sponsored post: how to get the 80's look

 

(top to bottom, left to right: betsey johnson spring rtw 2012 - looks 1 & 2, jeremy scott spring rtw 2012 , alice + olivia spring rtw 2012, moschino cheap & chic spring rtw 2012, betsey johnson fall rtw 2012 - looks 6 & 7, l.a.m.b. fall rtw 2012)

(photo credits: style.com)

Remember the heady days of Madonna, Dynasty, Kylie Minogue and those outrageous neon legwarmers? It may all seem a long time ago (30 years, in fact!) but now you can relive the 80s with the up-to-date styles currently springing up on the high street - from acid wash jeans to shoulder pads and leotards, there’s something for everyone.

Bodycon dresses

One of the most popular dress styles of the 80s was the bodycon – figure-hugging, with a low neckline and ultra-short skirt, these dresses were worn from day to evening. Nowadays, of course, we’re a little bit more conservative and generally reserve them for nights out, but if you’d like to adapt the look for daytime, shop for bodycon dresses in subtle pastel shades, or with floral patterns and lace embellishments.

Shoulder pads

A major player in the power-dressing trend, shoulder pads grew in popularity during this decade, largely owing to iconic TV shows like Dynasty and The Cosby Show, and a keenness for women to make an assertive impression in the workplace. These days, you’ll find shoulder pads in structured jackets and blazers, as well as in the above mentioned bodycon dresses.

Leotards

A craze for fitness and dancewear swept fashion in the 80s, partly due to 1983′s Flashdance and the popularity of Jane Fonda’s workout tapes. Leotards were at the forefront of the trend, along with the infamous legwarmers. In recent years, celebs like Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and Jessie J have all shown off their curves in an array of sparkly, metallic and colourful leotards. If you’re brave enough to wear one, opt for a plain leotard that you can layer underneath shorts or a skirt for a glamorous night out.

Neon clothing

One of the biggest trends from the 80s that’s now re-emerging is fluorescent, neon colours. Garish pinks, acid yellows and bright greens were all the rage – think Cyndi Lauper – not only on clothing but also accessories, including fingerless gloves and the much-loved ‘jelly’ shoes. This spring you can get a similar neon fix with colourful acid wash jeans, vibrant wedges and sugary chiffon skirts.

If you’re planning on injecting a bit of 80s flamboyance into your wardrobe this spring, an American Express credit card is the ideal shopping companion. Amex have variety of card options to choose from, each offering unique membership benefits, you can make your next trip to the high street even more rewarding.