Spark

Cyndi Lauper, scrunchies, neon jumpsuits, Pretty in Pink – the ‘80s was a decade known for bad hair, coming-of-age movies, and... interesting fashion choices. But what goes around comes around, and we’re seeing ‘80s-inspired trends move from the runways to the shelves of our go-to stores. We’ve put together three outfits to demonstrate how the decade’s most popular trends can work with your modern wardrobe.

Bold Patterns

How to make it work in 2017: We can all agree that one of the best things about ‘80s fashion was the bright colours and bold patterns. If you want to incorporate eye-catching patterns into your look in a slightly more subtle way than a dancer in a Go Go’s video, keep your prints limited to your accessories. Pairing flashy, patterned accessories with simple staples in black – like a bomber jacket and cigarette pants – says modern and cool, instead of over-the-top. Give ‘80s style another subtle nod with pushed-up sleeves.

Pegged Jeans

How to make it work in 2017: “Pegging” your jeans refers to a way of tightly rolling straight-leg jeans so they taper in at the ankle. Long before skinny jeans and jeggings took over, this look was huge in the ‘80s, and we’re starting to see the classic technique on stylish modern women more and more. Our favourite way to rock pegged jeans is to embrace the looser fit, layering on roomy pieces in similar colours but contrasting textures, and finishing with fun accessories that pop against a monochromatic base.

White Leather Jacket

How to make it work in 2017: What’s more quintessentially ‘80s than a white leather jacket? Think Sloane in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off – but upgraded to a sleeker, less fringe-y version. White leather jackets definitely fall into the statement piece category, and the key to pulling off anything bold is to keep the rest of the look simple. For Sloan, that meant soft pleated shorts (texture-mixing on point, girl!), but today we’re partial to our favourite jeans in a classic wash, a simple white tank, and white-on-white sneakers.

Visit these St. Vital Centre retailers to shop the looks in this post (check stores for availability):

Look #1 - Bold Patterns

‘Brooklyn’ t-shirt: Garage, $22.95
Black pants: RW&Co., $89.90
Black bomber jacket: Garage, $69.95
Floral pumps: Hudson's Bay (Karl Lagerfeld), $130.00
Embroidered purse: Browns, $85.00

Look #2 - Pegged Jeans

White-washed denim tank top: American Eagle Outfitters, $44.95
Ripped jeans: Hudson's Bay (Noisy May), $89.00
Blue satin blazer: Dynamite, $49.50
Fuschia heels: Hudson's Bay, $50.00
Gold hoop earrings: Dynamite, $12.95

Look #3 - White Leather Jacket

White sleeveless t-shirt: Dynamite, $19.95
Skinny jeans: Hudson's Bay (Levi’s), $98.00
White leather jacket: Hudson's Bay (Vera Moda), $99.00
White runners: Browns (Adidas), $110.00
Silver ring: Le Chateau, $9.99