The 1980s were all about identity and excess. Men and women everywhere were looking to find the fashions that really allowed their individuality to shine through, and the crazy eighties had something for just about everyone.

One of the main trends to hit the 80s was power dressing. For women, it meant dramatic shoulder pads and tailored suit jackets and blouses. Women were seeking their own identities outside of the typical female stereotype, and this more masculine style allowed them to assert themselves and helped along the campaign for equal rights in the work place. It was down to popular TV show ‘Dynasty’, first aired in 1981, that really introduced the style into the mainstream, with the actresses all wearing enormous shoulder pads that could rival those of any American footballer. These women were dramatic and powerful, and their suits and broad shoulders portrayed that, whilst their hair, make up and clever use of jewelry allowed them to still appear feminine. This style remained popular throughout the 80s and into the first three years of the nineties.

However, when most people think of the 80s, neon and leg-warmers spring to mind. Dancewear was an incredibly popular trend that just about everyone who wanted to be considered anyone wore. It didn't matter if you couldn't dance; if your wardrobe consisted of brightly coloured legwarmers, leggings, leotards and a few ripped sweaters, you were still 'cool'. This trend really became popular with the 1983 release of the film 'Flashdance', and the abundance of aerobics and dance fitness TV shows influenced women to adopt this style whether in the gym or not.

Obviously, it is hard to write about the 80s without mentioning Madonna. Madonna was an enormous fashion icon in the eighties, and when she emerged with her 'street urchin' look, it didn't take long for the short skirt, fishnet gloves, rubber bracelets and bleached hair to catch on, not to mention the long, dangling necklaces. Not only this, but when Madonna started wearing lingerie on the outside, millions of women were quick to copy this look all around the world. This breaking of the underwear taboo allowed women to express sexual freedom and rebel against the prevailing androgynous fashions that took away the feminine identity.

The '80s was a time packed with exciting new twists in fashion. Gothic fashion was also a big part of the 80s that still has an enormous influence today. Bands such as Siouxsie and the Banshees and The Cure thrust the music and the fashion into the public eye, with their backcombed black hair and white faces against black dress. The New Romantics brought frills and flamboyant clothing back from the grave, and the pirate look was a massive hit with bands such as 'Adam and the Ants'. The Androgynous look was popular, with Annie Lennox and Boy George being the icons of the scene. And that's not even touching Hair Metal. The 1980s were an incredibly influential and exciting time for fashion, and at least with certain trends we learn not to make the same mistakes twice.