Let's Shop For Cocktail Dresses in 1988

It’s Friday night in 1988. You turn on the radio. Taylor Dayne’s “Tell It To My Heart” segues into “Need You Tonight” by INXS. Hot. A full night awaits — dinner, dancing — and you’ve already sprayed yourself in Lou Lou. But what are you going to wear?

Some options, from the 1988 Sears catalog: A satiny tuxedo jacket replete with lace bustle, paired with tapered pants. Or perhaps you prefer a dress in cascading shirred nylon?

More options: Short and poufy taffeta! Some with awesomely puffy sleeves!

If those juniors outfits aren’t sophisticated enough for you, try a slinky 2-piece polyester charmeuse number in pale pink. Sweeter than a wine cooler.