The 'Get It Right' 80s Vintage Clothing Guide

Well it's official, the eighties are back with a vengeance! Love it or hate it, we guarantee you'll succumb to at least one eighties trend by the end of the year!

Sure you can pick up some eighties inspired fashion from a high street chain or designer label, but why not go all out authentic (and save a packet) but buying original vintage clothing?

With a whole array of vintage clothes & accesories to choose from, from the sublime to the ridiculous and everything in-between, how can you be sure you get it just right? In this guide we explore the eighties trends you should be following and how to wear them at their best...

Acid Wash Denim

Very Agness Deyn, acid wash denim is back and as punchy as ever. We've seen some glorious mini dresses, skirts, shorts and ripped jeans, all of which can be found in there original vintage form. And if you're handy with a Singer, find some vintage acid wash jeans and make your own hot pants or mini for the summer. Don't forget jackets too, keep them cropped and fitted or blazer shape for a look that's bang on trend.

Batwings

Available in both long and short sleeves, the batwing has made a few appearances in recent years, so if you're lucky you might already own one. This time it's all about the colour, pattern and detail. Stripes, polka dots, nudes and sparkles are most definitely in. Material can be thick and knitted or fine and silky. The ever flattering batwing can also be used in the multi layer look, perfectly versitile.

Bold Colour

Neons are fab and oh so hot, but as long as it's bright, block and in no way understated, then you're right where you need to be. This trends are bound to build momentum as the summer months approach, so get buying now. Clashing is encouraged so get creative. We're talking orange dress, cerise heels and lime accessories – but if you're brave enough to carry this off then don't forget the St.Tropez!

Sequins

We've all had enough of the doom and gloom, so glitz and glamour has been reignited to make us all feel extra special! Sequins make an appearance on many other looks - jumpsuits, blazers and one shoulder dresses. You can find lots of sequinned eighties vintage gems, or buy something plain and get customising!

Zips

Not for the faint hearted, zips are mega eighties and mega trashy! Best in black, look for tops, dresses, jackets and skirts with oversize or contrast colour zip detail. This is one trend that must be kept in isolation, don't mix multiple zipped separates if you want to keep your chic factor.

Polka Dots

Think Grease, Fame and Barbie. Polka dots are a cute and easy to find print that can be mixed, matched and worn in any colour combo. Best kept to dresses and skirts, but found on some snappy little blouses, polka is even more tongue in cheek than the first time round. For extra punch, try oversize dots and for sleek summer tailoring go for tiny ditsy print.

One Shoulder

A one shoulder dress will blast you into the outer fashion stratosphere and beyond. Seen all over the latest red carpets, this look has just the right balance of sex appeal, glamour and class. For fun holiday wear try a micro mini one shoulder dress or a printed one shoulder play suit. For the pinnacle of evening wear chic, go for an all out floor length gown in simple shimmering fabric.

Jumpsuits

Never to be confused with the (very naff) catsuit, your jumpsuit should be big and blousey. Shoulder pads or overworked shoulders are good, buttons are great and drawstrings and sequins add glamour and grace. Make sure your jumpsuit can be pulled in at the waist and keep trousers wide, not tapered. For the summer months, go for a sweet and sexy short playsuit (loads of pretty prints available) This wearable trend could take you right through to 2010 so invest wisely. Or just buy enough to feed your fix all year! No decent vintage boutique or website will be without these all-in-one gems so get searching... NOW!

Blazers

If you don't own one already then you need to get shopping! The perfect item to give your outfit that tailored or boyfriend edge. A masculine shape is preferable, tartans and checks are edgier and big buttons are a must! Dark colours will be more versatile but don't be afraid to try bright whites, electric blues or ruby reds!

So there we have it, our distinct guide to wearing eighties trends the right way. These rebirths can go horribly wrong but with a little guidance you can make them work in your favour. And remember, the best thing about buying vintage clothing is the reassurance that you'll be the only girl wearing that outfit. And we all know how great that feels....

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