1980s Fashion Cheat Sheet for Retro Photos

Why fashion makes or breaks an 80s photo

Lighting and film grain set the mood, but clothing is what people notice first. A modern hoodie in a perfect 80s photo still looks modern. That is why every Novaali style changes your outfit to match the scene.

The big looks of the decade

Here are the fashion families that define the 1980s, and where you will find them in our style book:

• Power dressing: huge shoulder pads, bold suits and statement earrings. See Power Suit and Mall Glamour Shot.
• Fitness wear: leotards, leg warmers, headbands and bright stripes. See Aerobics Class.
• Preppy: polo shirts with popped collars, sweaters over the shoulders, headbands. See Preppy Club.
• Street and hip-hop: tracksuits, gold chains, bucket hats and fresh sneakers. See Old School Hip-Hop.
• Rock and punk: leather, studs, band tees, bandanas and teased or spiked hair. See Rock Legend and Punk Backstage.
• Pastel cool: linen suits, t-shirts under blazers and loafers without socks. See Miami Pastel.
• Party wear: satin, sequins, puffed sleeves and ruffled tux shirts. See Prom Night.

Color palettes to remember

Early-80s photos lean warm and earthy, carrying over from the 70s. Mid-decade brings neon pinks, electric blues and pastel mint. Late-80s glamour favors jewel tones, black and metallics. Novaali styles follow the palette of the year they are modeled on.

Planning a themed shoot or party

Pick one look per person so the group photo tells a story: one power suit, one aerobics outfit, one rock star. Generate everyone's portraits, then print them as a mock yearbook or party invitation.