How to Make the '80s Trend Less Terrifying

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This summer, we may have been doting on spaghetti-strap slip dresses, "naked" strappy sandals, and Carrie Bradshaw bags of the '90s, but the fall season is unquestionably all about '80s excess. In fact, '80s influences could be seen everywhere on the F/W 18 runways—from Tom Ford's glitzy metallics to shoulder-padded party dresses at Saint Laurent to oversize proportions of color blocking at Marc Jacobs, not to mention electric neons, animal-print sequined dresses, ruched leather, and amped-up evening looks that sashayed down the catwalks of practically every major designer's show. It's safe to say if you like the '80s, you're going to love fall 2018.

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Glitzy accessories and animal prints were huge at Tom Ford.

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Power shoulders took over the show at Saint Laurent.

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Marc Jacobs made us crave oversize overcoats in bright neon shades.

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Amped-up party dresses with larger-than-life ruffles stole the show at Marc Jacobs.

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Miu Miu made the case for '80s high-shine patent jackets.

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You heard it here first: Acid-wash jeans are back thanks to Miu Miu.

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Moschino had us wanting to update our cocktail dress attire ASAP.

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Simply striking '80s vibes emanated from the Tom Ford runway.

While the trend is pure eye candy on the runway, trying to pull it off in a fresh, modern—and, let's be honest, less terrifying—way is a different thing altogether. Luckily, we found some ultra-wearable pieces that give a nod to the '80s while still exuding a contemporary of-the-moment style. Scroll below to take on the trend.

Up next: six fall trends I can't wait to wear.

Judith Jones
Senior Fashion Market Editor

Judith is the senior fashion market editor at Who What Wear and has worked in fashion for nearly a decade. Judith started on the Shop Who What Wear team, creating content and managing a team of merchandisers for the Who What Wear shopping app. She later crossed over to the editorial team, where she shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands in her shopping-focused stories and social takeovers. She has become one of the top affiliate earners during her six plus years at Who What Wear. Before working in fashion, Judith was a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) and shared her passion for travel and food. She studied at the prestigious London Academy of Dramatic Arts as well as Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York. She later studied fashion merchandising and design, which laid the foundation for her career in fashion.


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