10 Wardrobe Essentials Every Woman Rocked In The 80s

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[Photo: Tumblr]

Ah the 80s! The pinnacle of chaotic fashion. We can laugh about it now of course but back then it was a serious business.

From BIG hair, to bold prints and shoulder pads, women were aiming to make a statement with their attire - and the result was some epic looks that have stood the test of time and are still as fashionable today as they were then. Well, almost.

See how many of these trends you rocked…

1. Bold Prints

Bold prints and lots of them. Together. At the same time. Classic 80s.

Below is the very picture that inspired Justin Fletcher to create Mr Tumble*.

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[Photo: glossy sheen]

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[Photo: BBC]

And this dress is an alternative portal into A-ha’s ‘Take On Me’ music video. This model had to sit down after she found out.

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[Photo: pinterest]

There she goes!

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2. Romper Suits

Universally hated by men.

Some looked cute and playful…

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[Photo: Etsy]

…others like something from a Punch and Judy show…

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[Photo: etsy]

…but every single one made you feel damn special.

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3. Slouch Socks: You were nothing without them.

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[Photo: Wikia]

Special shoutout to the frilly ankle sock/stiletto pairing.

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4. Lycra

Head to toe in Lycra with a full face of makeup and a can of hairspray in your hair was the only acceptable way to keep fit…

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…because, Jane Fonda.

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5. A Cocktail Dress

A shiny, off the shoulder, puffed sleeve somethin’ somethin’ for special occasions.

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[Photo: rusty zipper]

Or maybe in velvet and chiffon? Très chic.

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[Photo: pinterest]

6. A One-Size-Fits-All Dress

Perfect for those days you need to let the air get to your minge. Am I right?

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[Photo: Laura Ashley/Tumblr]

Shoulder pads lend some structure to this incredibly strong silhouette. Paired with a middle finger sling and a fag and this look really sings.

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[Photo: tumblr]

7. Mini Skirts

It was during the 80s - aka the golden age of the mini skirt - that the phrase “I can see what she had for breakfast” was coined**.

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8. Statement Earrings

Massive acrylic affairs. Clacked on the phone receiver something chronic.

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[Photo: Tumblr]

These are the very earrings that inspired the opening credits for Saved by the Bell***.

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9. A Strong Suit

The maximum power effect of these clothes made the wearer strike strong authoritative poses throughout the working day.

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Women with large skulls could always rely on this look for it’s head-slimming qualities.

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[Photo: Pinterest]

10. Incredible Headwear

As with most 80s fashion more was most definitely, er, more? A little chair. A posh scarf. A day-glo sweatband. No look was complete without something atop your noggin.

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[Photo: Tumblr]

This style of headwear actually inspired JK Rowling to hide Lord Voldemort in Professor Quirrell’s turban****.

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[Photo: Tumblr]

*It’s not.

**It’s not.

***They’re not.

****It might’ve done. Ask her.

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