You’re hearing it everywhere. The 80s is the key era influencing fashion this season. Why have we headed back to the 80s? Not exactly the decade known for an enduring sense of style. So, if you’re worried about big puffy skirts, big shoulder pads and even bigger hair – have no fear. The 80s have returned in a more subdued way, and there are even some great trends for us moms, even if we are experiencing the 80s for the second time around.
Footwear first – Footwear seems to go from flat to full-height heels this season and, boy oh boy, are these pixie boots taking me back to my university days with my skinny (lie on the floor to zip ’em up) jeans tucked in. Not sure I’ll be getting some of these a second time around, but I do like the knee high version – great with skirts and tights, leggings and tunics and narrow jeans (and chasing kids.) Both of these are from Aldo.
The 80’s was the period of the pump (heels of all heights) with pointy or round toes and bows. these sling-back flats are from Old Navy and the ballerinas with bows are from Payless. (I can hear David Bowie and "Put on Your Red Shoes and Dance the Blues" in my head, right now.) It’s hard to beat a red shoe to add a punch of interest to many an outfit from jeans to the classic black suit. Also look for shoes in pink, purple, electric blue and emerald green.
Powerful pumps have high, high heels – great with this seasons menswear-inspired power suits and to elongate legs in skinny pants. These peep-toe pretties are from Joe Fresh and the nylon heels are from Payless.
Tights are all right – Hooray! Opaque tights are back! The superheros of hose. Less likely to snag or run than regular panty hose, more forgiving of an unshaven leg and warmer in the Canadian winter – these are definite additions to my sock drawer.
The skinny on the mini – The mini was hot in the late 80s and early 90s, which were influenced by the 60s, so now we’re getting the mini back are we influenced by the 60s or 80s or 90s? Oh, never mind! The question is to wear it or not to wear it? You’ve heard my thoughts on the mini before and, not only is it impractical (think bending, climbing), you have to be really sure you’re still in the appropriate age-zone for this young look. Great legs also help. Try a knee length pencil skirt instead for a sexy and yet sophisticated look. Having said that, I love the look from Gap above with tights. Cute!
The hype about stripes – One of my fave outfits in the 80s was a salmon pink and white striped two-piece set, which comprised a flouncy skort and top. Oh yes, am I ever qualified to write the Style File! You might have noticed that stripes are back big time, especially when it comes to tops, and that should immediately send up a warning signal for some of us. The old adage is true – horizontal stripes add width – so if you are bigger up top, avoid the stripe hype or try something subtle, like these muted shaded stripes from Joe Fresh. And for those of you who want to go all out with 80s mod-inspired glam – go for stripes in black and colour combinations (black and electric blue seems to be the hottest combo.) These are from Banana Republic and Joe Fresh. Great with jeans and black pants or skirts.
Topping it all off – OK. We can’t possibly talk about the 80s without mentioning hair, and, if you are considering a new do, you can’t help but think about the Beckham bob, a throw back to the Human League girls (remember them?) Sculpted to perfection, but needs the right type of hair, otherwise you’ll be blowdrying away precious minutes each morning. (Photo of Victoria Beckham from nbc.com.)
If the bob is not for you (and anyway, we don’t all want to look the same), the new "big hair" is more sleek and subtle than the teased and tousled 80s. Think soft waves and curls (Ashley Judd) and the ever classic straight and shiny (Reese Witherspoon) or a low maintenance, subdued spiky style. (Photos from hairdesigns.com.)
Oh yes, we won’t be able to avoid being back in the 80s this season. Take our fun poll and let us know what you wore then and will be wearing now. Have fun!
When bell-bottoms and low-waisted jeans started coming back I thought “what next, will the 80s come back in style?” But I’m glad to see it’s all somewhat toned down. I will definitely stay away from the horizontal stripes, though, and I can’t imagine finding a pair of pixie boots I actually like.
One thing I’m rejoicing about, though, is the return of the opaque tight. LOVE! Can’t wait to get into a nice charcoal grey wool skirt (knee length of course!) and throw on some fuzzy opaque tights underneath. WARM!