What to Pack for 1980s Miami
For Women
Daywear (Tropical Glam + Resort Chic):
• High-cut one-piece swimsuits (in bright neon or metallic colors)
• Oversized linen or silk button-downs (worn open over swimwear)
• Pleated high-waisted shorts or paperbag pants
• Shoulder pad blazers (white, pastel, or bold patterns)
• Silk camisoles or bandeau tops
• Woven mules or strappy kitten heels
• Acrylic bangles and plastic statement earrings
• Oversized sunglasses (tinted or mirrored lenses)
• Nightwear (Cocktail + Clubwear):
• Bodycon mini dresses (ruched, velvet, or metallic)
• Off-the-shoulder tops or asymmetrical necklines
• Power suits with cropped blazers and cigarette pants
• Stilettos or peep-toe pumps
• Rhinestone clutch or metallic mini bag
Beachwear:
• Bold printed bikini with high-leg cuts
• Sheer sarong or mesh cover-up
• Giant beach hat or terry cloth visor
For Men
Daywear (Vice City Cool):
• Pastel or white linen suits (worn with or without shirts)
• Graphic button-downs with tropical or geometric prints
• Baggy pleated trousers or acid-wash jeans
• Tank tops or mesh shirts
• Loafers with no socks, boat shoes, or white sneakers
• Thin gold chain and aviator sunglasses
• Panama hat or snapback
Nightwear (Nightclub or Hotel Bar Vibes):
• Silk or satin shirts with a deep V (top buttons left open)
• Double-breasted blazer with shoulder pads
• White or cream trousers
• Patent leather shoes or espadrilles
• Pastel or two-tone tracksuits
Beachwear:
• Short swim trunks in bold colors or patterns
• Cropped muscle tee or Hawaiian shirt
• Slide sandals or retro sneakers
Accessories & Essentials
• Boom box or cassette Walkman
• Gold hoop earrings or chains
• Neon fanny pack or quilted Chanel knockoff
• Tropical perfume or cologne (something musky or coconut-heavy)
• Revlon lipstick or lip gloss (hot pinks, coral, or red)
• Sun visor, jelly bracelets, and scrunchies
• Disposable camera or early digital cam
• A paperback copy of The Bonfire of the Vanities
• Roller skates or a deck of beachside cards
1980s Miami was bold, flashy, and unapologetically glamorous. Think Miami Vice, neon sunsets, Art Deco hotels, pastel power suits, oversized everything and beach club energy.