Most Popular 80s Fashion Styles for Women
Ah, the 80s, what a decade of decadence, fun, and style it was!
Driven by soul-melting music, sleek sports cars, and technology bringing TV into every house, the 80s was a time of unbridled excitement.
Showcased by larger-than-life movie stars and music celebrities, the wardrobe choices and hairstyles of the 80s era for women were equally eye-catching, daring, and bold.
As such, attempting to list all the iconic 80s fashion trends from a decade brimming with sartorial creativity would be a near-impossible task.
Yet, I’ve taken the liberty of highlighting the 45 most popular styles for women, trends that defined the 80s unforgettable era.
80s Workout Fashion
With movie icons like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and fitness goddess Jane Fonda leading the way, the 80s decade saw a growing emphasis on health and fitness activities.
The 80s was a time when fitness and health were at the forefront of popular culture, and being in shape was more than a goal, but a status symbol, and wearing stylish outfits was part of one’s image.
Some of the most representative 80s workout clothes were spandex suits, leggings, tennis armbands, colorful workout gloves, leotards, shell suits, and mini shorts like John Travolta wore in “Perfect” (1985).
Other popular clothes for workouts in the 80s were neon headbands, scrunchies, muscle tank tops, Zubaz pants, and velour tracksuits with Rebook sneakers.
80s Preppy Fashion
The 80s saw the rise of the “Preppy Fashion” trend, characterized by the sophisticated and refined style of the upper-class academia from prestigious Ivy League schools.
The preppy look exuded classic, relaxed, scholarly vibes and included a carefully curated wardrobe of must-have items.
Essential pieces included: Polo shirts with popped collars, tennis sweaters, Ivy League cardigans, turtlenecks, traditional navy blue blazers, seersucker jackets, and chino trousers.
Shorts, repp stripe neckties, classic boat shoes or penny loafers, and timeless Ray Ban sunglasses were popular in the 80s preppy style.
80s Neon Fashion
The 80s neon trend reflected the times, capturing the decade’s bright, bold, and adventurous spirit.
Early music artists wearing neon sunglasses at night and singing about “the bright future ahead” fostered the ubiquitous neon trend that dominated the fashion scene then.
From fluorescent neon green and yellow to neon pink and blue, the 80s bold and bright colors permeated every aspect of life, making statements with every step.
Madonna, Jane Fonda, Michael Jackson, Brooke Shields, Cindy Crawford, Cheryl Tiegs, Karen Alexander, and other celebrities were instrumental in promoting the neon clothing trend.
Similarly, top fashion brands like Esprit Clothing, United Colors Of Benetton, Rebook, and Nike capitalized on the trend by marketing neon skiwear and workout clothes, neon headbands, jelly bracelets, bold neon makeup, neon leggings and leg warmers, and even neon glasses.
80s Rock Fashion
As rock bands like Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Guns n’ Roses, and Kiss rose to fame, the 80s saw a surge in rock fashion popularity as millions sought to emulate their favorite rock stars.
Embodying the 80s rocker style requires the proper attire of 80s biker-style leather jackets with metallic studs, pockets, and patches or denim jackets.
Pair the jacket with skinny leather pants, ripped jeans, and black, white, or grey t-shirts.
Complete the look with high leather combat boots, biker gloves, bandanas, leather studded bracelets, and eye-catching silver rings to capture the essence of 80s rock fashion.
80s Hip Hop Fashion
In the 80s, hip-hop fashion was a form of self-expression that transcended mere clothing and reflected the music of the time.
After Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five paved the way in the 70s fashion with unique blends of rockstar flair and cowboy panache, the 80s hip-hop fashion was influenced by rap legends like Run DMC, MC Hammer, Eric B. & Rakim, and LL Cool J.
In a fusion of street, sport, and luxury fashion, the 80s iconic hip-hop style is still relevant today, with items like air Jordans, bucket hats, and tracksuits continuing to be worn decades later.
Some of the most recognizable pieces of the 80s hip-hop fashion decade were: RUN DMC-style leather jackets with light wash jeans and Kangol bucket hats, big rope and clock gold chains, boomer jackets, patched jackets, windbreaker jackets, man boots, and Gucci’s Dapper Dan style.
80s rappers also wore Adidas tracksuits, thick socks, Jordan sneakers, four-finger rings, snapback caps, gold hoop earrings, trucker hats, men’s polka dot shirts, Gucci loafers, and Cazal sunglasses.
80s Punk Fashion
The UK’s 80s music had a bold and rebellious energy that instilled the youth with different values, as reflected in their clothing.
Breaking away from the norm of preppy polos, women’s sneakers, and suits, punk fashion took it a notch up.
