If you’ve ever looked into the year’s “new” fashion trends and felt like you’re having déjà vu, you’re not alone. Fashion mavens know well that styles from decades past tend to circle back around. For instance, in recent years, some of the best fashion trends from the 1980s have come blazing back into style. Whether you simply love the era of neon and shoulder pads or you have a themed party to attend, the ‘80s has a number of hidden gems to offer. That’s why StudyFinds has compiled a list of the best 1980s fashion trends from that decade.
A recent study on the most iconic fashion trends of all time featured numerous looks that came in Vogue in the 1980s. Denim jackets, shoulder pads, shell suits, and knee-high socks all made the top 30 list. Researchers also found that many people are becoming less inclined to discard items that have gone “out of style,” assuming that they’ll come around again in time. A survey conducted by OnePoll found that 40 percent of respondents think today’s styles are “just a collection of old fads making a comeback.”
These findings are in keeping with the rising popularity of shopping vintage. Another OnePoll study showed that 26 percent of the average respondent’s wardrobe consists of secondhand clothing. Similarly, about half of those polled believe that “fast fashion” is going out of style and oppose the practice of rapidly producing high volumes of clothing. This stands in tension with many people’s desire to be perceived as fashionable — 48 percent of those surveyed said they don’t like to be photographed in the same outfit twice, likely influenced by social media.
For those looking to pursue both fashion and sustainability, a great way is to identify versatile pieces that seem to reappear in every decade. Thanks to recommendations from 10 fashion experts, check out StudyFinds’ shortlist of the best fashion trends from the ‘80s. Tell us about your favorites in the comments below!
The List: Best ’80s Fashion Trends, According to Experts
1. Leather
From motorcycle jackets to blazers to dresses, leather was an ‘80s staple. This look was key to capturing the rock and punk-influenced styles of the era’s top musical artists. InStyle consulted Tobi’s head stylist Joanna Angeles on how to recreate the glamor of this decade. Angeles says, “To fully recreate that iconic glam-rock aesthetic… platform shoes, metallic staples, leather fabrics — or better yet, faux leather — and lots of glittery accents are key.”
Harper’s Bazaar goes so far as to assert, “Every well-dressed person needs a double-breasted leather blazer in their closet.” Their iconic ‘80s photos present a few ways to style leather pieces. Examples include French singer and model Amanda Lear wearing an asymmetric leather dress with fishnet tights, supermodel Beverly Johnson wearing a double-breasted leather blazer with metallic gold trousers, and Cindy Crawford in an oversized leather motorcycle jacket over a little black dress.
Fashinza especially lauds the ‘80s for its “very svelte leather dresses with bold cuts washed in vivid hues. Fishnet stockings and heavy smoky eyes do often grace the ensemble. Guess what: the style is still very much in vogue and does not fail to impress.” Whether leather serves as an accent or focal point, there are countless ways to incorporate this very ‘80s look.
2. Denim
The 1980s also brought about the advent of the “Canadian tuxedo” — a look that established the decade’s love for all-things-denim. Elle writes about the reappearance of the head-to-toe denim look in Givenchy’s spring/summer 2023 collection: “It’s no secret designers recycle denim trends of the past. We’ve seen the return of low-rise boot-cut jeans from the early 2000s to ultra-long, ultra-baggy skater jeans of the ‘90s. Why not the ‘80s, too?”
The Vou even provides a history of the double-denim look, saying, “The trend of pairing double denim jackets with high-waisted jeans continued until the end of the ‘80s, thanks to Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Ben E. King, and Percy Sledge boosting Levi’s sales and vinyl records.” Another notable ‘80s-specific item was distressed acid-wash jeans. The Vou writes, “Loved by heavy metal and rock bands, ‘80s acid-washed jeans were matched with biker jackets or fringe jackets (cowboy/country music style leather jackets with lots of tassels).”
StyleCraze highlights high-waisted denims, noting, “High-waisted anything seems like the fashion mantra of the ‘80s. And it’s all thanks to Tina Turner, who made it a thing. Fully tucking your shirt was also a very common practice.” The denim jacket is also noted as a timeless classic. According to StyleCraze fashion stylists, “Women from the ‘80s had no qualms about being vibrant and didn’t really worry about being minimalistic as much as we do. Party outfits meant a denim skirt with a colorful structured top or a vintage skirt with equally flashy footwear.”
3. Oversized Blazers
Speaking of outerwear, a distinctive feature of ‘80s style that has made a resurgence is the stylishly-too-large blazer. Harper’s Bazaar states, “There are few items as ubiquitous with the 1980s as an oversized blazer with power shoulders. The best ones were often exaggerated and worn down with denim and chunky socks a-la Sarah Jessica Parker.” The contrast of pairing a professional wardrobe item with casual wear makes for a classic ‘80s combination.
Forbes calls out recent bold trends in “bright geometric patterns, dance-inspired looks, and more of those oversized blazers (with or without shoulder pads).” Forbes also mentions the unique use of a blazer as a dress, saying cheekily, “Who needs pants when you have an oversized blazer? Oversized blazers were a well-loved staple of the ‘80s and pair well with a miniskirt for a power look that’s both strong and sexy. Add a bright color to really pull it off.”
