How to Dress in 80s Style: A Guide to Iconic Women’s Fashion Trends

The 1980s remain an iconic decade known for its bold style, glitter, and fashion freedom. Defined by bright colors, eye-catching patterns, acid-wash jeans, oversized shoulder pads, dramatic earrings, pearls, and voluminous hair, 80s fashion encouraged people to express themselves unapologetically. “Big, vibrant, and fearless” perfectly captures the spirit of 80s style.

The beauty of 80s fashion lay in its eclectic mix, allowing individuals to experiment and combine various styles without strict rules. This era was truly a high point for creativity, where bold self-expression and unique blends of fashion trends thrived.

80s Fashion: The Bold and Unforgettable Trends of the Decade

The 1980s were a time of bold choices and fearless fashion, establishing trends that were anything but subtle. Without social media or modern-day influencers, 80s fashion found inspiration in television, movies, and music, creating a wave of style icons that continue to inspire to this day. Known for its unique flair and unmistakable looks, the decade solidified its place as a defining era in the world of fashion, marked by bright colors, daring designs, and a spirit of experimentation that’s still celebrated today.

Clothing Styles of the 1980s: Flaunting Wealth and Designer Labels

In the 1980s, fashion was about making a statement, often by showcasing wealth and status through clothing. Designer labels, preppy looks, and bold logos were all in vogue, giving wearers an opportunity to flaunt their success. Some standout styles from this era include:

• Power Suits and Shoulder Pads: Bold, structured suits with large shoulder pads became iconic, especially in corporate settings.
• Designer Denim: High-waisted, acid-wash jeans from top brands were everywhere, emphasizing both comfort and style.
• Tracksuits and Sportswear: Athletic wear became everyday attire, with brands like Adidas and Nike leading the trend.
• Preppy Fashion: Think polo shirts, sweaters draped over shoulders, and loafers—an Ivy League-inspired look that exuded sophistication.
• Leather and Punk Influences: Leather jackets, ripped jeans, and studded accessories also defined the edgier side of 80s fashion.

These trends symbolized a time of flamboyant self-expression, where clothing was a bold proclamation of personality and, often, prosperity.

Power Suits in the 1980s: A Statement of Style and Ambition

In the 1980s, power dressing took center stage, driven by celebrities and movie stars who portrayed strong, ambitious business women. Power suits, complete with iconic shoulder pads, became essential attire for professional women who wanted to exude confidence and style.

These suits often featured luxurious fabrics with a touch of shimmer, adding a fashionable edge to the traditional business look. A typical 80s power suit consisted of a knee-length skirt and a structured jacket belted at the waist, highlighting the era’s preference for bold silhouettes. Women frequently paired these suits with simple blouses, balancing elegance with authority, making the power suit a symbol of both fashion and empowerment.

Leg Warmers: The Essential Accessory of 80s Fashion

In the 1980s, leg warmers surged in popularity, becoming a staple accessory that complemented a wide range of outfits. Initially associated with fitness attire, thanks to the era’s aerobics craze, leg warmers quickly transitioned from workout gear to mainstream fashion.

Women embraced leg warmers as a versatile accessory, pairing them with everything from athletic wear to slim jeans, leggings, and oversized sweaters. Stylish yet cozy, leg warmers added a unique flair to any look, whether worn over skinny jeans, with shorts, or layered over leggings. This warm and practical accessory became synonymous with 80s fashion, embodying the era’s bold and experimental style.

Jean Jackets: The Iconic 80s Wardrobe Staple

While denim jackets first rose to popularity in the 1970s, they truly became an iconic fashion piece in the 1980s. The cropped, short-waisted jean jacket style dominated, creating a trendy, laid-back look that resonated with people everywhere.

Often paired with skinny jeans, a bold blouse, or a graphic T-shirt, jean jackets became a must-have item for achieving the perfect 80s vibe. Stone-washed denim took precedence over traditional denim, lending a rugged, worn-in look that matched the era’s edgy aesthetic. The jean jacket quickly evolved into a symbol of 80s fashion, embodying the spirit of casual cool and personal expression.

Lamé Dresses: Sparkle and Glamour

In the 1980s, lamé dresses were essential for making a bold statement. From prom-goers to party-ready women, a lamé dress with ruffles or a single shoulder look was a wardrobe staple. Often in bright, metallic colors, these dresses were paired with high heels, chunky accessories, and vibrant makeup, giving women a glamorous, confident vibe.

Ruffles and Puff Sleeves: A Feminine Touch

Ruffles and puff sleeves were among the most beloved 80s fashion trends. Inspired by icons like Princess Diana, these frilly details adorned blouses and skirts, adding a feminine twist that could be dressed up or down. Whether with a tailored suit for the office or skinny jeans for a night out, ruffles became a versatile way to channel 80s elegance.

Sheer Tights: A Wardrobe Essential

Short skirts made sheer tights an absolute must-have in the 1980s, adding a sophisticated touch to any look. Neutral shades like beige for day and black for evening were popular, but as the fitness craze took off, colored sheer tights in a rainbow of hues entered the scene, bringing fun and vibrancy to outfits.

