Neon Fashion: How to Wear Bold 1980s Colors

The term "blast from the past" carries different connotations for different individuals, but one thing that resonates across the board is fashion. Have you ever looked at old photos and thought, "What on earth was I wearing?" Well, if you're a child of the '80s, the answer is likely an unabashed yes. From acid-washed jeans, oversized sweatshirts to neon-colored everything, the '80s fashion era was one of the most distinctive periods, one that even now, in 2022, continues to influence our style. Remember those neon lights, the synthesizer music and vibrant, bold fashion that defined the era? This blog post will take you on a trip down memory lane, square into the decade that dared to be different: the 80s. Often parodied but never perfectly replicated, the 1980s remain one of the most eclectic periods in fashion history. The era, defined by excess, saw an explosion of bright colors and bold patterns - a far cry from the earthy tones of the 70s. The magic of the decade was the anything-goes attitude. Pop culture was littered with fashion-forward, scorning the status-quo influencers like Madonna, Michael Jackson, Prince, and Molly Ringwald, whose signature styles continue to inspire today. The 80s fashion transcended time, leaving an indelible mark on subsequent generations. Where would streetwear be today without the hip-hop influenced styles that first emerged during the 80s? What about athleisure, would it even exist without the sportswear craze that swept the decade? Neon colors, quintessential to the 1980s fashion, remain nostalgic relics of the decade. Remember piling on neon bangles, jelly sandals, or Members Only jackets? Or perhaps you recall the feeling of slipping on a pair of leg warmers or acid-washed jeans? Today, these items have resurfaced in modern trends, with "Power Suits" and denim pieces making a comeback. Vintage fashion is in and recycled trends from the 80s are those standouts, offering a sense of nostalgia and an opportunity to re-live, or in some cases, experience for the first time, the boldness and audacity of the decade. So how can your wardrobe harness the electro-energy of the 80s today? First, don't be afraid to play with vibrant hues and bold accessories. Vintage earrings, oversized sunglasses, or neon shirts can easily add flare to your modern ensemble. Modern takes on vintage trends range from tiny slits of neon peeking out of an otherwise neutral outfit to a full-on, head-to-toe neon ensemble done tastefully. Where can you find these retro beauty pieces? Thankfully, with the surge of interest in 80s style, plenty of online stores and thrift shops are now offering classic retro pieces, both authentic vintage or modern recreations. Search for neon clothes or accessories, protective hairstyles or 80s makeup looks, and you'll find an abundance of inspirations and stores catering to your neon nostalgia. Did you know the first "Just Say No" anti-drug campaign was launched in the 80s, but the phrase became more synonymous with Nancy Reagan and an oversized, neon pink T-shirt? Or that gym headbands initially were popularized by tennis players, long before they morphed into an 80s fashion staple? Fun tidbits like these bring us closer to understanding the unique spirit of the decade. Finally, reflecting on these trends, we see how the bold neon colors, only one aspect of the eclectic 80s fashion era, seamlessly find their way back into our wardrobes in 2022. As we wrap up our journey through 80s fashion, we're curious to know what your favorite memory of 80s fashion was or if you've incorporated any vintage pieces from this iconic era in your modern-day outfits. Share those neon moments and let's keep the 80s spirit alive! Discover how the 1980s fashion trend shaped today's style and how you can incorporate it into your wardrobe. A guide to vintage style, uncovering the magic of the neon hues from the past!