The 1980s were a decade of decadence, an era when fashion was more than a wardrobe; it was a way of life. Bolder, brasher, and more reckless, 80s fashion was all about making a statement, pushing boundaries, and wearing one’s heart on their sleeve. From oversized fits to outlandish neon colors, bold lips, mascara, eyeliner, and gravity-bending hairdos, the 80s revolutionized the face of fashion in a way that continues to shape trends to this day.
Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic 80s fashion trends that still bring about nostalgia and inspire contemporary designers.
Photo credit: www.80sfashion.org
80s Fashion Trends 1. Shoulderpads: The Power of the ‘Strong Shoulder’
Fashion in the 80s was all about power dressing, to be exact. And nothing shouted power louder than shoulder pads. Popularized by style icons such as Joan Collins in Dynasty and power figures such as Madonna, the shoulder pad became an emblem of confidence, femininity, and authority. This statement, structured accessories made women appear taller, wider, and tougher. Whether on blazers, jackets, or dresses, shoulder pads were a big feature of the ‘big’ look of the 80s.
But it wasn’t just about looking tough—shoulder pads also added drama. Designers like Jean-Paul Gaultier and Gianni Versace took advantage of this over-the-top shape, creating pieces that emphasized the shoulders while giving the rest of the body a more chiseled appearance.
Shoulder pads have returned in a less obvious, contemporary form, showing up in both luxury brands and high-street fashion. From enormous blazers to corsetted dresses, this ‘power’ shape is causing a stir once again, demonstrating that the 80s remain a significant point of reference for fashion today.
Photo credit: Coveti
80s Fashion Trends 2. Neon: A Bright Revolution
The 80s were a time for color. And what better way to honor this decade than with the bright, shining power of neon? Neon green, pink, yellow, and orange took over everything clothing, shoes, accessories, and even makeup. This explosion of shining neon color was as bold as the music of the decade, especially in clubs, where neon was de rigueur for those who sought to make an impression.
Leggings and crop tops were complemented by loose-fit tees and neon scrunchies that went together to provide that end “look-at-me” style. Fashionistas like Jean-Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood, and Betsey Johnson readily incorporated neon in their styles by usually combining vivid colors with stripes like leopard prints or geometrics to result in an even stronger visual impression.
While neon has had its ups and downs in the fashion world, it has seen a resurgence in recent years. Whether it’s neon-colored sneakers, highlighter hues in streetwear collections, or even the return of neon accessories, the 80s have inspired a whole new generation to embrace color in ways that are impossible to ignore.
Photo credit: Pinterest
80s Fashion Trends 3. Hair That Defied Gravity: The Bigger, the Better
When it came to ’80s hair, the motto was simple: bigger is better. Whether it was a bouffant (remember Dynasty’s Alexis Carrington) or teased hair that reached high into the air, height was the ultimate objective. Hairspray became a staple in every beauty cabinet as women (and men) worked late hours to achieve height and volume in their hair. The higher the hair, the closer to heaven!
Icons such as Whitney Houston, Madonna, and Cyndi Lauper made huge hair an art form, playing around with curls, waves, and flamboyant styles. Mullets also dominated this time business in the front, party in the back! For those who weren’t feeling that brazen, perms were a popular choice to get a textured, full-bodied style.
Fast forward to today, and the residual of 80s hair is reflected in everything from the re-emergence of high-volume curls to the influence of hair crimping in a beauty trend. For instance, celebrities like Zendaya and Bella Hadid have also been seen adorning modern interpretations of 80s hair, “bringing the volume and texture of the decade to new heights in totally fresh new ways.”
Photo credit: Pin page
80s Fashion Trends 4. The Return of Statement Accessories
Accessories in the 80s were far from demure. The 80s were noted for chunky accessories, oversized earrings, and statement belts. Picture massive gold hoop earrings, bangles that clinked with each step taken, and necklaces so large they could have their own zip code. The 80s were all about bragging about your style with accessories that screamed loudly.
Logo accessories also contributed to the popularity, with fashion designer brand names such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Chanel becoming ubiquitous as individuals showcased their wealth by wearing tagged handbags, shoes, and scarves. Chunky, oversized sunglasses (hello, aviators!) and large, blingy hats were also commonly popular and contributed to the culture of the perception that fashion extended beyond apparel, it was an entire lifestyle.