Shoes

Jelly Shoes: A Quirky 80s Favorite

Jelly shoes were a quirky footwear trend of the 80s, loved for their comfort and colorful, whimsical designs. Though often inexpensive, these flexible plastic shoes made a major style impact. Designers like Jean-Paul Gaultier even incorporated them into high-fashion lines, cementing jelly shoes as a unique part of 80s fashion culture.

Vans and Converse Sneakers: Skater Cool

With skateboarding on the rise, slip-on Vans and classic Converse sneakers were essential for expressing style and personality. While these shoes have made a comeback in recent years, their popularity peaked in the 1980s, making them a signature of cool, laid-back 80s fashion.

Jewelry

In the 1980s, jewelry became bold and attention-grabbing to match the decade’s fashion sense, which was all about big hair, bright colors, and oversized shoulder pads. The shift from small, delicate pieces to larger statement jewelry allowed people to express themselves through eye-catching accessories, such as oversized earrings, chunky necklaces, and colorful bracelets. Celebrities played a huge role in popularizing these trends, inspiring millions to embrace their unique styles.

Multi-Strand Pearls

Pearls, whether genuine or faux, were incredibly fashionable in the 80s, often worn in layered, multi-strand styles. It was common to see women wearing ropes of pearls in various colors, piled on to create an extravagant yet elegant look. This trend allowed for mixing and matching pearls in different shades and sizes, making them a versatile accessory for day or night.

Pearl Chokers

Pearl chokers, often adorned with bright stones or charms, were a favorite accessory of the 1980s. This look was embraced by Princess Diana, who brought sophistication to the trend with her elegant approach. With colorful gems and charms, these chokers added a touch of glamor to outfits and became a go-to statement piece.

Brooches

Brooches made a major comeback in the 80s, moving away from their vintage image to become bold, stylish pieces that could be pinned on jackets, blouses, and dresses. Often oversized and decorated with colorful stones, they added flair to any outfit and contributed to the decade’s eclectic fashion landscape.

Bracelets

Bracelets in the 80s were all about making a bold statement. Thin bangles, chunky plastic bracelets, and neon-colored jelly wristbands were hugely popular, with people often stacking them up their arms. Charm bracelets, woven friendship bands, and statement cuffs were also commonly worn, adding personality and vibrancy to casual and formal looks alike.

Celebrities Who Defined 80s Style

Celebrities heavily influenced 80s fashion trends, with television and music stars leading the charge. The unique and daring styles of iconic figures inspired fans to adopt their favorite looks.

Madonna

Madonna was a defining fashion icon of the 1980s, setting trends with her edgy style that included leather jackets, lace gloves, crucifix chains, and lacy tutus. Her daring choices encouraged many women to experiment with fashion, making her a significant influence on the era’s style. Madonna’s love for layered bracelets and bold jewelry cemented her place as a trendsetter in 80s fashion.

Boy George

Boy George, known for his colorful and eclectic style, viewed fashion as an art form. He often wore long, oversized shirts, thick jackets, and eye-catching accessories like ribbons in his dreadlocks. Boy George challenged gender norms by embracing makeup and flamboyant clothing, inspiring fans to embrace self-expression and creativity in their own fashion choices.

Princess Diana

Though she wasn’t a pop star, Princess Diana had a profound impact on 80s fashion. Known for her classic yet casual style, she popularized the “high-low” look by pairing oversized sweaters with fitted jackets and boots. Princess Diana’s choices, from her large statement jewelry to her iconic casual looks, influenced both formal and everyday styles, leaving a lasting impact on the decade’s fashion trends.

Michael Jackson

In the 1980s, Michael Jackson reigned as the king of pop, with a style that matched his legendary music. His iconic fashion sense made waves worldwide, featuring military-inspired accessories, bold power jackets, and daring hairstyles. Jackson’s unique look included slim-fit silhouettes, high-water pants that showcased colorful socks, and a heavy use of sequins, bringing flair and originality to the stage and influencing countless fans.

His signature outfit typically consisted of a military-style jacket paired with cropped black pants that revealed his iconic white socks. Jackson’s trendsetting style left an undeniable mark on 80s fashion, blending music with distinctive visual aesthetics that have remained iconic.

Where to Buy 80s Outfits

AliExpress

For those who want to relive the bold style of the 80s, AliExpress offers a wide range of retro pieces. It’s an ideal destination to find vintage-inspired clothing that captures the colorful, eclectic essence of the 80s.

Ragstock

If you’re preparing for an 80s-themed event, Ragstock has an impressive selection of vintage-inspired clothing and accessories. Browsing their catalogs offers a fun way to get inspired and craft a look that transports you back to this unforgettable decade.

ModCloth 

ModCloth’s 80s collection brings retro fashion to life with structured jackets, animal-print leggings, and other 80s essentials. Their curated selection includes denim, vibrant prints, and unique accessories that let you express your love for this colorful era.

Conclusion

The 1980s were a defining era in fashion, marked by bold colors, oversized silhouettes, and a sense of creativity that broke conventional style rules. From power suits and leg warmers to iconic jewelry pieces and unforgettable pop culture influences like Madonna and Michael Jackson, 80s fashion was all about self-expression and individuality. This decade’s trends, inspired by music, movies, and celebrities, left a lasting impact that continues to inspire modern fashion. Today, the spirit of 80s fashion lives on, celebrated in themed parties and retro-inspired clothing collections that let people relive the vibrant energy of this influential era.