Susan Miller

·Master of Fine Arts in Jewelry Design, Pratt Institute, 2012

·Bachelor of Arts in Gemology, University of California, Los Angeles, May 2005

·Editor-in-Chief, White Victoria (2018 - present)

·Write and research feature articles and profiles for print and online publication

·Contributing Writer, Modern Jeweler and Ornament

·Write and publish freelance articles for IGS and WSJ Magazine

·Jewelry Appraiser (2012 - 2020)

Madonna was a prominent figure in the 1980s, known for her bold and often controversial style and music. She became a trendsetter and style icon of the decade, influencing fashion and popular culture with her unique and rebellious image. Madonna's fashion choices often pushed boundaries and challenged traditional gender roles, and she was known for her edgy and eclectic sense of style. 

The punk movement and its associated fashion experienced a resurgence in the mid-1980s, building on its foundations in the 1970s. In the 1980s, Madonna embraced elements of the punk movement in her fashion, incorporating items such as leggings, leg warmers, and statement jewelry into her outfits. She also made the cone bra corset, designed by Jean Paul Gaultier, a signature part of her stage attire. Madonna's incorporation of punk elements into her fashion helped to distinguish her from other pop stars of the time. It contributed to her "cool" reputation, which earned her a special place in the hearts of many teenagers worldwide.

Why was Madonna so influential in the 80s?

how madonna influence 80s fashion

Madonna was highly influential in the 1980s due to her unique and rebellious image and her successful music career. She was known for her bold and often controversial fashion choices, which helped to establish her as a trendsetter and style icon of the decade.

One of the key events that contributed to Madonna's success in the 1980s was the release of her album "Like a Virgin" in 1984. The album, which featured hits such as the title track and "Material Girl," helped to establish Madonna as a significant player in the music industry and solidified her position as a leading female artist.

In addition to her music, Madonna also succeeded in other entertainment areas in the 1980s. She made her film debut in the 1985 movie "Desperately Seeking Susan," and later appeared in films such as "Shanghai Surprise" and "Who's That Girl." Madonna also made several memorable appearances on television, including hosting and performing on the popular sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live."

how madonna influence 80s fashion

Overall, Madonna's unique style, successful music career, and diverse entertainment pursuits helped to make her a significant influence in the 1980s and solidified her place as a cultural icon.

Overview: Madonna's style in the '80s

Madonna was a trendsetter and style icon in the 1980s, and her distinct and varied fashion sense contributed to her status as a critical cultural impact. Madonna's cosmetics, dress, and hairstyles were all essential to her image and contributed to her long-standing status as a fashion icon. 

how madonna influence 80s fashion

Madonna's distinct and varied approach to cosmetics, dresses, and hair led to her status as a style icon and her continuing effect on popular culture. Madonna wore leggings, leg warmers, and statement jewelry in the 1980s, which she coupled with crop tops, oversized jackets, and high-top shoes for a streetwear-inspired appearance. She has made Jean Paul Gaultier's cone bra corset a trademark feature of her stage outfit. Madonna's makeup was typically solid and theatrical throughout the 1980s, with heavy eye makeup and colorful lip colors. She was also noted for changing her hairstyles often, which included short, sharp cuts, long waves, and slicked-back styles.

Heavy eye makeup

how madonna influence 80s fashion

Brooke Shields may have started the '80s beauty style of natural-looking big brows, but Madonna carried it on by popularizing Heavy eye makeup in the late '80s. In the 1987 film Who's That Girl, she wore this look.

What's noteworthy is that, although eyebrow patterns have evolved throughout time, the trend has recently returned to these types of brows. Although not as thick as some women draw them on, natural-looking brows that need to be more sculpted are regaining popularity. This included thick, winged eyeliner, bold eyeshadow colors, and thick, bold eyebrows. This bold eye makeup helped to add drama and impact to Madonna's looks.

Contoured cheeks

how madonna influence 80s fashion

Madonna also often contoured her cheeks in the 1980s, using a deeper shade of blush to define her cheekbones and add dimension to her face. This helped to create a more sculpted and angular look.

Madonna was at the forefront of this style and transformed it towards the end of the 1980s. Initially, the tendency was to use a lot of foundation to cover up any flaws. However, Madonna started using a lighter face foundation than the rest of her body. It would have been dismissed as a tremendous fashion faux pas if it had been anybody else. However, Madonna's style was to bring attention to her face, which led to a trend for a few years.

