how to make '80s garments current

Thrift stores these days are over-flowing with garments from the 1980s. Lace prom dresses, boxy jackets, day-glow blast jackets, pleated blouses.

Many of these garments look cool, but it can be hard to imagine them fitting into your modern wardrobe. Here's a couple tips I've learned to update and alter your 80s finds.

1. REMOVE SHOULDER PADS
This is probably the #1 way to update clothing. Most shoulder pads are tacked in with thread or string, so they can be easily removed with scissors or a seam ripper.
(Don't get me wrong...in some cases, I like shoulder pads, so long as they aren't costumey. Just decide for yourself whether they suit your figure and style or not.)

2. REPLACE BUTTONS
Buttons are a tell-tale way to date clothing. 80's clothing tends to have large, flashy, or matchy-matchy buttons.Replace them with something a little more subtle or unique for a modern look.

3. SHORTEN HEMS
Many 80s dresses and skirts have mid-calf length hems. This look isn't particularly flattering on most people. Try hemming your skirt or dress to knee length.

4. REMOVE SLEEVES
Over-the-top, obnoxious sleeves are an 80s staple. Try cutting them off and leaving the armhole edges raw or finishing them with bias tape. You can even add new sleeves if you like. If you've removed the sleeves of your dress, try wearing it like a jumper with a fitted long-sleeve shirt underneath.

5.MIX AND MATCH YOUR ERAS
Now that you've updated your thrift finds, try combining them in unexpected ways. Pair your 80s stonewash jeans with a simple tank and a modern scarf, your loud 80s dress with black tights and oxfords, your bright boxy jacket with a knit black dress and and ballet flats....you get the picture. Send me photos of your 1980s-style outfits and they may end up on my blog!

Coming soon: outfits centered around 80s garments I've thrifted recently....

Images courtesy of amazon.com and paperdollreview.com.