There’s a reason why so many modern-day events use ’80s fashion trend themes: The decade has a distinct style that can be instantly recognized.
“The ’80s credo was more is more, which gave way to its extreme fashion trends that lacked restraint, subtlety, and, often, taste,” says Elizabeth Kosich, certified image stylist and founder of Elizabeth Kosich Styling.
In any event, these styles are simple to emulate, whether you’re dressing up or seeking to incorporate a touch of nostalgia into your personal style.
Before we dive down into the most popular ’80s fashion trends, it’s vital to understand their origins, which began in the 1970s.
Farrah Fawcett, Jane Birkin, and Patti Smith were the decade’s style icons, ushering in the hippie-boho era, including airy dresses, bright patterns, bell bottoms, and miniskirts.
So, the 1980s were a reaction to it. Punk style gained popularity, and accessories such as shoulder pads emerged as a key power dressing trend. There were plenty of bright colors and enormous hair.
Continue reading to discover the top 80s fashion trends, accessories, and hairstyles of the 1980s. Learn how you can incorporate them into your wardrobe today. Remember, “What goes around comes around”!
1. Mullets & Wolf Cuts
Men had some of the most memorable mullets of the 1980s. Think of Billy Ray Cyrus and John Stamos. However, everyone now embraces the edgier style. Women are opting for the wolf cut, which is less dramatic than a mullet but still has a lot of layers and face-framing parts.
2. Crimped Hair
Crimped hair was popular in the 1980s, and the style returned briefly in the 2000s. Nowadays, people are less likely to crimp their full head of hair. However, there is a trend of crimping the under-pieces to increase volume.
3. Half Up, Half Down.
Ariana Grande wears this look in an upbeat and trendy way. Instead of a large scrunchie, as used in the 1980s, use a less visible hair tie. Large curls provide volume and beauty.
4. High-waisted jeans
Denim, which was originally worn by ladies in the 1930s, had become nearly ubiquitous by the 1980s. High-waisted silhouettes were the dominant style of the new decade. Nowadays, the cut is frequently referred to as Mom jeans, and while low-rise alternatives are becoming more popular, high-rise jeans remain one of the most fashionable forms of denim available.
5. Acid-wash jeans
To get this effect, denim is bleached and worn in. The popular fashion trend was developed by surfers in California in the 1960s, but it wasn’t associated with a decade until the 1980s. That’s when hard rock and heavy metal performers started wearing the style.
To dress up your regular outfit, pair acid-wash jeans with a plain white T-shirt. And, if you really want to commit to the look, there are plenty of denim jackets that match your pants.
6. Boxy Suiting With Shoulder Pads
Skirt suits and enormous blazers with shoulder pads went out of style, although they were groundbreaking in the 1980s. This mainstream fashion trend gained popularity as women entered the corporate workforce in large numbers for the first time ever.
“Boxy suits became the uniform de rigueur for pop-culture representations of working women, from Melanie Griffith in Working Girl to Diane Keaton in Baby Boom,” writes The Cut in a reflection on the look.Iconic 1980s Accessories
7. Fanny packs.
You’ve definitely seen at least a couple of these useful items while running errands, but Kosich says they’re frequently disguised as “belt bags” these days—the fanny pack’s elevated older relative.
“Everyone loves being hands-free, which explains why the trend has been gaining popularity,” Kosich explains.
“From designer to sportswear, take your pick of color, material, pattern, hardware, or style.” You may wear it over a jacket to constrict the waist, or you may toss it over your shoulder or over your body.
8. Head-to-Toe Spandex
According to InStyle, aerobics instructor Gilda Marx started the Spandex trend while looking for costumes for her A-list clients at her Los Angeles fitness school.
She discovered the relatively new synthetic material Lycra and used it for leotards, which were already being worn by dancers. In the years that followed, synthetic fabrics spread like wildfire throughout the fitness sector, and the entire decade is now synonymous with flexible neon training apparel.
9. Corset Belt
You could also use a corset to make your ’80s-inspired belt look more streamlined. They are popular today, although their roots date back decades.
“Dress down your corset belt with a cotton tank, boyfriend jeans, and Mary Jane flats, or dress it up by cinching your favorite cocktail dress—like an LBD, frilly chiffon maxi, or classic jersey wrap dress,” Kosich advises.
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10. Punk Accouterments
Metallic studs, spikes, chains, buckles, and fishnets were among the accessories popularized during the anti-establishment movement. These were frequently combined with leather jackets and graphic T-shirts, but they may also be worn on their own to dress up an outfit.
11. Leg warmers
These have a functional purpose: keeping dancers’ muscles warm as they begin exercise. However, like Spandex, they became popularized by the general public in the 1980s, usually in vibrant colors. They’ve been in and out of favor several times throughout the years, usually in more subdued colors.
12. Big, Bold Blowouts
Icons such as Princess Diana, Jane Fonda, and Meg Ryan wore layered cuts with a lot of volume. The look is back in trend, with influencers showing how to achieve it with velcro rollers and hair-teasing techniques. It doesn’t get more 1980s than that.
13. Big Earrings
The earrings in the 1980s were as huge as the hair! “While statement earrings are always stylish, be measured when adopting this trend by first considering your scale,” says Kosich. “Petite and delicate facial features are best with mid-size statement earrings that appropriately frame the face, while square and round-shaped faces are better with huge sizes.”
A hoop is always a good choice. “Or try a mismatched earring set to really channel the ’80s-style spirit,” suggests Kosich.
14. Fingerless gloves.
These may resemble a Madonna costume from your local Halloween store, but they can also be used in everyday situations.
“Part-romantic, part-rock ‘n’ roll, fingerless gloves are back in vogue,” Kosich claims. “Channel your inner ‘Material Girl’ with a pair in black lace, or make a bigger statement with a bold pop of color—yellow, orange or pink.” Put chunky bracelets or rings on top to amp up the ’80s vibe.
15. Side ponytail.
The classic side ponytail is possibly the easiest ’80s hairdo to recreate—try it for your next gym class or errand run.
To achieve the look, simply pull your hair into a ponytail at the top of your head and slant it to the side. Hold it in place with a loose scrunchy. The messier and more free-spirited, the better!
’80s Fashion Icons We Still Love
1. Brooke Shields
When you think of the 1980s blowout, you probably think of Brooke Shields. In several of her 1980s appearances, she wears puffy sleeves, shoulder pads, and vivid colors. The model and actress were frequently photographed, and what she wore had great influence.
2. Princess Diana
She married Prince Charles on July 29, 1981, and rose to prominence subsequently. Her fashion influence began on her wedding day, when she donned a fully ’80s gown with puffy sleeves, a ruffled neckline, and a feathered hairstyle. Some of Princess Diana’s most famous ensembles occurred in the years that followed.
3. Janet Jackson
“Her style embraces the sculptural shoulders and bold colors of the 1980s,” Women’s Wear Daily says of the singer-songwriter and actor.
Janet Jackson wore a leather jacket with shoulder padding, buckles, and chains in her 1989 “Rhythm Nation” music video. She also pioneered some of the most popular hairstyles of the day, including teased curls and flippy bobs.
4. Cher
Cher’s fame began in the 1960s and 1970s, and she reached her peak in the 1980s. Her showgirl-inspired dress for the 1986 Oscars, designed by Bob Mackie, made a lot of news. “She said, ‘I don’t want to look like a housewife in an evening gown,'” Mackie explained to Vanity Fair. “We never have to worry about that.”
