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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
World
Lee Dalgetty

A look back at 80s fashion in Edinburgh and all the trends you’re bound to remember

Looking back on our past style can be a difficult task, remembering all the fashion faux pas we’ve made over the years.

When it comes to the 80s, a bold decade in terms of fashion, we tend to look back and think - why?

We’ve had a rake around the archives and found some Edinburgh snaps from days gone by, which may just prove that we were doing something right here in the capital.

READ MORE - Time warp photos take us back to the Wester Hailes tower blocks of the 80s

While first thoughts of the styles at the time may conjure up images of Madonna, neon colours and leg warmers - the reality was a little different. With a revival of 80s fashion happening in recent years, we’re led to believe something must have been working back then.

With more women entering boardrooms and climbing the corporate ladder, business wear was becoming more than just a plain old suit - but padded jackets in bright, primary colours. The power suit, as it became known, has become an iconic piece from anyone's 80s wardrobe.

Elsewhere, Princess Diana was becoming the fashion icon of the decade. Sparkling gowns, dramatic hats, and even elegant casual wear cemented her style status.

As for hair, many opted for a big 80s perm - while Diana was also influencing the country with her shorter, feathered look.

During this, in our opinion, high point in fashion - Edinburgh in general was seeing tumultuous times.

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In the early 80s, locals gathered to protest against Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as she arrived in Edinburgh to open the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.

In 19986, the Commonwealth Games came to the city. The second time the games were held in Edinburgh, which was widely boycotted and saw financial mismanagement.

But as we’ve seen, it wasn’t all bad - whatever was going on in Edinburgh, we were doingit in style. Check out our gallery below to see for yourself.

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