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Do you ever watch old movies from the 1980s and feel nostalgic for the vibrant fashion trends of the eighties? While some 80s trends like leg warmers, oversized jersey tops, and bold graphic prints are enjoying renewed popularity, there were many other distinctly stylish yet unexpected looks from that iconic decade. These trends weren’t just a fleeting fad; they were part of a broader fashion trends history, leaving their mark on the fashion landscape.
For those who came of age in the 80s, it was an exhilarating time for self-expression through fashion. The decade was marked by bold choices and a spirit of sartorial adventure. Everything seemed brighter, bolder and more anything-goes than decades prior, a stark contrast to the more conservative 1950s fashion trends.
This was largely due to influential styles in movies, TV, music and pop culture that encouraged people to experiment with new silhouettes, fabrics, and mix-and-match approaches.
Though some crazy 80s creations were a product of their time, I’m starting to notice others that were perhaps just ahead of the fashion cycle. In this article, I want to shine a light on a few forgotten 1980s trends that are primed for a comeback among forward-thinking folks.
From quirky workout wear to functional utility styles, we’ll uncover examples of 80s ingenuity that are seriously stylish once more. So keep reading to learn which offbeat 1980s looks could be your new favorites. Some of these trends might even find a place alongside the resurgence of 1990s fashion trends we’re seeing today.
#1: The Rise of Stirrup Pants
Did you know stirrup pants were one of the biggest clothing crazes of the 1980s? With their stretchy waistbands that fit like a glove, these unique bottoms kicked comfort to the next level. The style featured built-in “stirrups” that resembled the horseback riding version—elastic loops went under the arch of your foot to keep the wide-leg bottoms in place.
Though they may sound a little wacky today, stirrup pants were wildly popular back in the day. Folks wore them with oversized sweaters or blazers for a totally rad, relaxed look. The influence of 70s fashion trends, with their emphasis on comfort and individuality, can be seen in the popularity of stirrup pants.
Since the stretchy fabric moved with your body, they were a breeze to throw on and as comfortable as your favorite pair of leggings. Whether you were hitting the books, dancing at the mall, or kicking it with friends, these pants had your back (and legs!).
While stirrup pants may no longer dominate fashion magazines, their influence can still be seen. Today’s wide-leg, bike-short inspired looks borrow elements of this iconic 80s trend. Meanwhile, lounge and athleisure brands have brought back cozy takes on stirrup pants perfect for riding the couch.
So while the decade may have changed, the allure of versatile pants that hug you in all the right places remains timeless. Who’s feeling inspired to try channeling their inner fashion rebel of the past in a comfortable, vintage-inspired pair?
#2: Statement Accessories: Chunky Gold Pearl Earrings
Did you ever rock a pair of those huge gold pearl earrings in the 80s? You know the ones – chunky round or teardrop shaped pearls as big as your thumbnail, dangling together on a gold post. They were such a statement accessory back in the day. The bold and glamorous aesthetic of these earrings is reminiscent of the 1930s fashion trends, which also favored statement jewelry.
These oversized earrings were the perfect exclamation point to finish off all sorts of rad looks from that iconic decade. Whether you styled them with leg warmers and a leotard for your aerobics class, or dressed to the nines in a power blazer and pencil skirt for the office, those big bold pearls had you looking totally tubular. Celebs like Madonna and Cyndi Lauper loved to flaunt glam pairs too, which sent the trend worldwide.
While large statement jewelry may seem super flashy, these beauties had a way of dressing up casual duds without trying too hard. Their understated gold posts kept the focus on the lush pearls.
Plus gold is one of the most durable metals, so vintage pairs from the 80s fashion trends are still shining today with some TLC. While we’re focusing on pearl earrings, it’s worth noting that 1980s hip hop fashion trends also popularized large gold hoop earrings and chunky chains.
The large teardrop style was particularly popular, with many fashion enthusiasts favoring its elegant yet bold aesthetic. Something about their elegant imperfection really charmed me. These days, I appreciate their ability to balance large volumes with sleek silhouettes in sustainably-produced small batch materials like wood and unique grains.
