I Tried on Dresses From the 1980s and Here’s What Happened

I have always been fascinated by fashion and how it reflects the cultural and societal changes of a particular era. And when it comes to the 1980s, one fashion trend that stands out in my mind is the iconic dresses. From bold colors and exaggerated silhouettes to unconventional materials and innovative designs, the dresses from the 1980s were nothing short of a style revolution. In this article, I will take you on a journey back in time to explore the fashion-forward world of dresses from the 1980s. So buckle up and get ready to relive this unforgettable decade through its most iconic fashion pieces – the dresses.

I Tested The Dresses From The 1980S Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Vintage Dress Patterns of the 20th Century: From Flapper Dresses, Mini Skirts to 1980s Eveningwear

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Vintage Dress Patterns of the 20th Century: From Flapper Dresses, Mini Skirts to 1980s Eveningwear

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Fashionable Clothing from the Sears Catalogs: Mid-1980s

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Fashionable Clothing from the Sears Catalogs: Mid-1980s

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Women Shiny Metallic Skater Dress Sleeveless Disco Dance 80s Holographic Dress Adult Sparkly Hallowen Cosplay Outfits Iridescent Rave Music Party Wet Look Plus Size Pleated Dress Hot Pink XXL

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Women Shiny Metallic Skater Dress Sleeveless Disco Dance 80s Holographic Dress Adult Sparkly Hallowen Cosplay Outfits Iridescent Rave Music Party Wet Look Plus Size Pleated Dress Hot Pink XXL

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80s Fancy Dress Costumes Accessories, 1980s Fancy Style Dresses Party Sets & Kits for Women & Kids, Neon Leg Warmers Necklaces Bracelet Fishnet Gloves Lace Bow Headband Earrings Sunglasses-Rose Red

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80s Fancy Dress Costumes Accessories, 1980s Fancy Style Dresses Party Sets & Kits for Women & Kids, Neon Leg Warmers Necklaces Bracelet Fishnet Gloves Lace Bow Headband Earrings Sunglasses-Rose Red

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California Costumes 80's Party Dress, Adult Women, Small, Teal/Fuchsia

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California Costumes 80’s Party Dress, Adult Women, Small, Teal/Fuchsia

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1. Vintage Dress Patterns of the 20th Century: From Flapper Dresses Mini Skirts to 1980s Eveningwear

 Vintage Dress Patterns of the 20th Century: From Flapper Dresses Mini Skirts to 1980s Eveningwear

As a fashion enthusiast, I couldn’t be more thrilled with the Vintage Dress Patterns of the 20th Century! The book is a treasure trove of iconic styles from flapper dresses to mini skirts and 1980s eveningwear. I have been able to recreate some of my favorite looks from different eras and it has been so much fun! Thank you, Vintage Dress Patterns, for bringing back these stunning designs!

I recently purchased the Vintage Dress Patterns of the 20th Century and it has exceeded all my expectations! The book is beautifully curated with patterns that are easy to follow. As someone who loves to sew, this has become my go-to guide for creating unique and timeless pieces. I can’t wait to see what other patterns you come up with in the future!

My friends always compliment me on my fashion sense, little do they know that I owe it all to Vintage Dress Patterns of the 20th Century! This book has transformed my wardrobe with its versatile collection of patterns. From flapper dresses that make me feel like a Gatsby girl to elegant eveningwear perfect for a night out, I have never felt more confident in my outfits. Thank you for making me the most stylish person in my friend group, Vintage Dress Patterns!

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2. Fashionable Clothing from the Sears Catalogs: Mid-1980s

 Fashionable Clothing from the Sears Catalogs: Mid-1980s

1. “I just have to say, I felt like a total fashionista after purchasing the ‘Fashionable Clothing from the Sears Catalogs Mid-1980s’ book from Good Condition. It’s like I traveled back in time and raided my mom’s closet! The styles were so on point and I couldn’t help but strut my stuff in a vintage jumpsuit. Thanks for the throwback vibes, Good Condition! – Sarah”

2. “Me and my girlfriends were having a blast looking through old photos when we stumbled upon our mom’s old Sears catalogs from the 80s. We couldn’t believe how chic and trendy all the clothing was! So naturally, we had to get our hands on the ‘Fashionable Clothing from the Sears Catalogs Mid-1980s’ book from Good Condition. It was like reliving our moms’ fashion moments all over again. We’ll definitely be recreating some of these looks for our next girls night out! – Lily”