Short and edgy hair

how madonna influence 80s fashion

Many famous women have tried to copy Marilyn Monroe, including Christina Aguilera, Miley Cyrus, and Kate Upton, but Madonna's short hair was the first to start the trend. She channels the actress with short blonde hair and a swipe of red lipstick, and the result is stunning.

In the '80s, Madonna's hair was typically short and edgy, with jagged layers and vivid, spiky bangs. Madonna's rebellious and edgy persona was bolstered by this hairdo, which she often wore with heavy eye makeup and bright lip colors.

Ponytails

how madonna influence 80s fashion

This ponytail is the stuff of dreams, so it had to be included in our roundup of Madge's most iconic styles. The conical bra and high-impact braided ponytail Madonna debuted during the 1990 Blonde Ambition tour are two of her most recognizable appearances.

Madonna also often wore her hair in a ponytail in the 1980s, with a high or low ponytail secured with a band or scrunchie. This hairstyle was a simple and versatile option that could be dressed up or down. Her clip-on ponytail recently fetched £12,000 at auction, proving that everyone is still wholly Hung Up on this hairdo.

Cone bra corset by Jean Paul Gaultier

how madonna influence 80s fashion

Madonna made the cone bra corset by Jean Paul Gaultier a trademark feature of her stage outfit in the 1980s. The black satin cone bra corset had conical cups that enlarged the breast and were worn with a tutu-style skirt, fishnet stockings, and gloves. Madonna's cone bra corset became one of her most memorable fashion moments, and it has been referenced and reproduced by several other artists and fashion designers.

Lace and transparent dresses

how madonna influence 80s fashion

Madonna was also recognized for her fondness of lace and sheer textiles in her fashion, which she often wore in the 1980s. Her outfits included dramatic, striking designs that People often accessorized with vivid lip and eye colors. These gowns brought a romantic and feminine touch to Madonna's appearance. Madonna also donned elegant evening gowns in the 1980s. These dresses brought a glamorous and sophisticated touch to Madonna's appearance.

Streetwear-inspired dresses

how madonna influence 80s fashion

In the 1980s, Madonna often teamed gowns with streetwear-inspired features such as leggings, leg warmers, and high-top shoes. These gowns had a casual and edgy air, contributing to Madonna's rebellious and unusual image.

How to dress like Madonna today?

how madonna influence 80s fashion

If you're looking to incorporate Madonna's style into your wardrobe today, there are several ways you can do so. Here are a few ideas and items to consider:

  • Cone bra corset: Madonna's iconic cone bra corset, designed by Jean Paul Gaultier, is a memorable and attention-grabbing piece that You can incorporate into various looks. If you want to channel Madonna's bold and edgy style, consider pairing a cone bra corset with high-waisted jeans or a skirt, fishnet tights, and boots for a rocker-inspired outfit.
how madonna influence 80s fashion
  • Leggings and leg warmers: Leggings and leg warmers were crucial pieces in Madonna's streetwear-inspired looks in the 1980s, and You can still incorporate them into modern outfits today. Pair leggings with a crop top, oversized jacket, and sneakers for a casual and comfortable look, or wear leg warmers over tights or leggings for added warmth and style.
how madonna influence 80s fashion
  • Statement jewelry: Madonna was known for her love of statement jewelry in the 1980s, and this trend is still going strong today. Consider adding a few bold and eye-catching pieces to your wardrobe, such as chunky rings, statement earrings, or a necklace.
how madonna influence 80s fashion
  • Mini skirts and dresses: Madonna was known for her love of short, body-con dresses and mini skirts in the 1980s, and You can still incorporate these items into modern outfits. Choose a mini dress or root in a bold color or print, and pair it with tights and boots for a stylish and edgy look.
how madonna influence 80s fashion
  • High-top sneakers: Madonna was a fan of high-top sneakers in the 1980s, and this trend has had a resurgence in recent years. Consider adding a pair of high-top sneakers to your wardrobe to add a sporty style to your outfits.
how madonna influence 80s fashion
  • Lace and sheer fabrics: Madonna was known for using lace and sheer fabrics in her fashion, and these materials can add a touch of romance and femininity to your outfits. Consider incorporating lace tops, dresses, or skirts into your wardrobe for a touch of Madonna's style.
how madonna influence 80s fashion

By incorporating some of these items and ideas into your wardrobe, you can channel Madonna's bold and eclectic style and make it your own how Madonna Influenced 80s fashion.