Whether worn casually or to lend vintage glam to an evening look, bold earrings are a forever investment that will never go out of “style”. They can even add a touch of 80s flair to the minimalist aesthetic often associated with 2000s fashion trends.
#3: Footwear Revolution: Leather Fisherman Sandals
Did you ladies ever rock those dope fisherman sandals with your skinnies and tees back in the day? Fisherman sandals were part of the casual trends in 1980s fashion for women, perfect for laid-back summer looks.
With practical rubber soles and simple leather crosshatching up the ankle, these sandals were a dream to troop around in whether you were shaking it at the beach or skating into the cafe. The effortless style meshed with everybody’s free spirit vibe too.
Those leather fisherman sandals go with just about anything casual in your closet and let your toes breathe better than lots of other retro shoe trends. Plus leather lasts well over the years if it’s properly maintained. Many thrifty fashionistas are still rocking their mom’s vintage pairs today!
Whether you wear them with Daisy Dukes at the farmer’s market or leggings to lounge by the lake, fisherman sandals make summer easy and cozy.
Their hippie charm feels just right for slow living. So consider dusting off a pre-loved pair or hunting for handcrafted new ones from small makers. Your feet will thank you!
#4: The Romantic Touch: Puff-Sleeve Blouses
Ever notice all the puff sleeves showing up on the catwalks lately? Those billowy balloon things are giving some major 1980s vibes, taking fashion folk back to when romantic ruffles ruled the scene.
You may recall overflowing puffs being all the rage on blouses way back when. Whether they were worn off the shoulder with leggings or buttoned up under a sweater vest, gals just couldn’t get enough of that drama. Dolly Parton wore them best if you ask me, always serving up cottagecore dreams.
Now just like a lot of other throwback 80s trends, puff sleeves are pleasing peoples’ yens for all things nostalgic and cozy. Their voluminous texture adds a playful feel to modern silhouettes too. Sustainability-minded folks are also finding ways to give new life to grandma’s old ruffly blouses through upcycling projects.
So whether you DIY some pintucks or seek out cute cruelty-free options, puff sleeves are fun for channeling your inner romantic. With the right wide-leg jean or flowy midi skirt, they’re perfectly pretty without trying too taxi!
Want to learn more about vintage fashion? Check out our article on 1940s fashion trends for a deeper dive into the history of fashion.
#5: Power Dressing: Boxy Blazers
Remember those power suit days of the 80s? We must have looked like a flock of broad-shouldered birds with the way our blazers pouffed out! While we’ve discussed women’s blazers, 1980s fashion trends for men also included boxy suits and power dressing.
Picture a confident professional strutting down an office hallway in a bubblegum pink power suit, shoulders extending for days. They called it “power dressing” back then – throwing on one of those boxy blazers or shoulder-padded suits so us ladies could hold our own in meetings.
No frills or florals needed when you had structure like that doing the talking. On top of looking sharp, they were comfortable too. These boxy blazers moved with the wearer, offering comfort and freedom of movement without the restrictive seams and darts often found in today’s more tailored styles.
While power suits may conjure images of power lunches now, they were really about empowering women in classrooms and entry-level jobs too. The oversized cuts gave courage to speak up. Flash forward and it’s nice to see the tailored trend revived with eco-friendly fabrics.
Sustainable brands know a blazer built to last sends just as strong a message. Next time you’re thrifting, keep an eye out for gems with shoulders that could still demand a corner office – in the nicest way, of course!
#6: The Preppy Essential: Sweater Vests
Have you spotted the cozy comeback of the sweater vest? This preppy essential has been making chic appearances everywhere from influencer Insta feeds to hit TV shows. While the ‘80s prep school boy may come to mind, this versatile layering piece can work for any personal style.
With their open front and waist-cinching silhouette, sweater vests allow you to show off bright blouses, tees with witty graphics, or silk camis in a rainbow of hues.
The classics have thick ribbed textures in camel, oatmeal and navy, but trendy indy brands offer fun novelty prints too. Urban Outfitters has cool color-blocks while Etsy lets you customize with your college’s logo.
