Madonna wannabe

Madonna wannabe was a 1980s term used to describe women--and in some cases men--who dressed like pop singer Madonna. The term was popularized by writer John Skow in a May 1985 "Time" cover story on the singer.

The Madonna wannabe phenomenon was at its peak from 1983 until 1986. During that time, it was common to see young women across the nation dressed in the style affected by Madonna in that era: a thrift shop look that incorporated many beads, rosaries, crucifixes, skirts, and bustiers, sometimes the Wannabees wore men's boxer shorts outside their clothes.

In 1985, Macy's department store opened "Madonnaland", a boutique selling clothes modelled after the singer's style.

The Madonna wannabe phenomenon largely disappeared by 1986 when Madonna dramatically altered her look with the release of her third album, "True Blue". However, some fans of the entertainer still dress in the mid-'80s Madonna style, though usually this is only for Eighties nostalgia days and parties.