Handsome Hunks

Men's fashions in the 1980s were quite different than in decades prior. Gone were the styles from the 70s disco era and in were looks that were heavily influenced by androgynous pop stars, hip hop culture, hair-metal bands and action movie stars. The 80s men's fashion trends also reflected what was worn on TV shows by stars who ruled the decade with their bold fashion sense. Many of the styles knew no limits. It was common to see a man dressed for work in clothes they also deemed appropriate for leisure activities, such as an evening out at a nightclub. Practically whatever you were into in the 80s, there was a fashion style that suited your personality.

Cool and Casual Styles Although the average man may not have worn exactly the same casual wear as men in the movies or television, there were plenty of 80s influences in this area. The look that ruled the 80s was often cool and casual. Miami Vice was a popular TV series in the 1980s and men followed the style of Don Johnson and Phillip Michael Thomas. Many men wore:

Casual t-shirts under designer jackets (which may have shoulder pads)
Suits in white, pastel, or bright colors
Loafers or boat shoes, minus socks
Men often wore pushed-up sleeves and open jackets.
It was also common to wear a shirt without a tie to the office. A Hawaiian shirt, as seen on the 80s hit series Magnum, P.I. could be seen both at the office and on the weekends.

The TV screen wasn't the only medium to influence 80s fashion, as blockbuster films of the decade did the same. Leather and sports-themed jackets, worn by Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop, Sylvester Stallone in Cobra and Arnold Schwarzenegger in The Terminator were a few of the styles that men in the 80s favored.