The versatility of fashion in 1980's

Whether you love or lament the current resurgence of 1980's styles, fashion in the 1980s gave people more choices in terms of looks than ever before.

The decade began with the aftermath of Punk, which turned the fashion world, as well as the music world, on its head. At the beginning of the 80s, the New Romantics took their influence from historical costume and both men and women wore outrageous make up. Later power dressing became essential for the career woman, everyone was into designer labels and a new fashion phenomenon. Next opened up on the high street.

Some young people adopted the Mod look of 60s Carnaby Street, inspired by the original Mod revival band, The Jam.

Others adopted a look inspired by the 50s, known as Rockabilly. The severe, 50s derived flat top hairdo became popular for some young men.

Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm Maclaren transformed their original Punk store at 430 King's Road. They completely rejected Punk and renamed the store 'World's End'. It specialised in Westwood's new pirate look, derived from 17th century pirate costumes.

New Romantic music and fashion became more mainstream youth culture in the early years of the 80s. It was typified by loose fitting clothes, asymmetric hair cuts and excessive make-up, worn by both men and women. The link between music and fashion was strong. New Romantic fashions were displayed by Adam and the Ants, Visage, the Human League as well as Culture Club.

So there we have it people...I bet you didn't know the 80's were more than just bat wing sleeves and footless tights.