20 Iconic ‘80s Fashion Trends And Outfit Ideas For Women
Get some inspiration from our list and dress up in retro style to look classy and trendy.
80s fashion trends are, without a doubt, making a remarkable comeback now and for all the right reasons. There is no denying that 80s fashion had that brave, bold, and loud vibe along with everything that fashion always needs to have for real. While they are doing that buzz in the current era, you will not want to miss out throwing that fun ‘80s vibe and make a statement wherever you go. Don’t worry because we are here to help. In this article, we are going to provide you with some really amazing inspiration that you must try. All you need to do is, scroll down and find the one that catches your eye. So, without further ado, go ahead and give this piece on 80s attire a read.
- Color Scheme: Bold shades like cobalt, fuchsia, magenta, and gold instantly create an ‘80s vibe.
- Contrast Outfit: Mix sequined dresses with casual pieces like sneakers and a loose overcoat for a daytime ‘80s look.
- Makeup: Opt for pink, blue, or purple if you want to go for a vibrant look, and go for bronze or tan shades for a muted look. Pair it with bold-colored lips and bright blush.
- Hairstyle: Achieve big, voluminous hair by styling it with extreme curls or waves, with lots of hairspray.
In This Article
Cultural Influences On ‘80s Fashion
The fashion scene of the 1980s was greatly influenced by pop culture, music, and film. Musicians and celebrities like Madonna and Michael Jackson helped to create iconic fashion trends with their audacious and unique looks. Movies like Pretty in Pink and Flashdance gained popularity due to their striking and glamorous outfits. The unique and enduring charm of 1980s fashion was derived from this colorful fusion of cultural influences, making it a significant decade in the history of fashion.
Are you prepared to embrace your inner retro style? Here are 20 of the greatest ’80s fashion trends-inspired looks for women that will give your wardrobe a playful nostalgic feel. Check them out!
20 Best ‘80s Fashion Trends Inspired Outfits For Women
1. ‘80s Rock Fashion
The simplest way to change into someone else and travel back in time to the 1980s is perming your hair. Rock stars Joan Jett and Madonna are credited with popularizing and embracing the edgy look with their daring statement-making hairstyle. Put on leg warmers or knee socks over your pants and accessorize with brightly colored or printed clothing.
2. ‘80s Style LBD
We all know that the little black dress has been around for a long time now. But do you know how to spin some ‘80s magic on it? By adding a blazer, jacket or coat with shoulder pads. It was a big part of the ‘80s fashion, and a complete rage too. So, it’s no wonder that it’s making a comeback right now. If you want to continue the theme, wear voluptuous colored pants. You can also wear your skinnies if you don’t want to be too “out there.” Or, if the weather doesn’t allow for jackets, you could simply add a blingy belt to your LBD!
3. Florals And Neon Colors
Today, you and I would think 10 times before we put on an 80s outfit like this. But, back in the day, nothing was considered ‘incorrect’ when it came to fashion. Sure, there were rules, but people embraced change and eccentricity much more easily than we do today. So, if you are going to an ‘80s fancy dress or a show, this is a great option too.
4. ‘80s Workout Fashion
Even their workout looks were never subtle, were they? Oversized flashy T-shirts and running shorts were quite common back then. If you want to be outlandish and are looking for inspiration, try this.
5. Pleated Trousers
Trousers, not just jeans, were equally famous in the ‘80s. However, they were mostly high-waisted and tapered. Paired with a crop top, they look absolutely dapper.
6. Printed Blouse
The 80s outfits for women had structured attire, printed blouses, and shoulder-padded blazers were all a go-to for women. If you look at it carefully, you’d realize that a lot of it had to do with their love for oversized clothing.
7. High Waisted Denims
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.
8. ‘80s Fashion Accessories
Women have been on top of their accessory game for the longest time now. The famous big hoops were also an ‘80s thing and just as big a hit back then as they are now. Fanny packs, bandanas, statement belts, crystal timepieces, and quirky socks were among the accessories that allowed women to spruce up their outfits. During this decade, statement necklaces, oversized earrings, and any jewelry with vivid colors and patterns were also popular. In addition to finishing off ensembles, these accessories created memorable looks that added a distinctive twist to the 80s aesthetic.
9. Blazer With Shoulder Pads
A floral blazer, one with shoulder pads, or both combined in one – that’s what you need to look for when you are scouting for an ‘80s formal look.
10. Striped Pants And Ankle Boots
Stretched and cropped trousers, tights, and big printed pants were all bottoms that women in the ‘80s preferred. Boots were another obsession, so I guess it all started there.
11. Members Only Jacket And Bandana
‘Members Only’ jackets (that looked like bomber jackets) were considered luxury items back then. Throw one of these over your high-waisted denim shorts or skirt, and secure your hair with a bandana. This retro hairstyle has an airy effortless feel, style it with oversized shades to finish the look.
12. Polka Dots Dress And Waist Belt
Polka dot dresses scream retro. To finish off the look, add a wide belt that tightens at the waist and a chunky piece of jewelry complementing the palette and patterns of the dress. This classic look from the 1950s was made popular by celebrities like Lucille Ball, and it had a major resurgence in the 1980s with a daring new twist.
13. Denim Jacket
Here’s proof that denim jackets have been a wardrobe staple since forever. The denim jacket might have seen a few iterations to keep up with the trends, but it has and always will be a timeless classic.
14. Vintage Long Skirt
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.
15. Sequined Jumpsuit For Parties
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.
