This essay will explore the effects that social and political changes had on fashion in the 1980s. This period was chosen because the new romantic fashion was so different from the punk fashion that had come before, this essay will therefore identify the changes that occurred to influence this change. Primary evidence used to support the findings will include interviews and photographs showing a first-hand account of the period. To understand why punk was born, previous periods will be taken into consideration. The post-war baby boom had produced large numbers of people at the same time. A ripple effect then resulted in mass unemployment among young people. The punk era showed angry, rebellious citizens expressing their opinions through loud music and creating songs about making a political statement. Celebrities and musicians such as the Sex Pistols sang of their belief that there was no future for themselves and the country and sang of "anarchy for the UK". The slogan "No future" originally comes from the sex guns song "God save the Queen". The impression given by the punks was seen negatively by the older generation, however the younger audience felt they could relate to the situations sung. A turning point in the 1980s showed a complete opposite. A new sense of hope for the country began to manifest itself through the contrast with the atmosphere of previous eras. Artists like Marilyn now sang about love and romance in her songs like "calling your name" and "give it up" which reflected a more positive attitude from citizens. This also reflected the way in which politics had started to change, however this positivity was not welcomed by everyone and a rift was created in the citizen... middle of paper... auditory representation of how punks accessorised their clothes because the words look handwritten like graffiti. Again it is not directly connected to the punk era, but there is a common characteristic within it. Beyond that, the words also connect to various beliefs/campaigns, as well as 1980s clothing. Although both of these pieces are modern and newly designed, they both reflect aspects present in the 80s. To conclude, social and political changes were reflected in fashion during this era and the influences impacted both punks and the New Romantics of the time. The division between the two groups was not only determined by their clothing but also by their music, beliefs, and work roles within society, as discussed in this essay. The first-hand account also supported the evidence for the changes that were studied.