Look of the decade

Glamour, power-dressing, padded shoulders and body consciousness on the one hand, and a multi-layered, casual look on the other, were typical of women's fashions in the 1980s. Lycra - used since the 1950s in underwear - started being used in the 1980s for outerwear, leading to the figure-hugging fashions that grew out of the fitness craze. The corporate image for men had a bit of a comeback, with a new style for high-powered, young city gents emerging with the economic boom. High-street chain stores began to specialise in clothing for men.