16. Knee High Socks
Don’t shy away from wearing knee-high socks if you are trying to bring in a retro element or an 80s themed outfit. We talk about bold dressing today, but I guess they were badass and knew how to do it way better than any of us could ever do now.
17. Leopard Print Fashion
Most people find it tricky to style animal prints, but they are timeless. Designers played around a lot with these prints on handbags, shoes, dresses, and scarves. Leopard print, zebra print, and snake print were a huge part of 80s clothes.
18. Overalls
Overalls are one of the easiest ways to transform a costume into an 80s retro outfit because they were a hit back then and continue to be. You can wear them with an off-shoulder top or a bold high-neck T-shirt if you want to be loud about it.
19. High Waisted Skirts And Ruffle Top
Ruffled crop tops were the ‘80s version of off-shoulders. Wearing crops with a high-waisted skirt was another stylish option from that era. This look, which took cues from fashion icons like Cyndi Lauper, embodied the decade’s playful and experimental aesthetic.
20. Oversized T-Shirts And Denim
Most of us practically live in these, don’t we? But they are not new inventions, and definitely not a millennial thing. Wearing oversized T-shirts and tucking them in denims was a huge part of punk rock culture back in the day.
Infographic: ’80s-Themed Party Ideas
Now that you know everything about the most amazing ‘1980s fashion trends, how about you host an ‘80s-themed party where you can flaunt your style?
The ‘80s was an era of bright and flashy trends, synth-heavy music, iconic movies, and wild parties. People back then were experimental and bold, and they believed in living life to the fullest. So, channel your inner retro soul, pray to the party gods, and gear up to host the ultimate ‘80s-themed party!
Click on the infographic below to get some inspiration.
Retro fashion is often seen to be back as the latest ongoing trend. With the above-mentioned ‘80s fashion trends, you would not only stand apart in the crowd, but also get an idea of how to mix and match things from your existing wardrobe to style things differently. Whether it’s the ever trending little black dress, pleated trousers, a pop of neon colors, or high-waisted denims, pair them with the retro sunglasses, waist belt, or bandana to complete the look. Whether it’s an ‘80s theme party or just a regular day, pick an outfit that suits your comfort and style preference to steal the limelight anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
‘80s Best Fashion Brands?
‘80s fashion brands ranged from Izod sweaters and Nike jerseys to Calvin Klein, Gloria Vanderbilt, The Limited, Forenza, and Espirit, which were all big names back in the ‘80s.
Are Polka Dots ‘80s Fashion Trends?
Polka dots are not particularly from the ‘80s. In fact, they first popped up in the early 19th century in Europe and were picked up by some popular actresses at that time. When American actresses, supermodels, and later Walt Disney used them for his creations, they finally caught up like wildfire. The ‘80s is when they became popular amongst ordinary people while the celebrities took to them much before that. This is one timeless pattern that will stay on until the end of time.
What fads were popular in the ’80s?
Fashion fads such as shoulder pads, parachute pants, fishnet stockings, high waisted jeans were popular in the 80s.
Which women’s shoes were popular in the 80s?
Women’s shoes like canvas flats, wedges, loafers, jelly shoes, converse sneakers, slouchy boots, and bow flats were popular in the 80s.
Were high tops popular in the 80s?
Yes, high tops were a popular part of 80s women’s fashion. They wore high tops sneakers with stirrup pants or miniskirts to level up the style.
Were flip-flops popular in the ’80s?
Yes, flip-flops were popular in the 80s. Bright-colored rubber flip-flops (and later, plastic flip-flops) were popular among beach-goers.
Was big hair popular in the ’80s?
Yes, big hair was a major trend in the 80s. Women opted for blowouts and used large amounts of hairspray to create volume and height in their hair. Popular hairstyles included the bouffant, the perm, and the mullet.
What is power dressing?
Power dressing was a trend that emerged in the 80s, influenced by the rise of women in the workforce. This trend was characterized by sharp tailoring, padded shoulders, and bold colors. Women wore statement suits with high heels and bold jewelry.
Was preppy style popular in the ’80s?
Yes, preppy style was popular in the 80s. This trend was characterized by classic Ivy League School clothing such as polo shirts, button-up blouses, and cardigans. The look was completed with accessories such as pearl necklaces, headbands, and loafers.
Were tracksuits popular in the ’80s?
Tracksuits were a popular trend in the 80s. These matching sets were often made of nylon and were characterized by their bright colors and bold designs. They were often worn with sneakers or Reebok high-tops and a scrunchie in the hair.
How did ‘80s fashion influence today’s trends?
Trends of today are influenced by the flamboyant color schemes, oversized silhouettes, and iconic accessories like shoulder pads and high-waisted jeans from the ‘80s that are making a comeback in modern styles. Reminiscent 80s elements are frequently reintroduced into contemporary fashion because of their vibrant and expressive aesthetic.
Key Takeaways
- Many of the retro styles are coming back as popular trends with modern-day interpretations.
- 80s fashion included high-waisted trousers, printed blouses, bright head and wrist sweatbands, ankle boots, Members Only jackets, and polka dotted dresses.
- Women then preferred bold oversized clothing and paired outfits with big hoops, fanny packs, bandanas, chunky jewelry, and socks. Hence, accessorizing with a belt, bandana, and Ray-Ban sunglasses can be used to bring in the 80s theme to any outfit.
- Animal prints like leopard and snake prints were also popular for a more daring vibe.
Check out this video to learn about the iconic fashion trends of the 1980s! From shoulder pads to neon colors, get ready to explore the decade’s style.
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