Fashion

Here's how to embrace the 1980's inspiration from the SS22 runways into your wardrobe

By Lara Oliveri
1980s fashion vogue

Photo: Sølve Sundsø

As the SS22 catwalks continued on from bolder and brighter silhouettes of AW21, Lara Oliveri explores why the high-octane decade is so relevant right now

After months in sweatpants, simplistic looks and working from home-outfits, we’re more than ever feeling the need for exciting, bold and eccentric looks.

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But what style will we be embracing as the new normal takes shape? The latest fashion season gave us the answer, with one of the most eclectic decades in fashion coming back strong; the 1980s. Why is this fashion era so relevant right now, and how are fashion houses giving shape to the more-is-more style approach in 2021? Prepare yourself for wide shoulders, bold colours and lots of nonchalant glamour – but don’t expect to go back in time. Here’s how to embrace the decade while still looking fresh.

Related: Celebrate the 1980s revival in the boldest silhouettes this season

red tights 1980s

Bold colours for a new beginning

Gone are the days of fully beige, grey, and neutral toned looks. The urge of expressiveness through clothes is on the rise, and how to do this better than through bright colours? The 1980s style is defined by its vibrant tones and the SS22 runways proved that electrifying hues are the perfect fit for a new beginning. Versace presented bold coloured sequins while Prada had vibrant orange hues. Prabal Gurung and Dries Van Noten covered just about the full colour palette in their collections, while Isabel Marant showed us quirky prints combined with metallics. Tom Ford’s collection was full with 1980s-esque metallic shades.

Dries Van Noten SS22.

Versace SS22.

Isabel Marant SS22.