InStyle interviewed Christina Jaide, co-founder of JLUX, who named the oversized blazer with shoulder pads as her favorite ‘80s look. “They’re too good to move on from. If you are reaching for something oversized and you are sporting a smaller frame, give the look a try with a defined waistline. Adding a belt will ensure your shape is at the forefront of your look.” Joann Angeles from Tobi adds onto the recommendation by suggesting a full-on ‘80s look that “incorporate[s] lace, statement belts, gloves, power suits, and oversized boxy blazers.” Fashion designers both then and now know that pairing different shapes and textures can result in a standout look.
4. Polka Dots
It’s easy to “spot” this ‘80s trend that has continued to make its mark. Who What Wear declares, “Polka dots are back again, but one of the most current-looking ways they were worn in the ’80s was thanks to singer Sade,” who sported a white-collared shirt with black pinpoint dots. Who What Wear also makes the bold statement that, “in recent months, we’ve come to the realization that all the most current trends today are courtesy of the ’80s.”
A LinkedIn feature by G47 Studio shares a bit of the style’s history. “Inspired by 1940s–50s fashion, polka dot dresses, skirts, and tops resurfaced in the ‘80s with a vengeance. The style was brought back by the French fashion house Emanuel Ungaro on its SS 1985 ready-to-wear collection, fast adopted by royalty, pop stars, and cinema celebrities alike.” Even popular workplace networking sites can see the value of this print, which can range from bold to subtle.
The Vou highlights some of the famous names and faces who popularized this print. “Princess Diana loved sporting polka dot skirts; the Strawberry Switchblade pop duo had them on big PVC belts, and Claudia Cardinale on her characteristic dresses with tie necklines.” Integrating this print into your wardrobe can be simple since it comes in every style and color.
5. Neon
The ‘80s were known for bold colors, especially a love of unapologetically bright neon hues. As LegacyBox says, “Why go big and bold if you’re just going to use muted colors? It doesn’t make any sense. That’s why neon colors were everywhere in the 80s. Plus, the neons really popped at the skating rink during the black light skate.” Though neon may often be associated with fitness outfits, these colors can make great accents in everyday wear.
Elle shares the same sentiment, saying, “Though today’s celebs have been diving into the neon trend, we can’t forget that designers of the ‘80s were notoriously famous for their use of bright colors… Today, we can turn to designers like Fendi for bold, showstopping hues calling back to their ’80s predecessors. Electric colors such as bright Tiffany Blue were a mainstay in the brand’s spring/summer 2023 show.”
According to Fashinza, fashionistas can incorporate neon colors through “leggings, headbands, and even socks! The accessories were also dipped in the fluorescent hues of the brightest pinks, the lemony yellows and vivid greens adding an edge to the whole ensemble.”
6. Sequins
What could be bolder than dressing like an actual disco ball? As Fashinza puts it, “During the ’80s, there was nothing called too much of a glimmer; it was like ‘the more, the merrier!’ Highly sequined tops and dresses with bold cuts started featuring in the ‘80s fashion trends; the most iconic one that took the world by storm was the one sported by Paris Hilton.” The sparkly minidress worn by the heiress brought sequins back to 2000s fashion and showed they’re here to stay.
StyleCraze lists a number of options for those looking to bedazzle themselves: “Bodysuits, jumpsuits, and overalls were all party wear staples in the ‘80s. If you look carefully, the likes of Beyonce, Rihanna, and Gigi Hadid sport similar dresses, and often have a very ‘80s touch to their outfits. So, if you are headed to an ‘80s theme party, you know your options.” The site also suggests that you can “mix sequined dresses with casual pieces like sneakers and a loose overcoat for a daytime ‘80s look.”
InStyle agrees that sequins work “for girls’ night out or happy hour (or just because)” and suggests opting for the classic “mini skirt decked out in sequins. Pair with bold colored pointed toe pumps, a tucked-in, flowy white button-up, and chunky gold jewelry for an extra touch of glam.” A little sparkle can make an ordinary evening out seem magical.
7. Harem Pants
This ‘80s distinctive is last, but not least, on our list. Harper’s Bazaar explains, “Originally worn for belly dancing, harem pants picked up popularity in the 1980s and became known as MC hammer pants. In our opinion though, Donna Summer did them much better.” The “Queen of Disco” is featured in an iconic photo wearing gauzy light blue harem pants with a matching top.
The Vou provides even more history on this ‘80s fashion staple. “Originally known as a harem skirt, Parisian designer Paul Poiret introduced these pants to Western fashion circles in 1910. Long, baggy, with a very low drop-crotch and fitted at the ankle, harem pants were also known as the MC Hammer pants. In psychedelic colors and dizzying patterns, harem pants are another look that makes ‘80s fashion unforgettable and unique.”
InStyle suggests that those looking to adopt the harem pants trend can “style your pair with a fitted jacket to create structure and platform shoes to elevate your look.” Combining multiple bold pieces is certainly the ‘80s way to dress.
You Might Also Be Interested In:
- Best ’90s Fashion Trends
- Best Songs From The 1980s
- Best Madonna Songs Of All Time
- Best Fashion Magazines
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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
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