The pandemic saw the fashion industry make a turn from haute couture gowns to comfortable sweatpants, tracksuits, and pajamas. One of the prominent 2021 trends we’re seeing is the return of the 80s — chain-link necklaces, chunky statement pieces, and bold colors. But wearing these trends in today’s climate means exercising some restraint. If you’re planning on bringing 80s glam to your Zoom calls, for example, you’ll want to tone it down. Here are some ways to pay homage to the era of punk and glamour during today’s work-from-home age.
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Bold Hues
One of the first things that come to mind when one thinks of the 80s – apart from big, wild hair – is bright, eye-catching colors. It was also a time for fashion that was all about unexpected pairings of colors, prints, and textures.
You can wear these bold colors in your jewelry, fashion, or makeup. Thin and colorful silicone bracelets are sure to make a comeback among teens. But keep in mind that since this is a modern and professional setting, so you’ll have to exercise moderation. Sport a bright red lip with a simple button-down blouse or a bright fuchsia blouse with neutral makeup and accessories.
Oversized Clothes and Jewelry
Much of 80s fashion was about oversized apparel, hair, and accessories. Shoulder pads helped women look slimmer because broader shoulders made their waists look smaller in comparison. Chunky jewelry pieces speak for themselves and take your outfit to a different level.
Chain-Link Accessories
These were some of the things that reflected the edgy, rebellious spirit of the 80s, along with oversized leather jackets with metal studs, frayed denim, and intense black eyeliner looks of the Winona Ryder or Joan Jett variety. Gold or silver chain-link necklaces and bracelets bring back the right level of 80s class. It will go perfectly with crisp button-up blouses and structured blazers.
Mismatched Earrings
Another way to show off a rebellious side without going overboard was to play with asymmetry. Asymmetrical hemlines and collars dominated the fashion scene whilst mismatched earrings took over in terms of jewelry.
One side can be a simple stud while the other is an immense, dangly delight. You can also play around with using ear cuffs to add the right touch of edginess to your buttoned-up workday attire. If you need inspiration for this trend, look no further than 80s It Girl Molly Ringwald in the cult classic Pretty in Pink.
Power Suits
You’re still just as much of a boss or career girl at home. Even if you’re only at home and keeping your video turned off for video calls, your outfit can still influence your mood and your productivity. Because your brain associates your pajamas with rest and downtime, wearing them might make you less likely or less motivated to get your work done.
This is the same logic behind why you shouldn’t work on a bed or a couch – it could mess with your sleep hygiene. Working in bed rather than in a designated workspace in your home can make your brain associate your bed with productivity instead of sleep. Making a habit out of this could render you incapable of falling asleep on your bed.
We’re not saying that you have to dress to the nines while working from home – though nobody’s stopping you if that’s what you want to do. Instead, you should make more of an effort with dressing for remote work. Your bed and favorite pair of pajamas have a time and place, and that’s not at your home office from 9 to 5 on a weekday.
Pearls
The 1980s were a time of opulence that was perhaps rivaled only by the 1920s. Both decades can be pinned down for their bountiful use of precious gems, particularly pearls. Pearls are soft and less domineering than other stones, such as diamonds, so they’re perfect for displaying a softer and more romantic side.
Collar Necklaces
Whether plain or bedazzled with stones, collar necklaces add sophistication and glamour to any ensemble. Wear plain gold ones to effortlessly elevate any look, or wear pearl- or diamond-encrusted ones that would make Princess Diana proud.
Being confined to your home doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make an effort to get dressed for your Zoom calls. This year, the 80s are making a comeback in jewelry and apparel. The colorful, rebellious, and punk-rock era can be seen in today’s chain-link accessories, asymmetrical earrings, and power-dressing. Make sure to wear these trends in moderation so that you’ll still look polished and professional.