The era of experimentation and risk-taking wasn’t limited to just the 1960s or 1970s; the 1980s had its fair share as well. It was a time of bold fashion choices, characterized by exaggerated eye makeup, voluminous backcombed hair, and shoulder pads that reached the ears. Androgyny and power dressing became prominent as women asserted their equality with men. Designers played with vibrant colors and unconventional sizes, while the fitness craze of aerobics introduced us to leggings, Lycra, and vintage blouses from the 1980s.
In the 1970s, jumpsuits were all the rage, and the 1980s followed suit with their own unique twist, featuring abundant patterns and vibrant colors. The aerobics trend brought us legwarmers in neon hues, paired with oversized gray marl sweatshirts and accessorized with headbands.
However, today, let’s focus on the charm of 1980s vintage blouses. They offer a delightful assortment of styles, featuring pussy bows, shoulder pads, and a burst of colors that evoke both romance and power dressing. These blouses were either part of a power dressing ensemble when paired with two-piece suits, or they exuded a more romantic vibe with intricate patterns, neck wraps, shoulder tucks, and ample fabric crossover. They were crafted from polyester, satin, or crepe de chine, and the addition of bodysuits beneath the blouses became a popular choice, creating a streamlined silhouette.
Power attire
Wearing corporate business suits with shoulder pads to give the shoulders a more stronger, taller, and wider appearance was known as power dressing, and it was all about the ladies looking as good as the men. Suits may have had a high neck with a pussy bow to top off a blouse wonderfully.
Romantic – 1980s Vintage blouses
In the early part of the 1980s, the focus was on the new romantics, including popular bands such as Spandau Ballet, Culture Club, and Adam and the Ants. Fashion during this time embraced billowing fabrics and a dandyish 18th-century look, complete with ostentatious makeup for both men and women. Some of these trends even spilled over into everyday wear, with blouses featuring more fabric and intricate details such as crossover fabric and bows at the neck. Collarless blouses with either a bow or simple pleated fabric and darts were also popular. While office wear tended to be more conservative, blouses still incorporated darts, drapery, and frills for those who desired a more elaborate look.
Dress it up with an 80s vintage blouse
There are several 1980s blouses available from vintage collections (Blue17?) and independent designers, whether you want power dressing with a suit or you prefer a blouse to pair with skinny jeans for a more contemporary style. To discover the ideal blouse, like with anything vintage, you must be willing to search far and wide and in between.
After finding the perfect blouse, there are many ways to style it. It can be paired with skinny jeans, a denim skirt, leggings, shorts, and more. If you’re not a fan of ostentatious frills or large pussy bows, there are alternative options. You can opt for a more conservative collarless blouse that emphasizes color rather than drapery and frills. Alternatively, a v-neck collarless blouse with a pleated bib or discreet pleated drapery down the front can be a great choice.
