Blasts from the Past: Winter Fashion and 1984

Winter fashion offers some fun for those of us nostalgic for the 1980s, thanks in large part to The Carrie Diaries. A prequel to Sex and the City, The Carrie Diaries chronicles Carrie Bradshaw’s life during 1984 when she was a senior in high school. Sex and the City had an enormous influence on what celebrities (and by extension, the rest of us) were wearing, and The Carrie Diaries promises to do the same.

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Give in to the Power of Denim

The denim jacket never really went out of style. Whether worn by an uptown socialite or a heavy equipment dealer, denim jackets bring practicality and casual style to your Winter fashion line-up.

Colored denim is hot this year. While any color is fair game, consider a jacket this Winter two breakout colors: rich peacock blue and burgundy.

In addition to denim, colored blazers are an integral part of winter fashion this season. Blazer colors are bright and almost neon in intensity, another nod to the 1980s. Match your denim jacket or blazer with a strapless floral print dress to bring a little color into Winter. Leather pants, always popular in the Winter, pair well with a jacket and bright shirt.

Big, Comfy Sweaters

One of the most wearable trends of the 1980s was the big, comfy knitted sweater, and yes, they’re back for Winter. The knit sweater looks best paired with a floral dress or printed pants.

Patterns and Prints

Abstract floral patterns are popular on full-length dresses, skirts and pants this year. Don’t be afraid to go head-to-toe with patterns, right down to patterned shoes. Polka dots (another 1980s standard) are also well represented on the runways. While many of the Winter’s prints look to the 1980s for inspiration, more elaborate bohemian prints bring to mind the 1960s.

If you’re looking for a less colorful, more elegant pattern, black and white prints are another emerging Winter trend. Black and white prints range from the simple to complex, flowing baroque patterns.

Quilted Handbags, Shoes and More

This Winter offers large, functional handbags with classic quilt patterns. Perhaps in response to the popularity of mobile devices, these roomy handbags are large enough for your iPad or tablet.

Quilted patterns also crop up in Winter boots, clogs, gloves, vests and skirts. And, of course, the quilted Winter jacket continues to provide comfort and style in equal measure. One word of caution on quilted patterns: don’t go overboard. Excessive use of quilts has a blocky, formless effect.

Burgundy PVC Raincoats

Burgundy PVC-coated raincoats have become an unexpected Winter essential. The outerwear combines one of the Winter’s dominant colors with warmth and a waterproof coating, allowing you to brave the elements with style.

Byline: Michelle is an aspiring writer with a passion for blogging. She enjoys writing about a vast variety of topics and loves that blogging gives her the opportunity to publicly voice her thoughts and share advice with an unlimited audience.