With Fifties’ prom dresses and Sixties’ shifts omnipresent during festive season, Vintage Brighton editor tries out an Eighties-inspired party look. 

I have to admit, the Eighties is one of my least favourite decades for fashion – all that bling, power-dressing and silly hair isn’t really for me. At least the Nineties has minimalism and comfort on its side. But rather than come to a style standstill somewhere in between the Sixties and Seventies, I do try to step out of my comfort zone every once in a while. And Christmas offers the perfect excuse for some sartorial experimentation. After all, the world is a better place with novelty knits…

Taking on the challenge of incorporating Eighties’ elements into an outfit I wouldn’t be ashamed to be seen out in, this is what I wore for Christmas celebrations at VB HQ.

I often consider the all-in-one a major fashion foe (not including the fleecy onesie of course – that particular PJ variant is an essential winter friend). Unflattering, unpractical and unfeminine. But get the proportions right and it turns out that in can be the exact opposite. The padded shoulders, deep V neck and tapered trousers of this grey patterned French Connection jumpsuit pull in and balance out to maintain a feminine figure and worn with heels and an high-waisted original Eighties’ belt the style elongates the legs. At just £10 from Mind on St James Street, it was a bargain party piece.

Having saved money on the main attraction, there’s more to spend on shoes, which is always good news. And if you’re currently searching for party-ready footwear these Ravel Kitty peep-toe boots could be a strong contender. In glitter and suede, they have bling covered, but being boots won’t slip off on the dance floor and the buckle detail adds a fashion-forward edge. More than a little inspired by Miu Miu’s glitter heels, they also don’t reach into triple digits as do the original celebrity must-haves.

So there we go – a subtle take on Eighties’ fashion without a scrunchie in sight. Although I have heard that the hair accessory is making a comeback in for s/s13. Thanks Cara Delevingne…

Shoes courtesy of Ravel, part of the Jacobson Group.