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.