Miami Vice clothing for men: how to create the iconic 80s look

Miami Vice clothing is one of the most recognizable men's looks from the 80s: a light or pastel jacket, a simple T-shirt, light trousers, loafers and sunglasses. The series exposed relaxed Italian tailoring and soft colors to a huge audience. If you want to wear the style today, it works especially well if you get the right proportions and don't use every 80s cliché at the same time.

What makes the Miami Vice look so recognizable?

The power lies in the contrast between neat and relaxed. The jackets have the appearance of tailoring, but are not worn as a traditional business suit. No tie, often no shirt and prefer soft colors to dark gray or navy.

Sonny Crockett, played by Don Johnson, became best known for his combinations of an unstructured jacket, T-shirt, light trousers and loafers without visible socks. The series worked with European fashion and brands and helped popularize the casual Italian style in the United States.

1. Start with the right suit jacket

The most important part is one light, flexible jacket or blazer. Think of cream, beige, light gray, soft blue, mint or powdery pastel shades. The jacket may have a relaxed fit and does not have to be as tightly fitted as a modern slim-fit model.

A formal dark suit jacket works less well. Rather, look for a jacket with a softer shoulder, some room in the body and a fabric that does not look too businesslike.

2. T-shirt instead of shirt

A plain T-shirt works easiest under the jacket. White is the safe choice, but light pastel colors fit into the image just as well. Keep the neckline and fit simple; a large logo or busy print quickly makes the outfit more modern than Miami Vice.

If you want to make the look a little neater, you can use an open one shirt too, but the iconic Crockett combination remains the T-shirt under tailoring.

3. Choose light trousers

The pants are at least as important as the jacket. Cream, white, light gray or sand color is most recognizable. Trousers with some room and possibly pleats are more reminiscent of the 80s than extremely tight modern trousers.

You don't have to find an exact vintage model. It is mainly about the light color and relaxed relationship with the jacket.

4. Loafers and as little visible socks as possible

Slip-ons are a strong part of the Miami Vice look. Loafers or other low slip-ons make the outfit lighter than formal lace-up shoes. The series made the combination with bare ankles or without visible socks extra recognizable.

For daily wear you can of course use invisible socks; the visual effect remains the same.

5. Sunglasses: one strong accessory is enough

Dark sunglasses make the look instantly more recognizable. The series was strongly associated with Ray-Ban Wayfarers, but you don't have to chase an exact model. A simple 80s shape often works better than a whole collection of accessories.

Gold jewelry can match the atmosphere, but keep it low key if you don't want a fancy dress look.

Miami Vice is not the same as 'everything neon'

A common mistake is to lump the entire 80s together. Miami Vice is all about soft pastels, white, beige and relaxed tailoring. Bright neon, tracksuits and extreme prints belong to other sides of the decade.

Do you want a broader picture of that period? Then read what men wore in the 80s.

How do you make the look wearable instead of dress-up?

Choose one or two distinct Miami Vice elements. A light jacket with a white T-shirt and normal trousers is enough. If you add white loafers, a necklace, pastel pants and sunglasses, it quickly becomes a themed outfit.

Of course you can go further for a party. For everyday use, the modern version is stronger when you keep the silhouette but scale back the accessories.

Miami Vice look for a theme party

If you do go to an 80s party, the recognizability could be greater. For example, choose a cream or pastel jacket, a white T-shirt, light trousers and loafers. Do not forcefully roll up the sleeves if the jacket is not made for that; a natural fit looks better than a costume trick.

Jacket or blazer?

For this look, the name is less important than the appearance. A loose, soft jacket works better than a formal suit jacket. In our guide jacket or blazer: what's the difference? we explain the difference.

Find Miami Vice clothing at EcoGents

EcoGents regularly comes with light ones jackets and blazers, trousers and 80s pieces that fit well into this style. Because every second-hand item is unique, it is mainly a matter of matching the right colors and proportions.

In the store in Tilburg you can try on different jackets and trousers next to each other. That works better for this look than blindly searching for 'Miami Vice', because a combination often only comes to life once the colors come together.