20 Iconic ‘80s Fashion Trends And Outfit Ideas For Women

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.

Ace The Look

• 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.

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.

Quick Tip

Bold and loud was the general theme for ‘80s fashion. You can experiment with as many bright color combinations as you want, and it will fit the theme.

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.

Quick Tip

Don’t forget to add bright head and wrist sweatbands to the sporty mix.

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.

Quick Tip

If your jeans have frayed bottoms or are ripped in places, you have got yourself the perfect 1980s outfit item.

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.

Quick Tip

For those thinking a ‘Members Only’ jacket might be too thick, you can also try pairing windbreakers with bandanas. These lightweight jackets were often made of nylon and came in a variety of colors and designs.

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.

Quick Tip

Not just T-shirts, but pairing oversized sweatshirts with cycling shorts, leggings, mom or acid wash jeans, and overalls will also work perfectly. You can also throw in a leather jacket to complete the look.

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.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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.

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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