by karrie marak | photography by tim watson

hair & makup by mitzi merritt

model represented by the campbell agency

Everyone who survived the extreme fashions of the ‘80s must have cringed this year when hearing that models walked runways in updated versions of 1980s’ apparel. Neons (think a tamer version of the Go Gos), tight-rolled jeans (thank trend-setter Katie Holmes and her boyfriend jeans), New Wave (asymmetric lines) and good ol’ tie-dyes (a throwback from the ‘60s, recycled for the ‘80s and made to rock 2009) are back. But don’t doubt our fashion leaders! They know how to correct the nightmares of decades past. Have some fun with these ‘80s-inspired looks that have been revamped for today. But be careful not to step over the line and go too retro. In other words, keep the Aqua Net and Dynasty-like shoulder pads at bay!

CHOP SHOP

This fun, choppy cut black skirt with cropped jacket and knitted silk shirt would look great at the office and even better out on the town (with jacket removed, of course). Steve Madden black clutch, Rampage fitted black jacket, BCBG Maxazria black skirt, BCBG Maxazria woven top. Steve
Madden clutch.

PRETTY IN PINK

Molly Ringwald would have been so envious of this Ralph Lauren princess dress with the cashmere black pashmina wrap. Adding the funky reversible clutch gives it a dash of hipness. Lauren by Ralph Lauren cashmere pashmina wrap, Lauren by Ralph Lauren pink dress.

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE

An ‘80s staple, the animal print, has never really gone out of style. Remember stirrup pants? Now, instead of the elastic arch loop at the bottom, designers now make them tailored. This leopard print sheer top with tight chocolate pants is casual yet perfect for the office. Karen Kane Essentials nude tank, Karen Kane animal print top, Michael Kors chocolate straight leg pants.

HIP TO BE SQUARE

Tie-dye tank with a silk accent, studded black belt and boyfriend jeans will make you look and feel 10 years younger. Nine West black cap, Guess western shirt, Guess tie-dyed tank, Guess studded belt, Mek Jeans—Voyage Collection.

Special thanks to Macys for providing the fashions shown.