Feminism was developed in the 1980s by feminists who were reacting to popular liberal feminism, which emphasized the similarities between men and women to seek equal treatment for women. Instead of focusing on the differences between men and females, it argues that the values of both men and women should be treated equally. Equity feminism is a type of liberal feminism that was discussed during the 1980s. It is a kind of classical liberal feminist. The women’s rights movement was a social movement that was established in the 1960s to seek equal rights and opportunities for women. 

When it comes to fashion, the social aspects of clothing have revolved around traditions regarding certain items of clothing intrinsically suited to different gender roles. In different periods, both women's and men's fashions have highlighted one area or another of the body for attention. In particular, the wearing of skirts and trousers has given rise to common phrases expressing implied restrictions in use and disapproval of offending behavior. For example, ancient Greeks often considered the wearing of trousers by Persian men as a sign of an effeminate attitude. Women's clothing in Victorian fashion was used as a means of control and admiration. Reactions to the elaborate confections of French fashion led to various calls for reform on the grounds of both beauties and health. Although trousers for women did not become fashionable until the later 20th century, women began wearing men's trousers for outdoor work a hundred years earlier. In the 1960s, André Courrèges introduced long trousers for women as a fashion item, leading to the era of the pantsuit and designer jeans, and the gradual eroding of the prohibitions against girls and women wearing trousers in schools, the workplace, and fine restaurants. And also, Issey Miyake’s designs concentrated on innovation and clothes that were comfortable to wear. In the 80s, he designed outfits that revolutionized pleated clothing. 

Many 80s fashion statements started with Princess Diana, even though she professed herself entirely disinterested in fashion. Beloved by the world since she first publicly appeared with Prince Charles early in 1981, people noted and emulated her every move. Diana was the force behind iconic 80’s clothing as diverse as the padded shoulder and feminine patterned silk blouses, high waisted jeans, statement shoulder pads, the winged ‘Diana’ hairstyle, and pearl earrings. She also sparked bizarre 80’s trends such as wearing several watches at once.

Minimalism has been the go-to look for some time now, but there’s currently a change in the air. Perhaps feeling a little bored with all those simplistic styles, designers and style stars alike have brought forward a new wave of maximal fashion that appears straight from the ’80s. Big shoulders, bright colors, and plenty of statement styles are making fashion fun once again. Perfect for creating exciting and eye-catching outfits, this 80s fashion trend promises to infuse your wardrobe with a new and glamorous sense of style. Hip-hop music and culture were extremely prevalent in the ‘80s. As such, hip-hop fashion was also trending, especially in urban areas. Inspired by stars, such as the iconic Salt-N-Pepa trio and Queen Latifah, hip-hop fashion for women was similar to that for men. Baggy silhouettes and athletic details characterized the look along with bold and bright colors and bold patterns. 

Before there was ‘90s grunge, there was ‘80s punk. This rebellious look developed in the later years of the 1980s and represented a dramatic departure from the decade’s glamorous beginning. Featuring iconic pieces like studded leather jackets, ripped jeans, band t-shirts, and heavy-duty boots, the punk look was intense and edgy. Even the hair of this subculture was bold and in-your-face. Today, punk fashion is once again becoming popular. However, the look is slightly more toned-down and casual. When you think of the ‘80s, an image of Jane Fonda in a leotard and leg-warmers undoubtedly enters your mind. After all, her aerobics videos were unbelievably popular during the decade and brought forth a wave of new workout fashion. Matching the decade’s theme of excess, this workout style featured bold outfits for women. When you think of the ’80s, big shoulders always come to mind. Thanks to the power suiting trend for women, the ’80s saw shoulders pumped up with extra padding to bold new heights and widths. Today, big shoulders are an excellent way to add a touch of that unapologetic ’80s attitude into your wardrobe. The ’90s may have had minimalism, but the ’80s had maximalism. Oversized shoulders, lashings of fabric, and decadent designs were all a regular part of dressing in the decade. As such, it’s hardly surprising that the colors were also bold and bright. This season, using color can be a fun and simple way to infuse a modern outfit with an ’80s vibe. 

Sequined dresses may have been worn for exciting evening looks back in the ’80s, today that can also make a unique and eye-catching daytime look. To nail this style, all you need to do is mix your sequined dress with casual pieces like sneakers, a T-shirt, and a loose overcoat. Also, be sure to bypass the traditional ’80s hair and makeup. All a sequined outfit needs to complete its chic style is a natural makeup look and simple waves.

Today, you can find ruffles on many items, including tops, jackets, pants, skirts, dresses, and even shoes and bags. Off-the-shoulder-tops are another glamorous ’80s look to return. Spotted on both tops and dresses, this unique style is starting to take over runways, magazine covers, and streets all over the world. Although you can easily wear this look during the daytime as an off-the-shoulder top paired with jeans, it’s best to keep the single shoulder dresses for evening occasions. 

If you’re old enough to feel a bit sheepish when you catch a glimpse of yourself in an 80’s photo today, don’t. With its neon overload, power suits and acid wash jeans, 80s fashion was one of the most iconic so far. Everything from spandex, shoulder pads, teal eyeliner, and velour tracksuits to the neon shoelaces which defined 1980s fashion have become trend leaders and gave birth to throwback fashion influences that are predicted to continue to pop up in decades to come. Any day now, you will be able to dig out that old clothes from the back of your cupboard and wear them again with pride.