Okay, polka dots were not the only PATTERN/COLOR in the 1980s, but they were a riotous favorite, in every color and every size...often all at once! Stripes came in a close second, and many bold patterns found their place in the sun.
Striped thigh highs, Betsey Johnson. Shoes, Charles David designed by Nathalie M. 
Christian Lacroix 
Kenzo 
Sweater by Bennetton. Skirt, Street Life. Boots, Koss by Diego Della Valle. Blanket, Kenzo 
Cardigan by Moschino. Bag, Tony Bryant Designs 
Skirts by Moschino. Shoes, left to right, Mario Valentino, Nina Footwear and Fratelli Rossetti for Geoffrey Beene
Colors, too, were often loud and clear, from the top of the head, to the tip of the toe.