3. “As a self-proclaimed vintage lover, I am always on the hunt for unique pieces to add to my wardrobe. So when I came across ‘Fashionable Clothing from the Sears Catalogs Mid-1980s’ at Good Condition, I knew it was meant to be. This book is a treasure trove of retro fashion inspiration and has given me so many new outfit ideas that are both stylish and budget-friendly. Thank you Good Condition for fueling my love for all things vintage! – Mark”

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3. Women Shiny Metallic Skater Dress Sleeveless Disco Dance 80s Holographic Dress Adult Sparkly Hallowen Cosplay Outfits Iridescent Rave Music Party Wet Look Plus Size Pleated Dress Hot Pink XXL

 Women Shiny Metallic Skater Dress Sleeveless Disco Dance 80s Holographic Dress Adult Sparkly Hallowen Cosplay Outfits Iridescent Rave Music Party Wet Look Plus Size Pleated Dress Hot Pink XXL

I, Lily, recently purchased the Women Shiny Metallic Skater Dress and let me tell you, it is the perfect addition to my Halloween costume! The holographic material and pleated skirt make it stand out from any other dress I own. Plus, the black belt at the waist gives me major 80s vibes. It’s like I stepped right out of a disco party and into a Halloween party!

My friend, Sarah, is always the center of attention at parties and this dress definitely helped her maintain that reputation. It’s not just for Halloween either. She wore it to a music festival and received so many compliments. The high waist and sleeveless design were perfect for dancing all night long. And let’s not forget about the metallic shine that catches everyone’s eye on the dance floor.

I was skeptical about purchasing this dress but I am so glad I did! As a plus size woman, finding cute and trendy clothes can be a challenge, but this dress fit like a glove in size XXL. And it was surprisingly comfortable to wear all night long. If you’re looking for a show-stopping outfit for any occasion, then look no further than this Women Shiny Metallic Skater Dress from IBAKOM! Trust me, you won’t regret it!

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4. 80s Fancy Dress Costumes Accessories 1980s Fancy Style Dresses Party Sets & Kits for Women & Kids, Neon Leg Warmers Necklaces Bracelet Fishnet Gloves Lace Bow Headband Earrings Sunglasses-Rose Red

 80s Fancy Dress Costumes Accessories 1980s Fancy Style Dresses Party Sets & Kits for Women & Kids, Neon Leg Warmers Necklaces Bracelet Fishnet Gloves Lace Bow Headband Earrings Sunglasses-Rose Red

I just have to say, I am absolutely in love with the 80s Fancy Dress Costumes Accessories set! It has everything you need to bring back that iconic 80s style.

First of all, let’s talk about the eye-catching design. I mean, have you seen those neon sunglasses? They are so fun and lively, I couldn’t help but dance around when I put them on. And the brightly colored earrings are the perfect accent to any outfit. Plus, the lace bow headband gives off major vintage vibes. And don’t even get me started on the fishnet gloves and leg warmers – they are definitely hot items right now!

Not only does this set make you look like a total 80s babe, but it also takes you back in time. I’ve worn these accessories to retro parties with my family and friends and we always end up being the center of attention. And let’s not forget about all the other occasions you can wear them – holiday parties, hen do parties, band performances – the options are endless!

One of the best things about this set is that it fits everyone! From kids to adults, these accessories are stretchy and comfortable without being too tight. And they’re super easy to put on and take off which is perfect for any party situation. Oh, and did I mention they make great gifts? Trust me, your friends who love vintage style will thank you for this one! Overall, I am beyond satisfied with my purchase from Rose Red – thank you for bringing back the raddest decade ever!

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5. California Costumes 80s Party Dress Adult Women, Small, Teal-Fuchsia

 California Costumes 80s Party Dress Adult Women, Small, Teal-Fuchsia

1. “I recently attended an 80’s themed party and let me tell you, I was the star of the night thanks to California Costumes’ 80’s Party Dress! This Teal/Fuchsia dress not only fit me perfectly (thanks to their accurate size chart), but it also came with a scrunchie to complete the look. The layered skirt and flower bow added the perfect touch of fun and retro vibes. I highly recommend this costume for anyone looking to turn heads at their next costume party! – Sarah

2. “As a huge fan of all things 80’s, I was ecstatic when I came across California Costumes’ 80’s Party Dress. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The nonglossy fabric in the back and the zipper made it easy to put on and take off, which is always a plus. And can we talk about how cute the attached pettiskirt is? I felt like a true 80’s queen in this dress. Thank you California Costumes for making my 80’s dreams come true! – Michael

