Here's how to embrace the 1980's inspiration from the SS22 runways into your wardrobe

After months in sweatpants, simplistic looks and working from home-outfits, we’re more than ever feeling the need for exciting, bold and eccentric looks.

But what style will we be embracing as the new normal takes shape? The latest fashion season gave us the answer, with one of the most eclectic decades in fashion coming back strong; the 1980s. Why is this fashion era so relevant right now, and how are fashion houses giving shape to the more-is-more style approach in 2021? Prepare yourself for wide shoulders, bold colours and lots of nonchalant glamour – but don’t expect to go back in time. Here’s how to embrace the decade while still looking fresh.

Related: Celebrate the 1980s revival in the boldest silhouettes this season

Gone are the days of fully beige, grey, and neutral toned looks. The urge of expressiveness through clothes is on the rise, and how to do this better than through bright colours? The 1980s style is defined by its vibrant tones and the SS22 runways proved that electrifying hues are the perfect fit for a new beginning. Versace presented bold coloured sequins while Prada had vibrant orange hues. Prabal Gurung and Dries Van Noten covered just about the full colour palette in their collections, while Isabel Marant showed us quirky prints combined with metallics. Tom Ford’s collection was full with 1980s-esque metallic shades.

If there is one recognisable element of 1980s style, it’s oversized power suiting. As we slowly move back to the office, powerhouse workwear was all over the runways this season. The collection of Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello was the pinnacle of 1980s tailoring; broad-shouldered blazers were paired with spandex leggings and catsuits. And, of course, sky-high platform heels. Sharp shoulders were also shown by Balenciaga and Balmain, respectively combined with comfy leggings or processed in a sparkling dress. A strong feminine look that is not only suitable at the office, but just as much during a night out.

Related: These are the best styling tricks we picked up from Saint Laurent SS22

You can’t talk about the 1980s without talking about glamour. Lavish glamour, to be exact. Donatella Versace being the queen of dazzling glam made sure to bring the needed amount of wearable escapism with her collection that literally sparked joy through sparkling looks. Balmain joined with their famous embellished mini dresses with bold shoulder details. Tom Ford opted for electric sequins all over tops, pants and bomber jackets. Almost every designer included sparkling details in their collection, from bejeweled underwear at Coperni to a glittering net skirt at Chanel.

Although the 1980s style is often defined as over-the-top, the current styles are modernised and more refined which makes them fitting for now. Celebrated New York brand Khaite showed subtly incorporated sequins into its designs via toned-down broad shoulders and wearable see-through dresses.

If you have predetermined notions that 1980s style is all about discomfort (hello high heels and tight looks) — think again. Most of the clothes are predominantly made of second skin-fabrics and comfy jerseys. Saint Laurent took the lead with jersey catsuits, and Balmain chose for oversized polka dot blazers and body-hugging leotards. Not a crazy move, considering that the 1980s were fitness-obsessed with leggings and bodysuits becoming regulars.

Although the visual elements of 1980s fashion speak for themselves, it’s especially the energy of the fashion era that makes it a fitting trend for today. Virginie Viard collection for Chanel spoke this in volumes, the runway was an ode to the joy of fashion. Channeling not only an 1980s aesthetic in the pieces, it was foremost a celebration of individuality on the runway and of life for that matter. It is exactly this powerful potential of clothes that gets amplified through the decades' feel; creating positivity and a feeling of empowerment. The 1980s style proves to be the perfect optimistic antidote to the lack of life and energy that we so desperately missed. And if there's one thing we need, it's that.