Although released initially back in the 30s, Sperry Top-Siders grew in popularity during the decade and helped to redefine the preppy 80s style.
Although the 80s was all about change, nothing changed more during the decade than fashion. People were looking for a way to promote their individuality through their clothing choices, and the Sperry Top-Siders encapsulated the look of sophistication especially in the Ivy League set. It’s important to remember that although the decade started off with bold and bright colors , it slowly transitioned into a more relaxed, casual, preppy look in the 90s. And, leading this change at the end of the decade were the Top-Siders .
The Rise of Preppy 80s Style at the End of the Decade It’s without question that the 80s were a decade full of economic optimism. There was an expansion of the middle class, and many families had disposable incomes throughout most of the decade. As a result, there was a renewed focus on wealth, success, and social status throughout the country. It was in this backdrop that the preppy look began to resurface once again. Although rooted in Ivy League traditions, this style became widely popular towards the end of the decade. And, it highlighted clothing that was both practical as well as polished. Sperry Top-Siders fit perfectly into this lifestyle image with their boating origins and their sleek, minimalistic design.
At the same time, there were countless 80s TV shows and movies that regularly portrayed characters with a clean collegiate-style look to them. They often wore khakis with polo shirts and boat shoes. As a result, fashion reflected a higher social status and represented economic success, individualism, and classic Americana. By the mid-80s, kids who grew up in the upper middle class would wear preppier fashions to school, the mall, and everywhere.
How Sperry Top-Sider Redefined the Preppy 80s Style The preppy 80s style movement began in the mid to late 80s and continued on into the 90s. It was all about being practical and fashionable and was a way to elevate one’s status within the community.
The Preppy 80s Style Movement The preppy 80s style movement dominated the latter half of the decade. And, Sperry Top-Sider was an essential component of that look. It was inspired by the Ivy League look that emphasized a polished yet laid-back style. Often, people would pair the shoes with a button-down shirt, and a blazer. The Sperry Top-Sider fit seamlessly into this aesthetic and appealed to a wider audience thanks to big-budget films. The leather construction of the Top-Sider made a versatile choice for casual and semi-formal settings. And, provided people with a clean silhouette and muted colors that offered a more stylish alternative to the flamboyant trends of the early 80s.
Even kids got into the preppy 80s style movement. Often, Sperry Top-Siders were worn with either a pair of khakis or pastel shorts, and a polo. Not only were they a favorite among college students, the also young professionals. After all, she was not just about the looks, it represented a connection to leisure activities that were often associated with wealth. In the end, the Top-Siders solidified the preppy 80s style movement.
The Preppy 80s Style Was Practical and Fashionable It’s important to remember that the Top-Sider was more than just fashionable. The shoes were actually designed by Paul Sperry back in 1935, in order to prevent slipping on the deck of a sailboat. He had designed the shoe based on the features of his dog’s paws, which helped his dog to avoid slipping while he was on the ice. And, it provided sailors with much-needed traction on wet decks. As a result, the shoes were more than just fashionable, they were practical as well.
And, as people were increasingly drawn to items that combined both style and functionality during the decade, Sperry Top-Siders became more relevant. Not only did they provide wearers with a slip-resistant sole that made it practical for boating and outdoor wear, but the high-quality leather design and minimalistic appeal gave a more polished appearance. As a result, wearing Sperry Top-Siders was a way of embracing practicality without having to sacrifice style.
Iconic Representation of the Preppy 80s Style in Pop Culture Of all of the shoes available in the 80s , it was the Sperry Top-Sider that represented the preppy 80s style in American pop culture. Because of its preppy fashion style, it quickly made its way into mainstream media. It was fairly common throughout the decade to see actors on TV wearing Top-Siders. But, they were more prominently featured in movies. Some of the biggest movies where the Sperry Top-Sider was prominently featured, included The Great Outdoors and Dead Poets Society.
The People Who Defined Sperry Top-Sider’s Influence It’s important to remember that the spirit Top-Sider was designed back in 1935. But its rise in the fashion industry during the 80s was driven by a combination of celebrity endorsements, media representations, and brand ambassadors. Ivy League students embraced the shoes, and many public figures also wore them on a regular basis. Even designers like Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger championed the preppy look in their own collections. They created clothing that would match perfectly with the boat shoes. As a result, the spirit Top-Sider managed to solidify its status as the iconic footwear of the preppy 80 style.
The Legacy of the Sperry Top-Sider It is without question that the Sperry Top-Sider helped to transform the fashion industry in the 80s. The shoe featured a style that combined form and function which was appealing to those who valued quality and heritage. The shoes’ association with that preppy look and the Ivy League lifestyle left a lasting impact on the generation. And, although fashion trends have continuously evolved throughout the 80s, Sperry Top-Sider has maintained its presence in the casual and outdoor fashion industries.
Conclusion In the end, the Sperry Top-Sider has left its mark on the fashion world. It became synonymous with the 80s preppy movement, and quickly became an enduring timeless classic. Although originally designed for use on the deck of boats, it has since grown to become a style icon that embodies sophistication and elegance. It is the quintessential go-to shoe for anyone looking for that preppier look.
