Seven retro shell suit jacket classics that will take your breath away
March 11, 2018No one thought these seven retro shell suit jacket classics would survive this long when they first hit the fashion scene in the eighties and nineties – but they did, and are ever-popular today!
Considered an 80s and 90s leisurewear, these seven retro shell suit jacket classics were a staple that could be found in almost every wardrobe around the world. It’s no wonder that, over the years, they have been revived, re-energized and re-invented into a timeless classic.
Countdown to seven retro shell suit jacket classics
![US_Army_Cavalry_Sergeant_1866_(Bis) By O.H. Willard's Galleries, Oliver H. Willard (American, active 1850s–70s, died 1875), 1206 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons](https://www.blue17.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/US_Army_Cavalry_Sergeant_1866_Bis-By-O.H.-Willards-Galleries-Oliver-H.-Willard-American-active-1850s–70s-died-1875-1206-Chestnut-Street-Philadelphia-Public-domain-via-Wikimedia-Commons.jpg "US_Army_Cavalry_Sergeant_1866_(Bis) By O.H. Willard's Galleries, Oliver H. Willard (American, active 1850s–70s, died 1875), 1206 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons")
First introduced as a military garment back in the 19th century, the shell suit jacket is a top that flows just down to hip level. While none of the seven retro shell suit jacket classics discussed here are “battle ready”, they do have a shared history with British troops that wore shell jackets when participating in colonial campaigns prior to the 1870s, when the practice was discontinued.
Today it’s not uncommon to see the shell jacket donned by punks, metalheads, greasers and bikers alike. But many of the seven retro shell suit jacket classics featured in this post were also worn by celebrities and fashionistas through the 80s, 90s and even today.
These seven retro shell suit jacket classics have had significant impact on the fashion scene when they first made their debut. And because of their timeless charm and appeal to fashion lovers of all ages, they are still relevant today:
1) The Michael Jackson Look:
The first one of our seven retro shell suit jacket classics was immortalized by none other than MJ himself. Worn in numerous music videos and on concert stages, the MJ shell suit jacket look propelled this timeless piece of functional clothing into fashion history.
The King of Pop preferred his retro shell jacket just a tad bit lose for him – as it was intended. His look often saw the jacket’s elasticated wrists ride half-way up his hands – almost to elbow level.
All of the seven retro shell suit jacket classics highlighted here can be worn as stand-alone pieces, or in combination with other fashion items – like jeans or shell suit trousers. That’s how MJ preferred to wear his – ensuring his signature white socks were clearly visible at the bottom of the shell pants.
2) The David Icke Look:
If anyone has any recollections of the 1990s, the David Icke shell suit jacket look will hardly be news to them. This footballer turned sports broadcaster and conspiracy theorist was well known for his shell suit look. The second of our seven retro shell suit jacket classics revolves around that classic Icke look.
It’s true, that fashion knows no boundaries. So, even though Icke was somewhat of a “controversial” figure, his now famous “Turquoise period” propelled the turquoise shell jacket and trouser into fashion history. And if you do believe that colours do have an influence on one’s personality – like Icke did – then this selection from our list of seven retro shell suit jacket classics might be the one for you!
![Ali G,By User Sj on en.wikipedia [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons](https://www.blue17.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/By-User-Sj-on-en.wikipedia-Public-domain-via-Wikimedia-Commons.jpg "Ali G,By User Sj on en.wikipedia [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons")
Ali G, By User Sj on en.wikipedia [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
3) The Ali G Rebranded Look:
Shell wear, either worn just as a shell top jacket or combined with shell trousers, have become mainstream wear. Everyone from sports icons to rappers and even politicians (think Jeremy Corbyn!) are wearing them. Next on our list of seven retro shell suit jacket classics is a look revived by Ali G.
To pull off the authentic Ali G rapper look, you’ll need to make sure that your shell suit jacket matches perfectly with the rest of your costume. Shop around for an adult male yellow shell jacket and trouser suit, preferably made from PVC. The matching elasticated waist trousers, hooded jacket and hat are a must to complete this unique look.
Yeo Man – Ali g in da house!!!
Elton John – Tracksuit. Mylan Executives Heather Bresch and Robert J. Coury with Elton John and Billie Jean King. Mylan N.V., CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
4) Retro shell suit jacket – The Elton John Look:
This next shell look from our list of seven retro shell suit jacket classics doesn’t need any introduction. Even though it was popularised by none other than Rocket Man, Sir Elton John, it represents a rather down to earth look!
While you don’t really need to go high-end, as Sir Elton usually does with his wear, you can easily pull off that classic Elton John look with a retro shell suit jacket from Adidas or another contemporary designer/manufacturer. Just don’t forget the accessories – large shell-rimmed glasses and baseball cap to go!
5) Retro shell suit jacket – The Harry Enfield Look:
This classical look, based on timeless comical 90s Liverpudlian characters made famous by Harry Enfield, makes the cut on our list of seven retro shell suit jacket classics because of its “light hearted” approach to shell fashion.
That “king of the terrace” look is ideal when preparing for a fancy dress party. The shell jacket should ideally be paired with yellow and purple elasticated trousers. And finally, add a Scouser curly wig with accompanying moustache – and you’re all done
6) Retro shell suit jacket – 80s Throwback Shell Look:
If you are one of those nostalgic types, then the next item on our list of seven retro shell suit jacket classics will definitely make you feel right at home. To pull off this 80s throwback shell look, you need to find a shell jacket that’s just a tad bit larger than your usual size.
The 80s was a time of fashion “excesses” – so a one-size-too-large shell suit, along with an accompanying pair of trousers should easily help pull off that throwback look. Make sure your shell jacket features lots of pink and green neon colours, and bottom out that look with a pair of throwback sneakers or joggers – preferably with hints of neon too!
7) Retro shell suit jacket – The Skater Girl Look:
The last on our list of seven retro shell suit jacket classics is one that may look “scandalous” at first; but if you’re up to livening things up just a bit, this look may be what you should aim for.
Ideal for a fancy dress party, or for any retro-themed get-together, the Skater Girl look comes with a neon shell jacket – preferably blue or pink, paired with a contrasting – think yellow or red – pair of shell shorts. A cotton Boob tube worn underneath the shell jacket makes your skater girl look complete.
The eighties desire to merge fashion, sports and comfort together gave birth to the shell suit. Today, these elements have been combined together and have given rise to a brand new fashion trend called “athleisure wear”. All of the seven retro shell suit jacket classics discussed here have made fashion history in one form or another – whether traditionally or under somewhat controversial circumstances. However, they have all stood the test of time, and are ever popular even today.
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