Allison Crotzer Kimmel - Prepped and Punked: Bringing 1980s and 1990s Flair to Your Wardrobe

I f you are wearing leggings, a cropped top, or sneakers, you have the fashion ofthe1980s and 1990s to thank. Many current clothing styles arent new. They are trendsrecycledfrom years past. Almost everything in your closet has a history. Much ofthathistory can be seen by watching movies such as Pretty in Pink or a TV show like Friends .Dig into the 80s and 90s, and you might find a style that you alreadywear.Or you might find a forgotten style you can bring back.

Fashion trends gave the 80s its preppy charm and the 90s its carefree grunge. Butthe looks of these decades can be found in department stores and fashion runwaystoday. In copying the clothing, hair, makeup, and accessories of the 80s and 90s,youll recapture looks that ranged from simple to over-the-top. Many of these clothingchoices continue to inspire modern looks.

T he 1980s were a time of major political and social change in the United States.The1960s and 1970s had been a time of rebellion and protest. By the beginning ofthe1980s, people were ready for more stability. Americans became more concernedaboutworking hard and making money. They also needed a break from the realitiesofwork and money. Many people found it in the form of princesses and pirates.

In September 1980, the world met a shy preschool teacher named Lady Diana Spencer.Shy Di, as she was called, was engaged to marry Prince Charles of Great Britain,who would someday be king.

The real-life prince and princess were all over magazine covers in the months leadingup to their July 1981 wedding. On that day 750 million people worldwide watched Dianabecome Princess of Wales. Her fairy-tale dress, designed by David and Elizabeth Emmanuel,became a sensation. Its train was 25 feet (7.6 meters), the longest on record fora British royal wedding. It featured large puffed sleeves and a silk taffeta skirtplaced over a tulle petticoat.

Dianas wedding dress is the ultimate example of 80s fashion: large, dramatic, andromantic. But Diana became a style icon beyond her wedding dress. After her wedding, Vogue magazines fashion editor Anna Harvey advised Diana on her clothing. They determinedwhat the then future Queen of England should wear.

New Princess

Diana often took fashion risks. Today, Britains newest princess, Duchess Catherine,continues to set fashion trends. Like Diana, Catherine caught the worlds attentionwhen she married Prince William, son of Charles and Diana. Some of Duchess Catherinesfashion trends include the use of nude colored heels and wearing modestly pricedclothing from mainstream shops. When Catherine wears a dress, it sells out in storessoon afterward.

Get the Look

Diana famously wore an emerald and diamond choker that the queen had given her. ExceptDiana wore it on her forehead as a headband rather than around her neck. Create yourown fairy-tale look by taking a traditional piece of jewelry and finding a new usefor it.

SUPPLIES

• an old choker necklace
• bobby pins

1. Find a choker necklace in your jewelry box.
2. Measure it around your forehead for size.
3. Fasten it just below your hairline with bobby pins.
4. Now you have a ready-made headband fit for a fashionable princess.

Thar Be '80s Pirates Ahead, Matey

Part of the new romantic fashion of the 1980s included the pirate look, started byLondon designer Vivienne Westwood. Quirky 1980s performers such as Pat Benatar, AdamAnt, and Boy George used wild hair and makeup to set Westwoods high fashion coutureto music. They wore lacey shirts under velvet jackets, tight black pants, and unrulyhair. These fashionable followers of Westwoods 80s trend might just as easily beenmistaken for Captain Hook. Modern-day pirates can take their cues from stars suchas Johnny Depp, Russell Brand, and Helena Bonham Carter, who rock haphazard stylesmixed with glam. Lots of disheveled layers, over-the-top accessories, and at leastone long, skinny scarf complete the look.

Part of Vivienne Westwoods 80s style was a rejection of her earlier 70s punk designs.A few of these trends carried into the 80s, with torn clothes, T-shirts sportingrebellious slogans, and shredded denim remain popular. Pink, Gwen Stefani, and AvrilLavigne have let punk influence both their music and their fashion.

PAT BENATAR GWEN STEFANI

PUT IT TOGETHER

Whether you choose to be a pirate or a punk, your style is sure to draw attention.To rock the full punk look, you will need these essential pieces.

Find a tank top in a bright neon color. Yellows, greens, and oranges look great.

Pair your top with a mismatched bottom. For instance, you may choose striped, leopardprint, or even plaid pants or a skirt.

Your footwear should be military-style boots.

To complete that tough punk look, you will need a leather belt with spikes or studs.

Dressing for Political Power

The world of 80s politics took a very different turn from punk and pirate fashion.Ronald Reagan, a former actor, was elected president in November 1980. His conservativepolicies helped to grow private businesses. Programs that helped the poor were cutback. His politics matched the change in attitude at the time.

Following his wife Nancys example, people began buying flashier clothes from designerlabels. The first lady hosted lavish balls for her Hollywood friends. Showing offyour financial success with how you dressed was expected.

Americans became more image-conscious. They spent large amounts of money on the designernames and logos that became popular in the 1980s.

Even Margaret Thatcher, Britains prime minister throughout the 1980s, brought herown style to the decade. Thatcher wore stiffly sprayed helmet hair and skirts withsuit jackets. She proved that a woman could be feminine and in charge at the sametime.

Womens suit styles have changed since the '80s. However, many women including HalleBerry still follow the suit is power model.

NANCY REAGAN MARGARET THATCHER

A woman could be feminine and in charge at the same time.