Some punk clothing essentials still worth adding to your wardrobe are Doc Martens or military-style boots, punk rock chains, plaids, and ripped skinny jeans with band t-shirts.
Let’s not forget women’s black leather jackets, patches, safety pins, leather trousers, kilts, buttons, buckles, and black leather belts, completed with skinhead or mohawk hairstyles.
80s Pop Fashion
The 80s decade was a pop-culture landmark, primarily through its output in music and movies and the resulting unforgettable fashion trends that we associate it with.
Superstars like Madonna, Molly Ringwald, and Cyndi Lauper inspired teenage girls with hairstyles, fishnet clothing, glitter makeup, big earrings, bracelets, scrunchies, and fingerless gloves.
For men, pop icons like Michael Jackson and David Bowie made it acceptable to wear sequined clothing and even makeup to enhance facial features.
80s Goth Fashion
In the early 80s, followers of the US deathrock musical genre, particularly regulars at London’s Batcave club, decided to confront the darkness of the future head-on.
As a result, the classic goth look was born, characterized by towering backcombed hair and dark attire, ranging from overcoats and skinny jeans to mini skirts, fishnet stockings, and other goth clothing pieces.
The 80s goth fashion movement was fueled by trailblazing figures such as Siouxsie Sioux, Strawberry Switchblade, The Cure, and Nick Cave.
Black 80s Fashion
The 1980s black fashion – also known as African-American style was led by the decade’s celebrities.
Whitney Houston and Janet Jackson made wearing overalls while fastening only one strap a desired carefree look of the 80s for black women.
For men, popular black 80s fashion styles were characterized by leather jackets and acid-washed denim – often sported by Michael Jackson and Prince.
Yet, psychedelic print shirts, oversized clothes, gold chains, bamboo earrings, floppy hats, and Adidas sneakers were also popular amongst black celebrities such as Rapper Kid, Prince, LL Cool J, Run-DMC, and MC Hammer.
80s Beach Fashion
Some of the most popular beach fashion styles of the 80s decade comprised denim shorts, cropped tops, wide-brim hats, Rah-Rah skirts, huarache shoes, Ray-Ban Wayfarers, scrunchies, and spandex swimming suits in neon colors.
80s Skater Fashion
The skateboarding culture of the 1980s reflected the countercultural movements of the time.
The skaters of the era were more concerned with the freedom of expression through their sport and less concerned with the fashion that accompanied it.
However, the films and documentaries that captured the skateboarding scene, such as “Thrashin’,” “Gleaming the Cube,” and the Bones Brigade, provide a fascinating glimpse into the unique fashion styles of the skaters of the 80s.
Some of the most iconic 80s skater trends still relevant today include classic sneakers like Chuck Taylors, Vans paired with white socks, graphic tees and sleeveless tops, baggy, colorful pants, and carefree hairstyles.
Other garments embodying the rebellious spirit of the 80s skateboarding culture were:
- The bright neon skater skirts.
- Denim jackets without sleeves.
- Levi’s jeans and jackets with patchwork designs.
- Thrasher brand t-shirts.
- Baja hoodies.
80s Mom Fashion
The most popular 80s mom fashion style comprised high-waisted pants (or “mom” jeans) with a blouse or a sweater tucked in.
Other popular 80s mom fashions included power-dressing suits with big shoulders, sequined outfits, ruffled dresses, off-the-shoulder tops and dresses in striking colors, and oversized earrings.
Other popular 80s clothes for mothers, especially fitness-driven ones, were spandex gym outfits, Lycra tights, and leg warmers in bright neon colors.
80s Sloane Ranger Fashion
The Sloane Ranger fashion of the 1980s was a British preppy style associated with young, upper-class women who lived in or near London’s exclusive Chelsea neighborhood.
The style comprised a mix of classic and traditional elements, such as tweed jackets, pearls, and polo shirts, combined with a more laid-back and casual approach to dressing.
This look was popularized by the bestselling book “The Official Sloane Ranger Handbook” and became a defining trend of the decade.
80s Office Fashion
Some of the most famous women’s 80s office outfits revolved around power dressing, a style characterized by sharp, tailored suits with large shoulder pads to confer a feeling of authority.
Another iconic 80s office look was the “Working Girl” style, featuring pencil skirts, blazers, and high heels.
The power suit and working girl styles were matched with silk blouses, pump shoes, oversized eyewear, and pearl accessories.
80s office fashion for men included suit jackets, dress shirts, neckties, and formal shoes, accessorized with opulent cufflinks, tie pins, and statement briefcases.
80s Clothing and Outfit Ideas for Women
From power dressing and blazers with oversized shoulder pads to neon leg warmers, bodysuits, and miniskirts, the 80s fashion was about making a statement through powerful visuals.
