- Cover of American Gigolo
When thinking about style in the 1980′s, most of the time you will envision poofy hair, long off the shoulder sweaters with either a short skirt or tight leggings, and of course, leg warmers. These are things that have come to us from the 80′s, and something that many people don’t realize is that they come from the movies.
In 1983, Jennifer Beals wore this style of clothing in the hit movie Flashdance. Not only did it get some people looking into the style, it completely changed the fashion of an entire generation. Many people in the 80′s were highly interested in exercise and, more specifically, aerobics. This new style that was sparked by this movie fit in with this lifestyle very well. It was loose and comfortable, and didn’t get in the way with the aerobics.
The preppy look of the 80′s was popularized by the television show Miami Vice. It also became popular because of Richard Gere in American Gigolo in 1980. Suits and slicked back hair became the style for men who wanted to look great in the 80′s.
For a more sophisticated look for women that was popularized in the 80′s, one would just need to look at the soap opera Dynasty. Big jewelry, but hair, big hats, and even big shoulder pads all came from this hot series. From 1981 until 1989, women styled themselves after the fashions in this popular show.
Whether you look at popular television or popular blockbuster movies, you will easily find that the fashions of the 1980′s were heavily influenced by the stars of the time. Many of the fashion choices of this decade were also perpetuated by the pop stars of the time, as well, such as Madonna. Those in the spotlight epitomized what everyone wanted to look like.
