1980s Fashion Men Formal: Power Suits and Pastel Excess

01 May 2024

Pin by Manuela Arenas on Metal/Rock & Motos.

Remember shoulder pads so wide they could double as aircraft carriers? The eighties. A time of bold statements, big hair, and even bigger ambition. And nowhere was this more evident than in men's formal wear. Buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into the eye-popping, jaw-dropping world of 1980s fashion men formal.

Gone were the muted tones and understated elegance of previous decades. The 1980s were all about making a statement, and men's formal wear was no exception. This was the decade of Wall Street excess, after all, where looking the part was as important as playing it.

The quintessential symbol of 1980s men's formal wear? The power suit. Think double-breasted jackets with linebacker-worthy shoulder pads, paired with high-waisted pleated trousers. It was a look that screamed, "I own this room," and Wall Street wasn't the only place it reigned supreme. From the boardroom to the disco, men were rocking this look with a confidence that bordered on cocky.

But it wasn't all about aggressive silhouettes. The '80s also brought a surprising surge of color into men's formal wear. Pastel shirts, particularly in shades of pink, yellow, and seafoam green, became unexpectedly trendy. This wasn't your grandfather's stuffy old dress shirt. This was a statement. It was bold. It was... well, it was the '80s.

And let's not forget the accessories. Bold pinstripe patterns were everywhere, from suits to ties. And speaking of ties, they were wide, patterned, and often worn with a contrasting pocket square for maximum impact. This was a time when more was definitely more. Subtlety? She left the building faster than you could say "Miami Vice."

Advantages and Disadvantages of 1980s Men's Formal Fashion

While the 80s are often remembered with a mixture of fondness and amusement, there's no denying that the decade had a lasting impact on fashion. Here's a look at some of the pros and cons of the era's take on men's formal wear:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Confidence Boosting: The powerful silhouettes and bold colors could definitely make a statement and exude a certain swagger. Memorable: Say what you will, but 1980s fashion was unforgettable. It was a time for taking risks and expressing individuality. Fun with Color: The embrace of pastels and bold patterns added a playful element to formal wear.	Over-the-Top: The emphasis on excess could sometimes veer into comical territory (those shoulder pads!). Dated Look: The styles are so strongly associated with the decade that they can look out of place today. Not Always Flattering: The boxy silhouettes weren't always the most figure-flattering.

Best Practices for Incorporating 1980s Men's Formal Style Today

Okay, so maybe you don't want to look like you stepped straight out of a Bret Easton Ellis novel. But that doesn't mean you can't take some inspiration from the bold confidence of 1980s men's formal wear.

Start with a Statement Piece: You don't need a full-on power suit to channel the '80s. Try incorporating a single statement piece, like a double-breasted blazer with strong shoulders or a bold patterned tie, into your modern wardrobe.
Embrace Pastels: A pastel shirt in pink, blue, or yellow can add a touch of retro flair to your formal look without being overwhelming. Keep the rest of your outfit sleek and modern to avoid looking too costume-y.
Mind the Fit: One of the biggest pitfalls of '80s fashion was the often-unflattering fit of the clothing. When incorporating elements of the style today, pay close attention to fit. Opt for tailored pieces that flatter your body type.
Don't Be Afraid to Mix and Match: The beauty of modern fashion is the freedom to mix and match different eras and styles. Try pairing a vintage-inspired blazer with slim-fitting trousers and minimalist sneakers for a look that's both retro and contemporary.
Own It: Confidence is key to pulling off any look, especially one that's as bold as 1980s-inspired formal wear.

So, there you have it. The world of 1980s fashion men formal was a whirlwind of power suits, pastels, and patterns galore. It was a time of excess and bold statements, and while it might not be everyone's cup of tea today, there's no denying that it left a lasting impact on the world of men's fashion.