As we await and prepare for the first winter of the decade, we are beginning to notice chic winter apparel from the ’80s making a comeback. This nostalgic period gave us many iconic looks–from bulky shoulder pads to leg warmers–and incorporating and tweaking these vintage staple items is a 2020 winter destiny. Want some proof? Here are ’80s winter fashion items you need in your wardrobe!
There is no doubt that the ’80s was the golden era of the winter coat, with numerous brands showcasing different winter coat styles and colors during the decade. The urban outdoors brand Triple F.A.T. Goose, however, managed to engineer a now nostalgic array of parkas and puffer coats–or “Gooses”–that many people still love. With the F.A.T. acronym standing for “For Arctic Temperatures”, Triple F.A.T. Goose is famously known to have one of the warmest winter outerwear and was heavily worn and popularized in the ’80s & ’90s by hip hop artists. Triple F.A.T. Goose is still in the market today and has even launched a new throwback collection to memorialize the brand’s infamous ’80s styled coats and parkas.
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In addition to the puffer coat, puffer boots were all the rage in the ’80s. This winter fashion item complemented the puffer coat and kept you warm, water-resistant, and stylish throughout the day. Today, there are a plethora of puffer boots in luxurious footwear–such as the Fenty Puffer Boots–and adapted by many brands today, like UGGS and Sam Edelman. You can even buy vintage ’80s Airwalk and Moon Boot puffer boots online or at a thrift store. Just get them in the near future and before this winter fashion trend takes an end and it’s too late!
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Fictional ’80s heartthrob Marty McFly didn’t only rock fly Nike MAGs, but he will forever be known as the time-traveling kid with the spiffy, red down vest. This puffy vest is a timeless fashion piece and can easily be found today. This ’80s winter fashion item delicately stands out by layering it over a light jacket, under a light jacket, over a hoodie, or over a long sleeve shirt. There are endless ways to style it and, if you’d like, you can even emulate and do a different spin on the Back to the Future outfit yourself!
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In the ’80s, leg warmers were a winter fashion necessity in the workout and dance world, as it always would come in neon and perfectly matched an individual’s leotard and spandex attire. It was a way to keep your muscles warm to avoid cramping and prevent major muscle pain. While this was the most advertised way to wear these lower leg coverings, leg warmers also did its job in cold weather. When the decade died out, leg warmers were more so used in the winter and styled with boots and tights. You don’t have to buy neon leg warmers, but trying on a neutral, gray, black, or white pair might add to an outfit of yours this winter. It is worth a try!
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It is impossible to speak of this decade without mentioning the iconic sweaters that came with it. ’80s sweaters are thick and often bold apparel that comes in various funky patterns, styles, and colors. Best of all, sweaters from the ’80s are super comfortable, add character to your look, and are pretty much a unisex clothing item. Today, you can most definitely discover these sweaters at a second-hand store or buy unique pieces for sale online. There are a lot of big brands that have begun to sell these retro sweaters everywhere, and the clothing store Ragstock is currently having a vintage ’80s sweater sell online, so don’t miss out!
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Similar to their sweaters, the 1980s had very colorful and different patterned leggings to go along with the fashionably daring times. While many people indulged in neon and capri length leggings, black leggings also remained a staple item that was worn with oversized t-shirts or underneath a skirt for an outfit. This decade utilized black leggings as a main choice of legwear, which we still see today. For the winter, wearing fleece, black leggings are a must for your wardrobe!
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Metallics and sequined fabric made the ’80s the glam decade. Worn at annual events, night-time parties, and evening, festive get-togethers, it wasn’t uncommon to spot sequin bags, dresses, skirts, and even shoes to wow the crowd during colder months. Today, sequin is making a resurgence from both the ’80s and the early 2000s, with the winter fashion being worn at any time of the day. You can wear it outside of an event and bedazzling in the daytime with a cute sequin fit to shine and bounce off winter snow.
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The 1980s were notorious for producing fashion subcultures; there were so many fad societies, including rockers, exercise gurus, and neon fanatics. One group that stood out from the rest through their attire, though, was the preppy lifestyle, as this included wearing polos, delicate sweaters, pullovers, and cardigans. A major source for this look was the brand Lacoste, a popular French luxury label with a tiny alligator logo that sold all of these items whilst being accessible to many consumers. While the ’80s relished in Lacoste apparel on tennis courts, around necks at country clubs, and on the big and small screen to characterize rich snobs, today, Lacoste is a winter fashion holy grail that anyone can shop.
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The rise of neon and bright colors in the ’80s and the increased interest in fashion within sportswear brought the ultimate looks in ski apparel. With that being said, there is no doubt that neon ski clothing was a highlight of the decade–no pun intended. Neon ski clothing was just as much about form as it was about function, with the refreshing, cool looks keeping everyone warm. Fast fashion and many brands, in general, are already selling ski item clothing, so thrifting and checking these essentials are a must of the moment!
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It’s safe to say the 1993 Seinfeld episode “The Puffy Shirt” let everyone know that the ’80s were officially dead and that the only people that should be wearing ruffles and puffy shirts were pirates. While that held true when the funny episode aired nearly 30 years ago, today’s ’80s ruffles and puffy apparel are a huge asset in fashion and a style that gives an extra something to winter apparel. When it comes to sweaters and skirts, ruffles and puffiness add a new form to our look and make the rest of our outfit super cute!
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When entering the winter season, you absolutely have to have leather. It’s cool, classy, and can be worn over warmer pieces of clothing. The ’80s are known to make leather an entire outfit, by wearing the material from head-to-toe. Chic leather items include leather jackets, leather pants, and leather skirts. It is perfect for both fall and winter and can be worn in a variety of ways.
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Despite this repeated canine tooth pattern emerging in popularity in the ’30s and ’50s, houndstooth was also everywhere within ’80s beauty and fashion. The pattern is usually seen in heavy clothing material, especially on suits and jackets, and people couldn’t get enough of it during this decade. Houndstooth has already made an appearance in fashion in the last couple of years and the trend will only spike from here. Make sure to scope out all houndstooth winter fashion this year and for the years to come in the 2020s!
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There were numerous fashion trends, patterns, and popular clothing items in the ’80s, but what truly defined the decade were shoulder pads–no pun intended. You couldn’t go without seeing a single shoulder pad in the workplace in the ’80s. While the style has permeated fashion since the 19th century, it was the 20th century that made the shoulder pad look iconic. It gives a sophisticated and powerful look to women in suits, coats, and jackets. Today, in the 21st century, shoulders pads are back, and buying vintage and keeping our eyes peeled for shoulder-padded anything this winter is the utmost importance.
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