Lydia Mossahebi tries to resist the intoxicating allure of 80s party chic

Always a fan of a flashback, this winter fashion is taking more than just inspiration from the 1980s, with replica 80’s party frocks that are not for the fainthearted.

Refusing to die out, the 80s is still the era du jour – but now we’ve moved on from an 80’s hip-hop vibe to the 80’s prom queen – all block colours and lycra. I’m getting the feeling I will spend this winter resisting my latent childhood urge for anything neon, sparkling or taffata, or all three. The six year old inside of me is pushing me towards this number from TopShop, which would have been my dream party-outfit with its two-tone shimmer and ruffled sleeves. All I would need is a pair of patent shoes and white frilly socks and I would look ravishing as I sashay in a game of musical chairs.
If, like me, you are not quite ready to look like a Dynasty extra, give a nod to the look with a bow hair band or create a softer look with this cute Renewal skirt from Urban Outfitters teamed with a loose black t-shirt.

How to do the look: If you think you can handle it, take inspiration from Little Boots
How not to do the look: Ending up looking like this awkward 80’s prom picture.
You know you’ve gone too far when: You start thinking maybe crimped hair wasn’t so bad after all. Yes. Yes it was.