2011 Spring Break – 80s Beach Fashions

JamsWe are just back from a trip to the beach, and one thing is clear: the 80s have hit the sand this Spring/Summer season. While we saw many 80s themes ranging from paint splatter to ruffles, there were two stand out trends that were everywhere and SO 80s—Neon and Wayfarers. So, as you are planning your summer wardrobe and getting ready for your own trip to the beach, be sure to pack these 80s essentials. You will be totally rad and right on trend.

We saw both day glo and wayfarers in abundance and many times together, creating the total 80s package (seen here with the neon green suit and purple shades). As during the seasons that neon was king in the 80s, the day glo trend is not isolated to a particular piece of clothing or accessory. We saw swimsuits that rivaled the sun itself in brightness as well as t-shirts, socks, sunglasses, hats and shorts. A complimentary trend is to mix swimsuit tops and bottoms instead of wearing the matched set. This is a great opportunity to get more than one neon color into your look. Take this example, where this bathing beauty has mixed neon pink with neon green and a very 80s zebra print.



Neon green swimsuit                    Mix-n-Match swimsuit - Pair neon with a fun print!

Wayfarers were everywhere and in every possible color and color combination. The contrast temple wayfarer is a very popular choice; shown here with contrast temples in a black and white check pattern reminiscent of 80s Vans (the check pattern can also be seen in the guy’s suit shown below). Here are just a few of the examples of Wayfarers we found.

Checkered Wayfarer sunglasses               White Wayfarer sunglasses               Yellow Wayfarer sunglasses

Lest you think that these trends are for ladies only, we saw lots of guys with 80s-inspired suits. This suit in particular features neon polka dots in green and pink as well as the 80s’ signature black and white checkerboard pattern.

Guy's 80s swimsuit featuring neon colors, poka dots and checkerboard patterns

These summer looks are so fun and a great way to bring a little 80s into your life! But, be sure to wear them together because you’ll need the Wayfarers to tone down the glare of the neon.

Author: Pia Sooney

Just a little obsessed with all things 80s, Pia still has her Swatch, her cassette tape collection, and her Converse Chucks. When not making friendship pins or listening to Depeche Mode, she runs a web design business.

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