outfitters catalog.”
Ski Fashion
“My parents had '80s ski fashion down.”
'80s Fashion
“My mother in the '80s. Fashion has sure changed.”
Pink Jumpsuit
"My mom in the '80s."
Panda Sweater Dress
Sweet Panda sweater dress, 1984.
Cosby Sweaters
Friends at the winter dance, Cosby sweaters, middle finger, 1984.
Subway
Boys in the subway.
Curls, Keds And A Convertible
Probably getting ready to meet the gang at Pizza Hut. Circa 1987.
'80s Fashion
'80s fashion was something else.