When it comes to ’80s fashion, we have a (surprising) amount to be thankful for. Though the decade faded from fashion consciousness for years, we've recently realized that today's hottest trends owe a debt to that vibrant decade. If you're skeptical, consider this: at the end of last year, interest in 80s style surged by 87% on Pinterest.
If you're not well-versed in the era's style, a few standout looks are instantly recognizable: bold shoulders, underwear worn as outerwear, and oversized everything. It was the decade of power dressing and punk rebellion. Icons like Madonna, Tina Turner, and Cher—along with countless other superstars—shaped a sense of style that still influences fashion in 2017, especially as the decade is referenced everywhere for Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter collections.
Style Notes: Madonna's iconic 80s underwear-as-outerwear look is perfectly on-trend today. Skip the pearls and pair a bodysuit with high-waisted jeans for a night out.
Simple but effective.
Style Notes: As if we needed more proof that Cher is the ultimate style queen, here she is pioneering the naked dress long before it became a Met Gala and awards show staple.
This is a great compromise if you don’t want to be entirely exposed.
Style Notes: Brooke Shields was America’s sweetheart in the ’80s, and this look shows why—a checked jacket layered over a shirt and roll-neck is exactly the street style we saw during recent fashion weeks.
Nail two trends in one with this roll-neck bodysuit.
Style Notes: The Jenner/Kardashian clan have already mastered this look, and sheer dresses are all over spring runways. But the originator? Another Kim: Kim Basinger.
Showing your underwear is totally optional, by the way.
Style Notes: “Structured shoulders” is just a fancy term for shoulder pads—and we've seen a real trend towards this look. Shout-out to Courteney Cox for wearing this on the red carpet pre–Monica Gellar days.
See what we mean? Vetements is really pushing this look right now.
Style Notes: Avid readers know we've already tried this corset-type look. While Kim Kardashian West helped revive it, Cyndi Lauper may have started the trend. Also: those zebra shoes.
Unsure about corsets? Fear not, this belt is perfect for wearing on top of an oversize sweater.
Style Notes: Joan Collins is incredible in this snap. Is there anything we don’t love? Answer: No. The jacket, simple black top, red lipstick... But it’s the gobstopper necklace that catches our magpie eyes. Joan knows the power of incredible jewelry in pulling together an outfit.
Go all out with this tasseled choker.
Style Notes: We could have included many incredible outfits from Princess Diana, but we settled on this “country casual” one. The heritage check on her jacket and matching skirt are classic. Not only has this Harrington-style jacket made a comeback in hipster circles, but we’re also seeing plaid coats everywhere. Coincidence? We think not.
As you’ll know, our favorite fashion It girls love that sold-out Mango version, but you can still snap up alternatives on the high street.
Style Notes: Want to update your outfit for 2017? Just add socks, à la Meg Ryan. Yes. Really.
Socks this fancy deserve to be shown off.
Style Notes: Grace Jones will never be anything less than fierce, and this incredible look has been seared onto our minds. Who wouldn’t want to look so focused in a razor-sharp piece of tailoring? (Purple makeup optional, of course.)
If you want to soften this look, go for suits with feminine details, like this one from ASOS that comes with ruffles—pretty!
Style Notes: During Kylie Minogue’s bad-girl stage, she wore lots of high-shine minidresses like this. Get inspired by investing in 2017’s version with a great miniskirt (they’re selling out everywhere right now).
This will genuinely go with everything in your wardrobe.
Style Notes: We have serious love for high-waisted jeans. Tina Turner pulls this look off with aplomb, and we agree: bauble earrings and a white vest are great accessories.
Consider these a real investment.
Style Notes: Well, how else do you expect to show off your socks? Thanks to Demi Moore for inspiring us all those years ago.
Style Notes: Debbie Harry brought us many trends. In the ’80s, she wore chic little black dresses, accessorized with a flash of low-denier hosiery most times. And if you didn’t know, that kind of hosiery is news again.
We’re obsessed with this high-tech hosiery brand.
Style Notes: We've seen this trend appear on trousers—from old-school joggers to jeans with shiny gold buttons—as well as on classic Balmain blazers. Jerry Hall’s gold buttons down her nautical blazer, accessorized with gold bracelets, made for the ultimate ’80s power look.
Such pretty shiny buttons.
Style Notes: True, Goldie Hawn didn’t invent the off-the-shoulder style, but she knew how to do it right.
The only accessory you need for this is a tan.
Style Notes: Joan Jett will never be anything less than cool. Her punk-inspired ensembles often involved oversized jackets and skintight trousers. While leggings have evolved since then, take inspiration from this look and pair your leggings with a leather jacket this weekend.
These will never go out of style. Want more style inspo? Here are the seven trends you need to know about for spring/summer 2017.
Don’t believe us? From micro trends (e.g., socks with everything) to tailored women’s wear, we’ve found 25 A-list images that prove these ’80s fashion looks are as current now as they were then.
Keep scrolling to click through our gallery of iconic ’80s outfits.
