MEMORIES:
At the heart of 80s fashion was the oversized blazer. Perfect for school, the office, and even the street, the look was part conservative, part outrageous fashion statement. The oversized blazer completed the Euro-prep look and could be paired with everything, from shorts, to jeans, to miniskirts; well, anything but dress pants. Bleh – passé!
This particular blazer wasn’t the one your parents wore to a job interview. Often found in a wide variety of colors and patterns (sometimes both!) the look could be as funky or preppy as you wanted it to be. Younger guys usually paired their blazers with T-shirts and jeans, while the more sophisticated 80s male wore them with linen shirts, a la Miami Vice. Preps of both genders could often be found wearing their blazers with Izod shirts, pressed shorts and penny loafers. Of course, the girls would have had their slouch socks on.
Women got to have a field day with the oversized blazer, bringing the power of fashion forward with an easy-to-match-with jacket. More risqué females would put their blazers over their super-sexed up bustier. Women also piled on the costume jewelry, funky hats, and even rolled up their blazer sleeves to reveal stacks of bangles on their forearms. Softer, gentler girls would pair their blazers with pearls, pink floral skirts, ribbon-y hats and perfect pumps to create a thoroughly modern Victorian look.
80s movies and television shows really picked up the trend, showing everyone from the cast of Dynasty to the cast of 21 Jump Street sporting their oversized blazers. Whether you wore yours with shoulder pads or baggy dolman sleeves, the blazer was sure to fit whatever mood or style anyone felt like wearing. Just don’t forget to roll up the sleeves!
