The new season of stranger things was finally released this past 4th of July, and in addition to the amazing acting, the 80’s bops and the awesome settings (Starcourt mall meets Russian laboratory!?), I have been obsessed with this (and every season’s) fashion.
The 80s was a time of bold prints, puffy hair, scrunchies and high tops – a huge geometric rainbow in the fashion timeline. Think Kevin Bacon’s washed denim jeans from Footloose, Molly Ringwald’s pink poofy bridesmaids dress from Sixteen Candles or Mia Sara’s white jacket fully equipped with fringe and shoulder pads from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Going off my own mother’s words (please tell me that isn’t back in style!), 80’s fashion was certainly a very questionable, yet daring time for fashion. I have to say, it was super fun putting these outfits together, but I don’t think I’ll be adding a matching rainbow-coloured choker and bracelet to my next outfits!
I tried to make each of these looks from clothing and accessories that I already owned (I figured buying new clothes would defeat the purpose of the whole retro 80s vibe!). In the end, the only thing I ended up purchasing was the yellow top, featured in two of the outfits. I really couldn’t pass it up, as it was the perfect colour, it had the collar and even an ugly geometric square print all over the fabric (and it was only $4 from value village).
Look #1: Mall Rat
meet me at the mall
Ahahah I LOVE this look and it was definitely the most fun to create. This one is inspired by all those Starcourt mall rats with coloured scrunchies, washed overalls and arm candy. The necklace and choker I actually DIYd out of origami when I was a kid, and I’m so glad I finally found the opportunity to wear them! For my shoes, I chose to wear my favourite classic Reeboks (see My Favourite Summer Shoes) which are totally 80’s inspired, along with some above the ankle socks just to add an extra element of colour and fun. Now I’ll take another tester of the mint-chip ice cream please!
Look #2: Denim Baddie
you must think i care
Double Denim: the ultimate “cool kid” outfit. This look is of course inspired by my one true love Billy Hargrove, with the faded white tee, washed denim jacket and 80’s jeans. I decided to go with a faded Bowie graphic on the t-shirt, rather than plain white, to add a bit of personality. I also traded the arm candy for a big watch to give more of a tomboy vibe, but kept with the white shoes to tie everything together. The jean jacket almost acts as more of an accessory than anything else, with a popped collar to boost the ego and cuffed sleeves showing a care-free attitude. What I really love about this outfit is that anyone can wear double denim, with any shade of denim they like – but it is that it is really up to the attitude and confidence of the wearer to pull it off.
Look #3: Power Yellow
Bitchin.
I am all here for these suspenders! This outfit was inspired by El’s yellow printed top look which she wears closer to the end of season 3, with the suspender’s crossed in front. I decided to add some checkered black and white vans to add some more personality and a different print, since I was unable to find a printed top like hers in the thrift store. Instead, I decided used the same top from the first look, which worked really well as the collar sat perfectly over the suspenders, and contrasted with the black on the outfit. I also wore a black big-buckled belt and some trousers which I rolled up at the hem, to reduce the serious appearance of the whole outfit. I love this look as it is both quirky (the vans, belt and suspenders), yet casual (the cuffed pants, collared shirt and lack of jewelry) – totally matching El’s personality.
Let me know in the comments which look was your favourite!
alice, xx
The Fashion Hiker 