Ever since the disco period perished, our love has grown by leaps and bounds for all things flared, colourful and EXTRA! Remember the uber-cool bell bottoms, Sadhana’s tight churidars, Zeenat Aman’s popular polka dot patterned outfits and of course a lot of sass spluttered by our favorite bygone actresses. From quirky vibrant prints to noteworthy details and OTT drapes, 80's saw a fashion revolution documented in the archives of Indian cinema. However, the revival and reincarnation of the good ol’ trends and styles are here to sweep you off your feet and experience a major throwback. It’s time to twin with your mommy and granny darlings in statement pieces that were once a rage amidst the young fellas back in time.
80s Bollywood Trends That Are Back In Vogue!
Let’s take a memorable walk in the glorious era back then:
Florals
Nothing can beat the charm of evergreen floral prints that were a rage and quite a fancy for every woman’s wardrobe. From floral leggings to floral sarees and floral dupattas, the market is now flooded with these ubiquitous trending diasporas. The most convenient yet breezy way to put forth your state-of-mind is by adorning a floral ensemble for an effortless gorgeous look. The quintessential summer/spring must-have has apparently turned into a fall favorite. The long-standing tradition of embracing the gold 80’s fashion certainly falls on our lap today with a fresh floral trend. Celebrities, socialites, HNI’s, entrepreneurs and the entire coterie of women are jostling in this formidable floral trend.
Body Fitting Bottoms
Ever since the 80’s actresses slipped into these tight-fitting churidars and paired their kurtas with the former, there’s no looking back. We can’t imagine our daily lives without the essential basics of leggings in all colors to go with our staple kurtas for work, or errands or just lounging at home. Who thought the trend that was oh-so-popular back in the 80’s amidst the rebellious women would be back and how. Essentially, we’re breathing in these leggings and it almost feels like our second home!
Puff Sleeve Blouse
Vintage is incomplete without a good dose of puff sleeve drama sprinkled in equal measures by the leading ladies in 80’s. The quirky yet feminine style complemented the women of all ages and statures, however, it became quite a thing in the Bengali culture. Hop at the Durga Pujo fairs and you shall be able to connect the dots and witness women flaunting their luxe silk sarees with puff style blouses. Designers today are bringing back the goodness of olden times with these little details that make a huge difference. Also, a large number of contemporary style designer clothing comes with this sleeve type.
Bell Sleeves
One of the most playful fusion evolved in the blouse is bell sleeves. Earlier, the actresses carried off their broad bell sleeve blouses with high neck adhere and draped a gorgeous floral saree with it to complete the vintage charm. Times have changed and so have the mindsets (in contrast to the past) we see many young actresses experimenting and bringing back the bell fashion with blouses, tops, kurtas and even dresses. Such statement sleeves are in vogue and exudes contemporary flair.
Bandanas
The triangular piece of cloth turned into an easy headscarf for long treks, sweaty head or winter saviour was once worn by Indian women as a mere utility item. However, the trend passed on to the American cowboys and later, punk musicians and artists wore vibrant bandanas as an expression of self esteem and pride. However, it’s more like a fashion accessory today, bandanas are worn by college girls and fashion-conscious masses to parties, hangouts, date nights or just casual catch-ups. Bandanas add a cool quotient and helps keep hair in place, so, nothing better than coordinate your outfit and get going!
Polka Dots
How can we forget the infamous scene from Karz where Parveen Babi’s signature outfit was polka dot tie knot crop top that attracted the fancy of half of the Indian men back then? Zeenat Aman was also seen wearing polka dot dresses on-screen and giving a bait to her fans in her usual cheesy fashion. Polka dots in bright loud colors were such a huge fashion rage, however, it has mellowed down now. Celebrities are often spotted wearing this trend and carrying the legacy forward.
Blazer with Saree
Not something you pinned recently after gaping at a blogger styling this! The trend dates back to the time when Saira Banu made a statement on-screen in an embroidered black blazer with saree and confidently emanated a ladylike class. Blazers in earthy shades like tan, beige and black were quite more popular back then than is the case now. Sarees come with a pre-stitched blazer and jackets in contrasting shades. Cotton and khadi sarees look phenomenal when paired with blazers. Celebrities do not shy away from trying this trend and it has ushered women to drape a saree during winters and style their ethnic wear smartly even in the chilling season of the year.
Bell Bottoms
What we once trolled back in the early 2000’s for its unusually flared look and diaphanous shape is today what we practically flaunt at formal parties. Fashion trends keep changing, however, it’s the magic of the era that makes us fall in love with the current styles. Crushing at the colourful tailored bell bottoms which were largely worn by male and female actors back then, the fashion statement is now restricted mostly amongst the female clan except Ranveer Singh, of course. Working women, fashion conscious women and bloggers are often spotted in this trend because of its versatility, breeze movement and edgy statement it offers. Style it with crop tops, shirts, saree blouses or even bralettes to put forth different moods.
Shirt Blouse
We all have that one grandmother who used to wear a shirt blouse with her sari. And so did the famous actresses back in the 80’s. Shirt blouses with statement collars added that much-needed cult when paired with a cotton silk saree. Following the footsteps of women in the regime, collared shirt blouses are yet again a runway favorite and so are the artsy women’s closet staple.
Sequins
Sequins take us back to the Disco Dance song wherein things went on too far and the fashy sequence of events almost blinded us for a while. But who thought the trend would be a hit today, actresses are pulling off sequin dresses in vivacious colors in item songs and women are largely embracing the trend. It is quite a popular fad in nightclubs and adventurous day outs.
Image Courtesy: 1. Pinterest, 2. Indiarush, 3. Vogue, 4. Instagram, 6. Vintage Fashion, 7. Pinkvilla, 8. Marie Claire, 9. Indian Fashion Blogger, 10. Pinterest
Article By : Ambika Asthana
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