Introduction

The eighties, one would dare say, was the defining decade for the fashion world. And if one were to search for black fashion during that time, they would be ready to concede that it was in fact a period which established major trends that came in a big way. Bold, colorful, and flamboyantly unique, the fashion era wasn’t just about clothes but culture and identity. From oversized leather jackets to golden accessories, these trends set in this period remain powerful and active in most people’s fashion books, especially those who want to make a statement without burning holes in their pockets. Here, we shall discuss some of the most iconic 80’s black fashion trends and how one may revive them today on budget.

1. The Power of Oversized Fashion

Some of the most recognizable trends in black fashion of the ’80s were oversized clothing, adoration. Big sweaters, wide-legged pants, and oversized jackets were on high order in those days. Not only was it comfortable but represented rejection of the previous tight-fit conventional styles.

How to Get the Look Today

• Thrift Stores: A treasure trove of oversized vintage items, thrift shopping is. One can find a leather jacket, oversized blazer, or even a big sweater imitating the trends of the 80s.
• DIY Oversizing: Not willing to spend much? That is perfectly fine because you can get yourself some size or two bigger compared to what you are normally dressing in, especially if you were ordering some outerwear. Pair them off with fitted pants or skirts, and the look will be fine.

2. Gold Accessories and Statement Jewelry

Very true to the ideals of the 80’s, gold chunky necklaces and large gold hoop earrings were huge parts of black fashion. Big statements on pieces of jewelry suggested a statement of power and confidence. Salt-N-Pepa became huge icons for these types of accessories and achieving such a bold style is recommended for anybody today in order to make a strong statement through fashion.

Getting That Look Today

• Affordable Statement Jewelry: There’s no need to break the bank on the best. You can get cheap, gold-plated statement pieces that holler 80’s at H&M, Forever 21, or even online, like Amazon.
• Layer It On: For a fully 80’s look layer multiple necklaces on top of each other, or get crazy and mix it up!

3. Tracksuits and Athletic Wear

Among the other huge trends of 80’s black, it’s really hard not to mention athletic wear. Tracksuits were one of those massive styles that got really influenced by hip-hop culture with their artists wearing Adidas tracksuits eventually turning into style icons – Run-D.M.C being a great example.

Get the Look Now:

• Budget Brands: Find fashionable tracksuits for affordable prices at Adidas, Puma, or online shops like ASOS or Shein.
• Thrift and Discount Outlets: Choose discount stores or vintage shops for classic 80’s tracksuit styles that survive until today. Then look to bold colours, if not geometric patterns, that scream of being retro.

4. Denim on Denim

The double-denim look is hands down one of the most recognized time-honored trends of the 80’s. Whether it was a pair of baggy jeans paired off with a denim jacket or acid-washed overalls, denim was all the rage in the black 80’s fashion scene.

Where to Get the Look Today

• Thrift and Vintage Stores: Some beautiful pieces can be found in vintage stores. High-waisted jeans are a great alternative and add any casual denim jacket with such a totally retro 80’s feel.
• Get Distressed Your Denim: If you can’t find the perfect piece, you can distress an old pair of jeans at home to give it a worn-out 80’s look. Try adding some patches or pins to your denim jacket to make it more personalized.

5. Bold Colors and Patterns

Boldness will shine in the 80’s-which is a statement of colors and patterns. Black doesn’t have to think twice about neon colours, animal prints, and geometric patterns to create that eye-popping effect.

How to Get the Look Today:

• Shop Smart: Look for those neon-colored pieces in the clearance section or fast fashion stores. Stores like Zara and Boohoo are bringing in all those neon, print pieces that really give off that feel of the 80’s.
• Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to mix patterns. A polka-dot blouse with striped pants is dramatic, but what the 80’s were all about was breaking all those man-made rules.

6. Leather and Studs

Punk and rock influences turned crazy in black fashion during the eighties due to leather jackets and studded accessories being rocked huge. These were often worn with distressed denim, band tees, and combat boots for that ultimate edgy, rebellious style.

How to get the look today

• Faux Leather: You can simply find pretty cheap faux leather jackets and pants in the stores at Target, Zara, etc., or you can shop online. Faux leather is as hot as real leather but much more pocket-friendly.
• Studded Accessories: Use punk-inspired style through studded details on belts, boots, handbags, etc. You can find these accessories in great quantities at very low prices in stores like Forever 21 or Urban Outfitters.

7. Influence of Hip-Hop Culture

Hip-hop culture inspires 80’s black fashion without much exaggeration. Kangol hats, thick gold chains, and Adidas sneakers are just examples of styles that meant as much about culture as they did about dress. Such styles were mainstreamed by artists such as LL Cool J and Queen Latifah, carrying comfort within street style.

How to Replicate Today:

• Kangol Hats and Bucket Hats: Two of the coolest throwback hats making a huge comeback today are Kangol Hats and Bucket Hats. They come within a budget-friendly price range at places like ASOS and Urban Outfitters, even on resale sites like Depop.
• Shoes: Get some vintage designs like Adidas Superstar or Nike Air Force 1 since all those have been high schools of black fashion in the 80’s. You can try to save for it by looking through places like Foot Locker or other low-price stores.

Conclusion

Reliving the 80’s black fashion trends is not just a fun way of reconnecting with some exceedingly fashionable era in the history of fashion, but also an outlet to express one’s bold personal style on a budget. Denim on denim, hip-hop-inspired streetwear, oversized jackets, gold accessories-so pretty that something in every nook and corner of these times’ fashion is lovable. Whether you’re thrifting from old to a search for budget-friendly alternatives or even creating your own DIY versions of these iconic styles, they’re definitely something easy to find and get without overspending.

Let the bright and bold styles of the 80’s infuse into your wardrobe today and bring a little bit of retro flair into it!

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