Songful Style: Venus by Bananarama ► Suzy Turner

Welcome to the April edition of Songful Style! Hosted by myself, Shelbee (Shelbee on the Edge) and Marsha (Marsha in the Middle), Songful Style is a collaboration featuring outfits inspired by songs. We’re also inviting anyone who would like to join us to post their own outfits in the link-up below. It doesn’t matter from what angle the song inspires the outfit—it can be from the lyrics, the title, the tune itself, the album cover, or even the music video. Last month our song was chosen by Marsha and was Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys. This month, our Songful Style inspiration song was chosen by me, and is Venus by Bananarama (scroll right down to the bottom to read the lyrics).

Ah. The 1980s. They were a wild ride of colours, creativity, and bold fashion, weren’t they? And nobody rocked it quite like Bananarama. You know, Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey and Keren Woodward–those British babes who not only churned out catchy tunes but also turned heads with their quirky style.

Originally a cover, Bananarama made Venus their own, giving it that ’80s flair we know and love. I must admit, I had absolutely no idea (until writing this post) that Venus wasn’t originally Bananarama’s song! It goes to show that it has truly stood the test of time, because it was originally recorded by Dutch rock band Shocking Blue in 1969. It was written by Robbie van Leeuwen, the band’s guitarist, and was included in their album At Home.

But it wasn’t until Bananarama released their cover in 1986 that Venus truly became an iconic hit of the ’80s. Bananarama’s version infused the song with a fresh, pop-oriented sound, featuring upbeat rhythms and harmonies that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the era. I love watching the video because you can just see how much fun the girls had with it. These gals weren’t just about music; they were about empowering women to be themselves. Their vibe? DIY all the way–mixing thrift store finds with homemade accessories to create looks that screamed individuality (don’t you just love that?!).

Despite their thrift store chic, Bananarama also knew how to rock the high-fashion game. Collaborating with designers like Vivienne Westwood and Jean-Paul Gaultier, they blended punk with glam, making waves on and off the stage. From Cruel Summer to Love in the First Degree, Bananarama ruled the ’80s airwaves. Their tunes were catchy, sure, but it was their fearless fashion sense that had fans scrambling to copy their style. And decades later, Bananarama’s impact still resonates. Their mix-and-match aesthetic and fearless attitude continue to inspire fashionistas and designers, proving that true style never goes out of fashion.

So how did I style this fabulous song? Well…I didn’t want to look like I’d stepped right out of the 1980s, because that is easily done. I wanted to simply add my own 2024 spin on it, so I went for a ‘classic’ look featuring ripped jeans (Salsa) and long sleeved black tee (Massimo Dutti) with some hoop earrings and a simple necklace (inherited). It’s the kind of look I’d wear anywhere, but one I think the Bananarama girls would be proud to wear themselves in this day and age. I also decided to add a large black belt, but I ended up taking it off because it’s elasticated and kept riding up (drove me nuts) but it’s the only black belt I have (I clearly need to go belt shopping!). I’m also wearing my trusty pointed Ecco black trainers which I LOVE.

In hindsight though, looking at these photos, this outfit is quite an obvious copy of what Sara Dallin is wearing in the video, with the addition of the black leather jacker (Massimo Dutti) and of course the camo bumbag (Kipling) which isn’t at all 80s but I just fancied using it! So I guess I wasn’t very creative on this occasion lol! Also, considering the 80s were all about bright colours, I realised I didn’t go with any…apart from a pink lip and red nails!! Oh well. I wonder how Shelbee and Marsha styled this fun prompt? What are you waiting for? Go and check them out! I bet their looks will be distinctly more colourful than mine! Find them at Shelbee on the Edge and Marsha in the Middle.

I hope you’ll enjoy us for next month’s song challenge because Shelbee has chosen the song, and it’s a fun one… Fat Bottomed Girls by Queen!!!