5 STYLE DETAILS TO STEAL FROM THE 80’S

Words: Jabulile Dlamini-Qwesha | Photography: Niquita Bento 

The best part about getting into the full swing of party mode is living out the looks you love but often feel like are too OTT to wear on a regular day or night out. The height of holiday season is for extravagant get-togethers and fancy celebrations of the year that is coming to an end, so your style only naturally has to level up. Taking inspiration from the maximalist eighties era, the fashion points to make this season include vibrant colour pops, prints from the wild, all things shimmery, shiny and sparkly with details that dazzle and allow your style to take centerstage.

Bringing the party season fashion mood to life, Superbalist’s latest ad featuring Moozlie, Mihlali Ndamase and Takkies is visual blast of show-stopping fashion that plays into the festive 80s fashion trend. Soundtracked with Brenda Fassie’s Weekend Special, it sets the tone for how you should approach to season of eternal Saturdays in every way. To get you started on nailing the look, twe have narrowed it down to five details you absolutely must get right.

Loud prints and patterns underscore an OTT 1980s attitude with the statements they make. Animal prints and scarf motifs in spliced and bold colourways characterise the maximalist look of the era, while wearing one print at a time is an equally stylish way to execute this trend, creating clashes and juxtapositions are another way to have fun with it. 

Adding glitz, glamour and essence to pieces you can create statement party style with, the best way to bring out sparkle this season is through sequins and shimmery details on garments and accessories. With retail offerings borrowing heavily from the 80s’ reliance on material, don’t be shy to add velvety textures and go for feminine silhouettes that have a deep V shape. 

As brights dominate evening wear, opt solid hues in yellow, red, pink and even metallics that have colourful undertone. A look that’s quite simple to pull off once you have established that a shade pops off on your undertone, the best way to handle colour is to wear it from head to toe – with bright touches within a pattern being the secondary option. 

As we’ve established that 80s style is about making major statements all around, the trousers you should wear need to stand out. From the panelled high waist styles, flared fits, vintage wash denim to metallic pants, it’s about packing a power punch. This is also the easiest way to give a look longevity: pairing power trousers with a simple top or tee for the day and then throwing on a fancier blouse at night is a no brainer.

Accessories are the key details that either breathe new life into a look or allow you to nail a trend on its head. Party looks that go from day to night are that much more important to festive style because the aesthetics are that much more contrasted and accessories make it easier for you to carry a daytime look into nighttime, so you can’t afford to skim past the right ones. Bigger was always better in the 80s and bits and bobs that sparkle kept to the glamour of that moment, and that’s exactly how you should deal with the finer details of your party looks. Pay extra attention to belt bags; getting the fanny pack effect as well as the cinched waist look is convenience that is spot on.