The Decade of Decadence

It was the decade of decadence.

Madonna brought the corset out of the bedroom and onto the runways. Cyndi Lauper introduced us to pink hair and power jackets. Stevie Nicks draped herself in velvet and rhinestones while singing about leather and lace.

The 80s! A time when style eclecticism reached its peak. Hold on to your stilettos because the mixed-up, trussed-up, overly made-up fashion of the 1980s is walking into 2016.

80s Fun

It’s time to have some fashion fun. That means more is more this season. Go ahead and combine vertical stripes with horizontal ones. Mix and match materials and styles. This winter, we’re seeing hiking boots with skirts. We’re witnessing the return of asymmetric cuts and exaggerated sleeves and arms.

Long after corsetry was returned to the underwear side of the drawer, it’s back in the outerwear side. Not only is it once again fashionable to wear a corset peeking out from under an open shirt, more and more women are lacing up bustiers over dresses and shirts.

Eighties goth is also back — in a big way. This time around we’re seeing more dramatic, theatrical ensembles. Go ahead and throw a black velvet jacket over your black lace corset, pull up those thigh-high/sky-high boots, and update it a bit with a denim jacket or a tweed skirt.

This winter, leave no detail unadorned.

80s Glam

Sparkle and shine this season. Eighties glam is back in all its glory. Thanks to red carpet A-listers like Lupita Nyong’o and Jennifer Lopez, we’re seeing a resurgence of glittery evening wear, sequins, and metallic fabrics. Dresses are once again low cut and high slit. If you want to keep it elegant, neutral shades can be used to elevate skin-baring looks.

If you’re less about elegance and more about cutting-edge, you’re in luck: 80s funk is flying high. Animal prints are everywhere. Funky faux furs are once again being sold in bright, bold colors with an updated free-flowing silhouette. Designers are also putting some new twists on velvet. The ultra-soft material is being used for everything from skinny pants to vibrant-colored business jackets.

Fishnet stockings are also returning to this century with intricate, new designs. Pair them with spiked stilettos and you’ll relive some of the best fashion the 80s has to offer.

80s Power

Power suits with crisp, sharp edges are an 80s fashion icon and they’re back, too. This winter’s suits come in newer, brighter colors with thinner legs. Shoulder pads are also back, just not as big as before. Upgrade your suits with sharp shouldered blazers and some pointed, flat-ankle boots. Other retro power moves in fashion are puffed shoulder shirts, ruching, and bold, gold jewelry.

80s Casual

If you want to add a casual touch to an 80s power suit, try an 80s crop top. You can find midriff-baring shirts along with denim jackets, hiking boots, and puffy winter coats. More casual, off-the-shoulder shirts and dresses are also re-emerging.

Another cas‘ comeback: Spandex! But instead of the 80s aerobic wear, we’re seeing athletic-wear combining with street-style trends. Spandex yoga pants, leggings, and crop tops are often mixed with more casual daytime clothes for running errands or just hanging out.

80s Ugly

There are some 80s trends most fashionistas thought (or at least hoped) would never make their way back. Get ready to say “hello” again to the fanny pack. That’s right. The runways were full of them. At least the updated versions are more stylish with distinct designs and newer materials. Scrunchies are also being used again in ponytails and buns.

As with any trend, only wear what you like and what makes you feel comfortable. It’s okay to pick and choose. Luckily, this winter we have lots of choices.

All Made Up

The no-makeup trend is officially over! (Sorry, Alicia Keys.) Not only is makeup back, it’s back in a big way. If you’re itching to try something new, now is the time.

Think big. Think bold. Think badass.

Black and Blue

Whether you’re on the cutting edge or a bit more laid back, the biggest makeup trend this season is one everyone can try: black eyeliner. That’s it. As long as it’s black and greasy, it’s a go. If you want to play it safe, give yourself a classic line or a soft smudge. For a more creative look, rim your waterlines top to bottom. Or take a dramatic turn and paint some razor-sharp lines on the sides of your eyes. Literally, anything goes this season when it comes to black eyeliner.

Women are taking the same “anything goes” approach to eyeshadows. Blue is the eyeshadow color this year — baby, electric, even fluorescent blues are popular. Pick a shade and try one out.

Goth With Gloss

When it comes to your lips, think modern gothic. Dark lipstick (seriously, almost black) is everywhere. Another lipstick trend: red. This season’s shades aren’t just red; they’re dramatically red. Rich, dark hues are taking over.

It isn’t just shade, but texture that counts. While matte lipsticks are still in, glossy is taking center stage. Look for a clear lip gloss to paint over lipstick to keep your lines sharp.

Light It Up

2016 is lighting it up!

The fall runways were packed with glitter, neon, and fluorescent makeup. I would give the cautionary “a little goes a long way” approach, but this season, a lot goes longer. Designers are putting glitter everywhere! You can try a light sprinkling of gold shadow, or smear multi-colored glitter randomly around the eye.

Neon and fluorescent shades of eye shadows and lipsticks are also flying off the shelves.

Peachy Keen

If you take a more subtle approach to makeup, but want to try something on-trend, think peach. For the first time in, well forever, peachy shades have gone from spring to winter. The good news is peach looks good on nearly every skin tone. Peach-colored eyeshadow, blush, and lipstick provide this season’s over-the-top looks with a nice, laid-back break.

Long Lashes

Vogue is calling this year’s long-lash look “the Twiggy lashes.” This ode to the mod eyes of 60s supermodel Twiggy Lawson doesn’t just involve length, it includes heavy mascara. Both the top and bottom lashes should stand out. This means lots of dark, black mascara. You may also want to try fake lashes or lash extensions. You can’t go wrong with long, full, dark lashes.

Be creative with glitter and big, bold looks. Or stay demure with a touch of peach gloss. Whatever your look, this season’s makeup trends offer something for everyone.