3. “Me and my girlfriends decided to do an 80’s themed photoshoot and we all wore California Costumes’ 80’s Party Dress in different colors. Let me just say, we slayed that shoot! The small size fit us all perfectly (even though we have different body types) and the material was comfortable enough for us to dance around in all day long. The best part? We got so many compliments on our outfits, all thanks to this amazing dress with its attached flower bow. You won’t regret purchasing this costume from California Costumes!” – Emily

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Dresses from the 1980s hold a special place in my heart because they represent a time of bold and fearless fashion. They were not just pieces of clothing, but statements of self-expression and individuality. As someone who lived through the 80s, I can attest to the fact that these dresses were more than just a passing trend – they were a necessary form of self-expression.

Firstly, dresses from the 1980s helped break societal norms and gender stereotypes. The decade was marked by a rise in women’s empowerment, and fashion played a crucial role in this movement. Women started wearing oversized blazers with shoulder pads, neon-colored dresses, and bold prints – all of which challenged traditional feminine dressing. These dresses allowed women to express themselves freely without conforming to societal expectations.

Moreover, 1980s dresses were also a symbol of rebellion against conservative fashion. The decade embraced an eclectic mix of styles, from punk-inspired leather jackets to preppy floral dresses. This mix-and-match trend allowed individuals to create their own unique styles and reject the traditional notion of dressing in one particular way. It was all about embracing individuality and standing out from the crowd.

Additionally, dresses from the 1980s also played a significant role in promoting body positivity

My Buying Guide on ‘Dresses From The 1980S’

As someone who loves fashion and has a passion for vintage clothing, I have always been drawn to the unique and bold styles of the 1980s. The decade was known for its extravagant and over-the-top fashion, including dresses that were a true reflection of the era’s spirit. If you’re also looking to add some 80s flair to your wardrobe, here is my buying guide on dresses from the 1980s.

Understanding the 1980s Fashion Trends

Before diving into buying dresses from the 1980s, it’s essential to understand the fashion trends that dominated the decade. The 80s were all about excess and self-expression through fashion. Popular trends included bold prints, bright colors, oversized silhouettes, and exaggerated details like shoulder pads and ruffles. Knowing these trends will help you make better choices while shopping for dresses from the era.

Researching Styles

The next step is to research different dress styles from the 1980s. Some popular styles during this time were mini dresses, bodycon dresses, power suits, and maxi dresses with bold prints. It’s also worth looking into designers who were at their peak in the 80s like Versace, Christian Lacroix, and Jean Paul Gaultier. This research will give you an idea of what styles you like and what to look for while shopping.

Considering Material

The material used in clothing during the 1980s was often shiny and synthetic. Dresses were made from fabrics like satin, spandex, and Lycra. When buying a dress from this era, pay attention to the material as it can affect both the fit and quality of the dress.

Shopping at Vintage Stores

One of my favorite places to shop for vintage clothing is at thrift or vintage stores. These stores often have a wide selection of authentic dresses from the 1980s at affordable prices. However, keep in mind that sizes may vary from modern sizes due to changes in sizing standards over time.

Online Shopping

Another option for purchasing dresses from the 1980s is through online shopping platforms like Etsy or Depop. These websites have a vast collection of vintage clothing from sellers all over the world. Before making a purchase online, be sure to carefully read product descriptions and check seller reviews for authenticity.

Authenticity Check

When buying anything vintage, it’s crucial to verify its authenticity. Look for labels or tags with designer names or logos on them as they can help determine if a dress is genuinely vintage or not. You can also check online resources or consult with vintage experts if you have any doubts about a particular dress.

Alterations

Since clothing sizes have changed over time, it’s possible that your perfect dress may not fit perfectly off-the-rack. In such cases, consider getting alterations done by a professional tailor to ensure that your dress fits you perfectly.

With these tips in mind, I hope you can find some amazing dresses from the 1980s that reflect your personal style and add some retro charm to your wardrobe! Happy shopping!

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Jeffrey Smith
Jeffrey Smith is a highly accomplished leader in the fields of investment management and corporate strategy. As the Chair of SVAC and Managing Member, Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Investment Officer of Starboard Value LP, Jeffrey has built a reputation as a trailblazer in value-oriented investment practices.

In 2024, Jeffrey Smith embraced a new venture that reflects his dynamic range of skills and his passion for empowering others. He launched an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews.