The 1980s are back in pop culture and women’s fashion. The 1980s brought about a remarkable transformation in the world of black fashion. Black fashion 1980s trends evolved into an era that arguably became one of a kind. With its styles, African-American style icons and musicians played a significant role in shaping these trends, giving rise to a distinctive trends that blended elements of streetwear, high fashion, and subcultures such as hip hop and punk.
Fashion in the 1980’s was about being big, loud, bright, and showy. Black 80’s fashion was all about that too. During the 1980’s African Americans wore an impressive display of clothing that was unconventional and a bit odd, including psychedelic print shirts, oversized garments, and acid washed denim.
No set of clothing would be complete without gold chains, bamboo earrings, floppy hats, and Adidas tennis shoes. Fashion of the 1980s was characterized by a rejection of psychedelic colored, ornate fashions of the 1970s. The first half of the decade was relatively tame in comparison to the second half, which was when apparel became very bright and vivid in appearance.
Let's delve into some of the most iconic trends that defined the African American fashion scene in the 80s.
Power Dressing and Shoulder Pads
This era witnessed an emphasis on power dressing, and shoulder pads became an essential element in achieving a strong and confident look. Shoulder pads were commonly worn in both men’s and women’s fashion, but their popularity soared among black women in particular. These pads were typically made of foam or other lightweight materials, and they were inserted into garments to enhance the shoulder line. The aim was to achieve a structured and angular appearance, reflecting a sense of authority and power.
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Shoulder pads were a defining feature of 80s fashion, symbolizing power and confidence.
Colorful Tracksuits
In the 1980s, colorful tracksuits became a popular fashion trend. For men, tracksuits usually consisted of a zip-up jacket and matching relaxed-fit pants. The jackets often featured a high collar, ribbed cuffs and hem, and contrasting stripes or patterns down the arms. For women, tracksuits often featured a slightly more fitted silhouette. The jackets were often cropped or had a cinched waist, adding a touch of femininity to the sporty look. The pants were generally high-waisted and snug, accentuating the curves.
Colorful tracksuits were a staple of 80s fashion, perfect for both athletic and casual wear.
Kangol Hats
Kangol is a British brand that initially gained popularity in the 1940s with their berets worn by the military. Kangol hats were known for their distinctive shape and logo, which featured a kangaroo. They were made of various materials, including wool, acrylic, and nylon, making them suitable for different seasons and occasions. The hats typically had a rounded crown with a short stiff brim. Black fashion trends of the 1980s embraced Kangol hats as a fashion statement and symbol of urban style. They were often worn tilted or turned backward, adding a unique and edgy touch to outfits. Kangol hats became a prominent accessory within the emerging hip-hop culture, popularized by influential artists like LL Cool J, Run-D.M.C., and Grandmaster Flash.
Kangol Hats were a popular accessory in 80s fashion.
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Gold Jewelry
The 1980s witnessed several black fashion trends, including the use of gold jewelry as a prominent accessory.
- Statement Necklaces: Chunky gold necklaces with unique designs were a staple of black fashion 1980s.
- Earrings: Gold earrings in various forms were highly favored. Hoop earrings, especially oversized ones, were particularly popular among black women.
- Gold Chains: Black men were also heavily influenced by gold jewelry trends in the 1980s. Thick gold chains, often known as “rope chains,” were commonly worn as a symbol of wealth, luxury, and style.
- Bracelets: Gold bracelets, ranging from chunky bangles to delicate chains, were another sought-after accessory.
- Rings: Gold rings were popular for both men and women. Often African-inspired designs, such as those featuring intricate scrollwork or cultural symbols, were particularly favored.
High top sneakers of the 80s were characterized by extending above the ankle. One of the most iconic high top sneakers of this era was the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars, commonly known as Chucks. While Chucks were a classic choice, other brands like Nike, Adidas, and Reebok also gained popularity with their high top sneaker offerings, especially Nike as it began to emerge with the help of the Jordan brand.
High top sneakers were a must-have for both athletic and casual 80s outfits.
## Oversized Dress SuitsIn the 1980s, oversized dress suits became influenced by the popular power dressing trend of the decade, especially in professional settings. Men often paired these suits with wide ties and dress shirts with large wing collars, while women donned statement jewelry, such as oversized earrings or chunky necklaces.
## Other Notable TrendsBesides the trends mentioned above, several other styles defined the 1980s African American fashion scene:
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- Acid-Washed Denim and High-Waisted Jeans: Represented an iconic style that gained immense popularity during that era.
- Puff Sleeves: Added a touch of drama and flair to various garments.
- Bomber Jackets: Became an essential piece of clothing in the 1980s urban fashion scene, often paired with oversized jeans, baggy sweatshirts, or tracksuits.
Several events and figures shaped fashion in the black community:
- Run DMC: Their hit song “My Adidas” popularized Adidas sneakers.
- Willie Lewis Brown, Jr.: The first Black person to become the Speaker of the California Assembly.
- Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday: Became a federal holiday, commemorating the civil rights leader.
- Mae Jemison: The first black woman admitted to astronaut training in 1989.
- MC Hammer: Made bright and oversized pants very popular.
- Rapper Kid: Popularized the “High Top Fade” hairstyle.
Some of the fashions from the 1980’s are still very popular. Carrie Bradshaw of the show Sex and the City wore bamboo earrings and a gold chain with her name in block letters. They became her signature style. Louis Vuitton also worked together with the late artist Stephen Strouse to integrate eighties graffiti street art into monogrammed bags, leggings, and shoes. These clothes were not only a great party of fashion history, a lot of them are still loved by people today.