Fast forward to the present, and statement accessories remain just as popular. Oversized jewelry, big sunglasses, and logo pieces are back in the spotlight, albeit with a bit of a contemporary spin. Vintage stores and contemporary designers are drawing on that 80s energy, crafting pieces that blend brashness with a hint of retro flair.
Photo credit: Pinterest
5. Tracksuits and Athleisure: A Sportswear Revolution
The 80s saw the birth of the athleisure trend well before it turned into a wardrobe essential in current times. Tracksuits adorned everyone whether you were at the gym or going out to a party, a matching velour or nylon tracksuit was the perfect way of treading the thin line between casual and fashion. Iconic brands like Adidas and Nike paved the way with sporty but stylish ensembles that defined the decade.
What is fascinating is the way this trend has endured. Today, athleisure is a multi-billion-dollar industry, with joggers, hoodies, and trainers as regular attire. From high-end fashion like Balenciaga to streetwear fashion, the spirit of 80s sportswear continues, influencing anything from sneakers to catwalk wear.
Photo credit: Heirloom Cloud
6. The Influence of Pop Culture Icons
The influence of music and cinema on fashion is likely never as potent as it was in the 80s. Michael Jackson, Prince, and Madonna were not just personalities of the music-they were a fashion icon as well. These popular artists’ decisions shaped an entire generation’s style. Michael Jackson’s sequined gloves and leather jackets, Madonna’s lace gloves and off-the-shoulder blouses, and Prince’s androgynous blend of glam will forever be remembered as an extreme fashion influence.
Films such as Flashdance, The Breakfast Club, and Top Gun also contributed to the 80s fashion identity. From Jennifer Beals’ legwarmers to Tom Cruise’s bomber jacket, these movies brought everyday fashion to an aspirational level.
Today, the power of these icons is undeniable. Fashionistas of today, musicians, and influencers appropriate 80s-inspired fashion with a modern turn, and it shows that the 80s cultural touchstones are anything but lost.
Photo credit: RetroWaste
7. 80s Makeup Trends: Bold, Bright, and Beautiful
Subtlety was not the point when it came to ’80s makeup. Makeup in the decade reflected the loud, oversized fashion. Loud eyeshadows, bold blush, and loud lips were now a trend, creating a dramatic, almost playful effect. Let’s break down the makeup trends that defined the 80s and continue to inform beauty today.
Bright Eyeshadow; The Bolder, the Better: The eyes were truly the focal point when it came to makeup in the 80s. Natural and neutral shades, this was no longer the case, the era of electric blues, shocking pinks, and neon greens had begun. Eyeshadow was applied freely, often with multiple bright colors simultaneously, combining colors that would make the rainbow green with envy.
Bold Blush Sculpting with Color: If there’s one thing that stood out in 80s makeup, it was blush. The application wasn’t subtle; in fact, blush was often applied in a way that was far more dramatic than we’re used to today. The goal was to create sculpted, flushed cheeks that could be seen from across the room. Blush was typically swept in a wide arc across the cheekbones, sometimes reaching up to the temples for that almost painted look.
Bold Lips; Power in Every Pout: 80s lips were dramatic enough as is. Flat reds, hot pink, and even purples were en vogue, but the most iconic lip style was definitely that of a dark lip liner combined with an opposing lipstick. Lip liners were often even darker than the lipstick, providing that fuchsia, lined lip that’s so typical of the era. Take Madonna’s signature look, for instance: dark lip liner with a pale middle for that super-plumped, more sculpted pout.
Dramatic Mascara and Eyeliner; Eyes Popping-out Along with Flashy Eyeshadow: The 80s experienced days of over-the-top mascara and eyeliner. The eyeliner was thickened and darkened, even extending beyond the outer corner of the eyes to produce a dramatic winged effect. Others also incorporated colored eyeliners for that added splash of color in the eyes with shades of turquoise, electric blue, and purple making the eyes actually pop out.
Photo credit: Good Housekeeping
Conclusion: 80s Fashion Is Forever
Even though the 1980s have been over for quite some time, the look and feel of that era continue to be a source of motivation and sway for designers, popular culture, and streetwear today. The broad shoulders, bold lips, makeup looks, black mascara, vibrant neon colors, and towering hairstyles of the 80s represent more than just a throwback; they symbolize the enduring power of fashion as a method of expressing oneself.
No matter if you’re adopting the vivid neon shades, trying out large, loose fits, or adding some 80s flair to your hairstyle, one thing is evident: the 80s fashion trend is definitely not finished. In fact, it seems to be just beginning.
Author Raja Bahar Khan Soomro
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