The 1970s were a difficult and unstable period for many people, with the Vietnam War causing a great deal of heartache, the Watergate Scandal creating political problems, and general economic instability.

There was a lack of faith in the world, and insecurity all around. Thus, by the 1980s, the new decade ushered in a time of conservative values as well as a more materialistic and consumer-oriented society.

Entertainment became super popular, with many households buying VCRs, and by the end of the decade, 60% of Americans signed up for a cable service.

MTV came out in 1981, allowing people to push back against the consumerism of the “yuppie” culture. The cable network became a massive influence on young people, and their fashion choices, and saw many trying to copy the styles of their favorite artists in music videos.

Movies and television also became hugely influential in terms of fashion, with many copying styles from “The Brat pack,” as seen in movies like The Breakfast Club, and St. Elmo’s Fire. Even Tom Cruise had his influence on 80s men’s fashion, after appearing in movies like Risky Business and Tom Gun.

80s men’s fashion was known as being opulent, big, bold, and excessive. And, just like today, there were different styles for different types of men, from the preppy types to baggy clothes inspired by hip hop artists.

Various trends from the 80s went in and out even decades later, and still we see them popping up even today. Simon Chilvers, men’s style director at MatchesFashion told FashionBeans, “It feels like the 80s have been in-and-out of fashion for about 10 years now. The mashing up of various decades simultaneously just seems to be part of the way fashion operates right now.”

Men can easily use inspiration from 1980s fashion as an influence for their outfits today, and for probably many years to come.