In this ultimate guide, I’ll introduce you to the 11 most iconic and statement-making 80s fashion styles for men.
From timeless Preppy styles to polished Italian looks and edgy punk-rock fashion, this article covers them all.
I’ll also show you how to recreate these 80s fashion styles for men, with a modern twist, in 2023.
Whether you’re a fan of the Power Dressing look, the classic British style, or something in between, I’ve got you covered.
Time to make a statement and turn heads with the most sophisticated and memorable 80s styles for men, so let’s dive in.
1. Power Dressing Style
Maybe the most iconic 80s fashion trend, Power Dressing, was one of the most popular 80s styles for men.
The timeless style for men comprised sharp-tailored dark-colored suits (black, navy, and charcoal) matched with crisp white t-shirts and bold ties or scarves.
The Power Dressing look was most popular among Wall Street workers, bankers, lawyers, and top business professionals.
2. The Italian Look
The Italian look was another famous style for men in the 80s, and it was comprised of relaxed-tailored suits paired with t-shirts or shirts with colorful ties.
To create a complete look, the Italian style had to be paired with Italian designer shoes and high-quality leather accessories such as leather belts, wallets, sunglasses, and watches.
The 80s Italian style for men was made popular by the decades’ celebrities like Don Johnson and Michael Douglas, who played top-level executives in the TV show “Miami Vice.”
3. 80s New Romantic Style
The ‘New Romantic’ style comprised theatrical clothing such as frilly shirts, cravats, and lace-up boots.
The New Romantic look reached peak popularity during the 80s thanks to bands like Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, and Adam Ant.
Ideally, for a perfect reinterpretation of the 80s fashion for men, this super striking look is matched with oversized sunglasses and opulent, curly hair.
4. 80s Preppy Style
The 80s Preppy style for men incorporated Ralph Lauren polo shirts in various colors, light or dark khaki pants, and boat-style shoes.
The Preppy Look was popularized by celebrities like Tom Cruise in the 1983 “Risky Business” movie, John Cusack in “Say Anything,” Paul Gleason in “The Breakfast Club,” and Jon Cryer in “Pretty in Pink.”
Like the men of the 80s, the Preppy Style was also popular among young teens.
Popularized by movies such as “The Breakfast Club” and “Pretty in Pink,” the style required bright-colored polo shirts, light-shade khaki pants, and comfy boat shoes.
Moreover, in top-end colleges, boys used to pair the look with blazers or sweater vests for an extra polished and put-together look.
5. 80s Hip-Hop Style
The 80s hip-hop style for men comprised baggy pants, oversized t-shirts, tracksuits, sneakers, and large gold chains (hoop earrings).
The look was popularized by Black 80s fashion hip-hop icons such as LL Cool J, Run DMC, Salt-N-Pepa, MC Hammer, and Rapper Kid.
Pioneered by black designers and popularized by black celebrities and musicians, the Hip-Hop 80s style became a fashion trend of its own that continues to impact modern times.
6. 80s Punk Style
Popularized by the punk rock music scene and key figures of the late 70s like Johnny Rotten and Sid Vicious, the 80s Punk style for men included ripped jeans, biker jackets, boots, and distressed T-shirts, accessorized with chains and studded belts.
The fashion icons of the 80s preferred to invest in high-quality, designer clothing and accessories to showcase wealth and status.
And, while the 80s men favored a polished and sophisticated look, there were also cases of celebs wearing rebellious styles and unique looks.
Another style that inspired males of all ages in the 80s – and popularized by movies like “Sid and Nancy” and “Repo Man” – was the Punk-Rock look.
Further inspired by heavy metal bands and punk rock celebs like Sex Pistols’ Johnny Rotten and Sid Vicious from The Clash, 80s youngsters wore ripped jeans, band tees, and leather jackets with chains and studded belts.
For an extra effect, the Punk Look was matched with bold hairstyles, such as dyed mohawks, side-shaved, or spiky cuts.
7. 80s Skater Style
The 80s Skater Style was popularized by movies such as “Thrashin” and “Gleaming the Cube.”
In these movies, the main characters are seen wearing baggy pants, streetwear t-shirts, tank tops, and high-top sneakers.
Key 80s celebrities who sported the Skater Look include Christian Slater in his 1987 movie “Gleaming the Cube” and Sean Penn in “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.”
8. The Yuppie Style
Often combining Hawaiian shirts with bomber jackets and tight pants, the Yuppie dressing style of the 80s had the most relaxed and casual wear of all.
The look was popular among young urban professionals, and some stylistic variations included branded 80s jeans, loafers, and polo shirts.
9. Classic British Style
Hailing from the UK in the 70s and 80s, the Classic British style took over the 80s thanks celebrities like Sean Connery and Roger Moore in the 1980s James Bond series.
The Classic British style for men comprised dinner suits, or traditional tweed jackets, cashmere sweaters, and assorted leather shoes.
10. American School Style
The American School style for men reached popularity in the 80s thanks to Ralph Macchio in “The Karate Kid,” Michael J. Fox in “Back to the Future,” and TV shows like “The A-Team.”
The look incorporated bomber, baseball, or college jackets with ankle-length jeans, jackets, and loud-logo trucker hats.
11. 80s Men’s Workout Style
Sports clothing was one of the most popular men’s fashion styles in the 80s.
Men’s 80s workout style included branded tracksuits – Nike, Rebook, and Adidas, paired with windbreakers, headbands, and sports sneakers.
Through workout videos, books, talk shows, and also fashion, 80s fitness celebs like Richard Simmons, Tony Little, Billy Blanks, and Jake Steinfeld brought health and fitness to the public eye.
Conclusion
It’s refreshing to see that the 80s iconic styles for men and the bold fashion of the era is back with a vengeance.
Whether you’re a fan of the preppy look, the punk-rock vibe, or the power-dressing aesthetic, the 80s had something for everyone.
Use this ultimate guide to recreate your favorite 80s men’s fashion looks and add a touch of nostalgia to your wardrobe.
Experiment with colors, patterns, and styles and recreate the most iconic men’s styles of the 80s decade, perfect for any occasion.
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Now it’s your turn…
Which one of these 80s fashion styles for men do you like most and why?
Which 80s men’s styles we’ve missed, and should include in the next article update?
Please leave your comments below; we always appreciate your comments and use them to learn, improve, and update our articles.
After years of managing hundreds of fashion brands from London’s office of a global retailer, Mandy has ventured into freelancing. Connected with several fashion retailers and media platforms in the US, Australia, and the UK, Mandy uses her expertise to consult for emerging fashion brands create top-notch content as an editorial strategist for several online publications.
