I’m a fashion editor & 80s style is back thanks to Rivals – my top picks including Barbour jacket dupe from H&M
Think mile-wide shoulder pads and fabulously frilly dresses topped off with bold jewellery
RAUNCHY TV show Rivals has reignited our obsession with Eighties fashion.
The Disney+ series, based on Jilly Cooper’s 1988 bonkbuster, is a celebration of glamour, and features all the decade’s signature looks.
Think mile-wide shoulder pads and fabulously frilly dresses, topped off with big, bold jewellery and even bigger hair.
And while the saucy storylines have got the nation talking, the show has also triggered a surge in demand for the era’s legendary looks, with searches for Eighties fashions soaring 5,000 per cent.
And on TikTok, #80soutfits has more than 104 million posts.
The eight-parter’s glamorous clobber doesn’t come cheap so Deputy Fashion Editor Abby McHale has waded in to pick out some awesome Eighties outfits and styles that won’t break the bank.
The Puffball Dress
THE lavish garden party featured in Rivals’ first episode is a true nod to the excesses of Eighties fashion.
Puffball dresses and skirts were huge at the time – and they are making a comeback.
Bella Maclean’s character, Taggie O’Hara, is seen wearing one on the show and there are plenty of options out there if you are keen to snap up a similar style.
Perfect for party season, there are more minis than there are longer lengths, with plenty of midi versions if that is your personal preference.
Or, if you want a mini but don’t fancy going bare-legged, pair it with some patterned tights for the ultimate Eighties look.
The Waxed Jacket
ONE of heritage brand Barbour’s signature waxed jackets will set you back around £200.
It’s a classic style that never dates, and while it was once the preserve of posh country dwellers – such as Rivals’ Freddie and Valerie Jones, left – it’s now gone mainstream, meaning this jacket is just as suitable for a trip to the shops as it is for outdoor pursuits.
The iconic garment is all the rage this season, while similar barn jackets were seen at major runway shows including Prada and Loewe.
If you don’t want to splurge hundreds of pounds on an original, then the high street has some great options, like this version from H&M.
The Bow
THE Eighties were all about adding that extra detail, and from ruffles to chains and appliqué florals, there were plenty of adornments to be had.
Bows are the embellishment of choice this year, with searches recently rising by 500 per cent according to fashion site LTK.
They are all over the high street, too, in the form of hair accessories as well as on tops, jackets and dresses.
And they are a key part of the Rivals look, as seen on Nafessa Williams’ character, Cameron Cook.
This pink mini dress from Zara is a perfect nod to the trend.
Featuring bows down the front, you could either dress it up with heels and a blazer for an evening look, or wear it with tights and loafers for a more casual, daytime vibe.
The Pussy Bow Blouse
THIS style of blouse always seems to come back around again, so it’s great to have one in your wardrobe.
Katherine Parkinson’s character, Lizzie Vereker, can be seen wearing one as she heads to London for work.
The pussy-bow blouse also has the royal seal of approval, with the Princess of Wales a huge fan.
While last month, American Vice President Kamala Harris stepped out at a convention in Chicago wearing one, making it the ultimate power-dressing staple in the process.
They’re not just for the office, though.
Why not pair it with jeans for an off-duty look, or dress one up with a skirt or trousers and a pair of heels?
The Checks
IT is a print that is synonymous with this time of year – and Rivals features an abundance of flannel shirts and checked coats.
Main character Taggie O’Hara, even layers hers at one point, wearing both a checked shirt and a coat.
Her timeless look proves that the print doesn’t age, as you could easily see this outfit on the High Street today.
Since Rivals hit our screens, checks are proving more popular than ever, with searches up 2,800 per cent according to LTK.
So, check out this, err, check coat from George at Asda.
The Brooch
STATEMENT jewellery is certainly a big feature of the Rivals look, with large earrings, chunky necklaces and over-the-top brooches upping the Eighties glam factor.
Often overlooked, a bold brooch can instantly elevate even the simplest of outfits.
Vogue declared earlier this year that brooches are back for 2024, while designers like Erdem and Tory Burch have shown just how cool they can be too, by including them in their AW24 collections.
If you don’t own a brooch that is vintage or antique, like much of the jewellery on the show, then there are some equally striking but affordable new options available to buy, such as this set from Joe Browns.
Pinned to a smart blazer, like those worn by Rivals’ power-dressing TV producer Cameron Cook, it will add a bit of instant sparkle to your look.
The Shoulder Pad
A STAPLE of Eighties fashion and often the first thing that springs to mind when you think of clothes from the decade, shoulder pads have had a resurgence.
Big shoulders are back, thanks to micro trends such as “corpcore”, which according to Pinterest saw searches rise by 950 per cent this year.
Ray Holman, Rivals’ costume designer says: “We’ve come full circle – people need to feel that tingle of a glamorous outfit and feel the power of a shoulder pad.”
And no one carries off the look better than Cameron Cook, who sports a punchy red blazer, complete with boxy shoulder pads.
Get a similar one, in on-trend burgundy, from Michelle Keegan’s range at Very.
The Neck Scarf
AN ACCESSORY that was once seen as something only worn by royals, Land Rover-driving toffs or girls desperate to look Parisian, neck scarves have become a seasonal staple.
Rivals’ bed-hopping wears hers during a shooting scene, but these days they’re the perfect addition to your office outfit, or to more casual weekend looks.
A-list celebs have recently hopped on board, too, with Victoria Beckham wearing a black number last month.
This season, wear yours over the top of a thin knit and with a blazer for a chic look that will see you bang on trend.