80s Fashion Icons: Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and More

The 1980s was a decade that brought with it a lot of change and excitement, including in the world of fashion. With the rise of music videos and the emergence of iconic pop stars, the 80s saw a shift towards bold, daring and often outrageous fashion styles. From neon colors and big hair to shoulder pads and leather jackets, 80s fashion was all about making a statement.

One of the most prominent fashion icons of the 80s was Madonna. The “Material Girl” singer was known for her daring fashion choices, often pushing the boundaries with her risqué outfits. Madonna’s style was a mix of punk, glam and pop, with her signature look including lace gloves, fishnet stockings, mini skirts and crop tops. Her music videos, such as “Like a Virgin” and “Papa Don’t Preach,” showcased her unique fashion sense and helped to popularize her style.

Another pop star who influenced 80s fashion was Cyndi Lauper. The “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” singer was known for her quirky and colorful fashion choices, often wearing bright neon colors and bold patterns. Lauper’s style was a mix of punk, new wave and pop, with her signature look including a wild, multi-colored hairdo, oversized jackets and funky accessories like chunky bracelets and earrings.

Other fashion icons of the 80s included Michael Jackson, who popularized the “Thriller” jacket and signature white glove, and Boy George, who was known for his flamboyant and gender-bending fashion choices. The punk rock scene also had a big influence on fashion in the 80s, with bands like The Clash and The Sex Pistols inspiring a rebellious and edgy style that included ripped jeans, leather jackets and studded belts.

One of the biggest trends of the 80s was the use of shoulder pads in women’s fashion. Women’s blazers and suits often featured exaggerated shoulder pads, giving a strong and powerful look. This trend was popularized by TV shows like “Dynasty” and “Dallas,” where the female characters often wore glamorous and over-the-top outfits.

In conclusion, the 80s was a decade of bold and daring fashion choices, with pop stars and musicians leading the way in terms of style. Madonna, Cyndi Lauper and other fashion icons helped to shape the fashion landscape of the decade, with their unique and often outrageous outfits becoming a defining feature of 80s fashion. Although some of the trends of the 80s may seem dated or even cringe-worthy today, they remain a testament to the creativity and individuality of the decade.