'80s and '90s fashion: a source of inspiration for today's fashion

February 9, 2023 3 min read

Moda anni '80 e '90: fonte di ispirazione per la moda attuale

When people talk about vintage, they are mainly referring to the ’60s and ’70s, when fashion began to break free from rigid conventions and start to dress the personality of each individual. But time passes and we are getting further and further away from the last century, so much so that even ’80s and ’90s fashion is starting to become a classic. The years of color and, in some cases, excess, of flashy accessories and padded jackets, when fashion was influenced by the first cult TV series and increasingly commercial music; who doesn’t remember the Spice Girls or Beverly Hills? It was precisely at that moment that the search for the first vintage clothes and accessories began, with a particular focus on the ’60s. Today, fashion still bears the influence of that era, and probably every wardrobe contains ’80s and ’90s pieces without us even realizing it. The good news is that they are back in fashion, so keep them and style them the right way.

Hair accessories

And speaking of TV series, the ’80s brought girls with voluminous hair and flashy hair accessories onto the screen. Today, the trend is back with headbands, both the minimalist ones with little teeth and the wide satin ones in pastel colors, this summer’s trendy shades. There is also room for headbands and fabric ties in bright, eye-catching colors. Just look at what Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, wears on her head. Still talking about hair, ’90s fashion wins: straight hair, preferably in a bob, rather than the curls of the previous decade. As for color, blonde always takes center stage.

Casual wear made good for everyday looks

The ’70s marked the desire for freedom from stereotypes, then the ’80s and ’90s made this desire to break the mold the norm. How? By making the casual style an honorable outfit for work. No more stiff suits out of place in your free time: it was in the ’90s that jeans became the star of every moment of the day. Today that style is still in vogue, especially with high-waisted trousers, a true remnant of the Eighties, along with denim jackets and colorful sweatshirts. In short, jeans show up in every outfit and for every occasion, having been timeless for decades and capable of matching any style.

The slip dress

After the craze of the ’70s miniskirt, the ’80s had somewhat lost their taste for skirts and dresses. The ’90s, however, gave femininity a dress that resembled a garment relegated to the bedroom: the slip. In fact, lingerie became something to show off, like lace camisoles worn under a jacket. And so the slip became a dress to wear with loose hair: a bit like Rachel from Friends. Today this type of dress is still in fashion, especially suitable for skinny physiques, as it looks best on women who are not too curvy.

Masculine style

On the other side of the scale, with a minimalist outfit that enhances femininity, the ’90s bring back a style that was called masculine back then while today it would be defined as genderless. This category includes plaid flannel shirts, worn open over a T-shirt or top, and of course with the essential jeans. That combination that 40 years ago was reserved for girls but today, when styled cleverly, is also worn by women in their free time. If you really want to complete the picture in honor of the ’80s and ’90s, you cannot miss wearing a pair of Dr Martens, the tall boots above the ankle with crossed laces. And if they are colorful, you will look like you have arrived in our time via a time machine.

Fabrics

Finally, it is worth taking a look at the return of fabrics straight from the last century. We have already talked about denim, and next to it should be placed velvet. Velvet trousers, plain or corduroy, were a staple in the wardrobes of girls born in the ’70s; today they must make a comeback. Satin also has a new moment of glory, especially when it comes to waist-length blouses and tops in bright colors.