Five 80s and 90s looks that are hot right now

Power Dressing in Camden Market is the baby of local couple, Chloe and Steven Power. “I’d been working in mortgages for years,” says Chloe, “but my real passion lay in original and vintage clothing. Most of my collection is 80s based: I’ve always been an aficionado of the period, inspired by my mum.”

Although she grew up in Buckinghamshire, and Steven in York, the pair have been living in Camden together for “years”, and married in Vegas in May. “We presented the idea to sell original 80s and 90s clothing in a more boutique fashion to Camden Market,” she says, “and it went from there.” Here Chloe talks us through her top five looks right now:

1. ANIMAL PRINT

“Eighties animal print was all about opulence: it adorned everything from silk scarves and shirts to YSL cocktail dresses. In the 90s it became cult – the Manic Street Preachers wore it with kohl-rimmed eyes, Kurt Cobain rocked it with oversized sunglasses and who can forget Sailor Ripley’s snakeskin jacket in David Lynch’s Wild at Heart? It’s all over the catwalk for autumn/winter – so whether you take inspiration from Dries Van Noten’s dark decadent leopard prints, or Calvin Klein’s more subtle structured approach, wear it! We like this Dionne from Clueless-esque look, complete with Moschino tiger print jacket.” Moschino tiger print jacket £90, pink shirt £20, snakeskin mini skirt £20, gold necklaces £6 & £10

2. SPORTS LUXE

“The shell jacket is the item of clothing that epitomises the 80s, largely due to the fitness craze shaping the decade. It was also one of the first points people started wearing leisurewear as a fashion statement. Outwear is back this season with the likes of Chloe and Balenciaga leading the way for sports luxe. It’s all in how you wear it of course: outsize shell and puffa jackets are worn hanging off the shoulders or secured at the top and left unzipped. Contrast by layering over evening wear, or keep it simple with skinny leather. Always wear with huge ornate earrings, another key 80s trend.” Silver and purple shell jacket £35, black genuine leather pencil skirt £30, black high neck t-shirt £10, black patent waist belt £7

3. COCKTAIL HOUR

“The 80s really came into its own with evening wear. Karl Lagerfeld took over as design director at Chanel, rivalled by Christian Lacroix later in the decade. Hem lines were slashed, the cocktail dress was prominent and gold jewellery, cinched waists, and sequins were in abundance. YSL have gone all out 80s this season with luxe fabrics, one shoulder micro minis and exaggerated waist belts. Everyone from Preen to Valentino to Alexander McQueen have given us sequins, mesh, and another of this seasons staples – velvet. This look incorporates it all. Those Christmas parties aren’t far away now.” Black velvet and mesh sequin dress £30, chunky gold necklace £12

4. PURPLE RAIN

“Prince. 80s Prince. A one-man fashion force who defined the decade. Purple, violet, magenta – you name it, he rocked it. The colour was prominent in the 80s on everything from dyed denim to satin prom dresses. This season Kenzo have given us a top-to-toe 80s look complete with ruffled shirt and velvet trousers. Miu Miu and Michael Kors also featured the shade, along with UK fashion brand Sibling, whose purple shimmering, metallic pieces are inspired by 80s legend Grace Jones. Wear it head to toe, layer it and combine fabrics and textures. Plus points for 80s staples, ruffles, pleats, sequins and velvet for a dark romantic feel.” Lilac ruffle shirt £15, purple pleated skirt £25

5. CHECK IT

“We couldn’t look back to the 90s without mentioning grunge. The streetwear-inspired look has led to ripped jeans, checked shirts and Courtney Love-esque slip dresses becoming prominent wardrobe staples. It’s still a key look for this AW and has been given a subtle update with lots of layering check, plaid and houndstooth. Embroidered denim details are also popular. Victoria Beckham’s collection featured green contrasting checks, whilst Vetements slashed its check skirts; and Isabel Marant featured check on coats. That said grunge was all about not giving a damn what fashion dictated – so do whatever the hell you feel.” Green checked shirt top £25, red checked shirt £20, denim shirt £20, light denim skirt £25