While Mad Men first made them cool again, today’s celebs like Timothée Chalamet prove a vest flatters all figures. Lighter knits are great for spring layering under blazers or unconstructed blouses.
Bulkier versions in wool or cozy chenille work well with jeans and sneakers on weekends. No matter your vibe – preppy, indie or athleisure, a versatile vest brings visual interest and comfort certain to have you “spring forward” in style this season! What unique way will you wear yours?
#7: Hair Accessories: The Rise of Claw Clips
Who knew the humble claw clip was primed for its moment in the sun? This easy hair accessory has been surreptitiously slinking its way onto the scenes – from shady beach walks to laidback lunches – and it works for every vibe.
With their curved, gripped design that “claws” hair away from the face, these simple clips allowed ‘80s girls to rock messy, beachy waves while still looking put together. Fast-forward to today where we’re seeing them in dreamy colors and textures that flatter allhair types – whether pin-straight or coily curls. Brands like Afru offer claw Clips embellished with flattering crystal accents.
On TV shows like Euphoria, claws sleekly swept back wet-look styles, while Surf movies popularized the undone, just-dipped-in-the-sea hair look they enable. Now spotted on It girls abroad and at home, claws add a cool, carefree feel to buns, half-up ‘dos or everyday ponytails.
Best of all, claw clips prove sustainable hair trends need not mean sacrifice – they start at just a few dollars. So grab yours in tortoiseshell, baby blue or rosegold to channel a breezy, beachy vibe all summer long!
Look Ahead to Unexpected Comebacks
Well, we’ve covered a lot of ground talking about those wild 80s fashion trends. Who would’ve thought shoulder pads, leg warmers and 80s neon fashion trends would come back in style? It just proves that vintage fashion has a funny way of resurfacing when we least expect it.
I’m sure when folks back then were rocking those oversized blazers and jelly bracelets, the last thing on their mind was that we’d be digging those looks out of the attic decades later. But fashion has a way of cycling through, with different eras putting their own spin on silhouettes and styles that first hit the scene years before.
It’s cool to look back now and see how much of an impact that fluorescent-soaked decade had on the choices available to us at the mall. Whether it’s the bold prints, layering techniques or pop of color we add to elevate a simple outfit, we owe a lot to the creatives who kicked down doors with their wild interpretations of “business casual” all those years ago.
Retro neon fashion trends of the 1980s are making a comeback, adding vibrant pops of color to modern wardrobes. So next time you’re feeling uncertain about trying a trend that makes you say “Really?”, take a page from the fearless fashion rebels of the 80s. They prove that being willing to take risks and color outside the lines is what keeps things interesting.
Who knows – in another 30 years, your kids may just be rocking statement necklaces and ripped up jeans, calling it vintage! Fashion has a way of making yesterday’s eyebrow raisers tomorrow’s classics. So keep an open mind, and let the unexpected keep things fun.
Frequently Asked Questions About 80s Fashion Trends
Feeling curious about ’80s fashion but want the Cliff Notes? Here are quick answers to some frequently asked questions about the iconic trends of that totally tubular decade.
What were the most popular 1980s fashion trends for men and women?
Big hair, bold makeup, and leg warmers ruled for ladies, while dudes dialed up the duds in members-only jackets, jean jackets with the sleeves pushed up, and graphic tees perfectly tucked into jeans to show off slick belts and shoes.
Who were the 1980s fashion icons?
Dare to dream like movie sirens Madonna and Princess Di, or get jiggy with it alongside musicians like Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, and Prince. On the small screen, nobody rocked the rainbow stripes and scrunched socks like Alf!
What inspired the 80s fashion trends?
You couldn’t go five seconds without hearing Wham! or Duran Duran thanks to the video killin’ it. Films like Flashdance and Top Gun outfitted us in neon and varsity jackets, while shows like Golden Girls and Dynasty delivered loads of lavish looks. Fashion, baby! It was bigger, bolder, and more fabulous than your biggest curled side pony.