As fashion that defined the 1980s – the cinched waist of Mugler’s jackets, Watanabe’s fanny pack, and the sculpted shoulders associated with Montana – these clothing ideas will make you easily stand out.
Power Suits
The 80s power suit (in an era of power dressing) was a symbol of status, success, and confidence for women.
The blazer was the key to creating a perfect 80s power suit look – a structured, strong-shouldered jacket that could stand independently.
The blazer had to be paired with high-waisted, tapered trousers to create a sleek and elongated silhouette.
Made from velvet, satin, and even metallic accent textiles, some of the most popular colors for power blazers were fuchsia, electric blue, and bright red.
Finish the look with chunky jewelry and earrings, statement handbags, oversized sunglasses, and a subtle scarf or a tie for a touch of sophistication.
Big Shoulder Silhouette
The 80s ‘Big Shoulder’ silhouette was built around well-structured and highly tailored jackets with substantial shoulder lines and pads.
With thick, stiff padding, a nipped-in waist, and a sharp, angular silhouette, the “Big Shoulder” silhouette was a symbol of success and power inspired by the corporate world and the rise of women in the workplace.
Popular materials were wool, silk, and cotton in red, black, and navy blue colors or geometric prints, with oversized jewelry, large handbags, and pointy-toed pumps.
Polka Dots
Popular in 1940s fashion (and later in the 50s fashion), polka dot dresses, skirts, and tops resurfaced in the 80s with a vengeance.
The style was brought back by the French fashion house Emanuel Ungaro on its SS 1985 ready-to-wear collection, fast adopted by royalty, pop stars, and cinema celebrities alike.
Princess Diana loved sporting polka dot skirts; the Strawberry Switchblade pop duo had them on big PVC belts, and Claudia Cardinale on her characteristic dresses with tie necklines.
Leopard Prints
In the 80s, exotic animal prints paired with oversized earrings and big hairstyles became a go-to luxury look.
Whether actual fur or faux fur, people were sporting Safari animal skin prints on everything – blouses, skirts, jackets, and shoes.
Exotic prints like cheetah, tiger, zebra, giraffe and leopard prints became a staple in the decade’s fashion scene by adding a touch of drama to any outfit.
Natural leopard prints were trendy among women, but pink, blue, and green variations were also seen.
Party Sequins
Incorporated into tops, dresses, and skirts, sequins added a touch of sparkle and glamour to become popular at parties and as evening wear.
Pop icons of those times, such as Madonna, Grace Jones, and Cher, wore elaborate, heavily sequined stage costumes on stage and in music videos, cementing the popularity of sequins in the 1980s.
80s Style LBD
As a versatile piece that could be dressed up or down, the Little Black Dress (LBD) was an 80s staple in many women’s wardrobes.
The 80s LBD styles were diverse, from elegant to edgy; Princess Diana wore her little black dresses with high heels, black leather gloves, and luxurious jewelry.
On the other hand, Madonna wore LBD in an edgy and unique style by pairing it with fishnet tights, lace gloves, and neon jewelry.
Floral Dresses
Feminine floral dresses with oversized blooms in contrasting colors and delicate petal decorations were an 80s trend popularized by the decade’s top female celebrities.
Cyndi Lauper paired floral dresses with mismatched accessories, Madonna incorporated florals into her stage costumes, and Whitney Houston wore brightly-colored floral dresses at red carpet-events.
Bold Prints
Large and eye-catching prints in bright colors applied to dresses, tops, skirts, and pants were trendy in the 1980s fashion.
Bold prints were made famous by Madonna, Grace Jones, and Cyndi Lauper, who wore loud prints in neon colors – pink, green, and yellow – on stage and in public.
Acid Wash Denim
Thanks to the late 70s punk scene, the practice of acid-wash denim started to gain popularity.
In 1981 Guess released the first pair of brand-made ‘pre-washed’ bleach-splattered jeans.
Shortly after, acid-wash denim became popular with many subcultures, from heavy metal bands to blockbuster coming-of-age films.
The look is still heralded as one of the most defining trends of the 80s decade.
Members Only Jacket
Made by Members Only, Inc in the 80s, the “Members Only” jacket was characterized by lightweight, windbreaker-style construction with distinct branding of a small metal “Members Only” emblem on the chest pocket.
The Members Only Jacket was featured in notable 80s movies such as “The Outsiders,” “Risky Business,” “The Breakfast Club,” “Sixteen Candles,” “Pretty in Pink,” and “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”
These films showcased the jackets as a must-have item for young, stylish men, making them popular among 80s musicians, athletes, and celebrities.
Denim Overalls
With a relaxed and functional look, denim overalls became the outfits of choice for 80s influential icons like Grace Jones, Jane Fonda, Joan Jett, Rosanna Arquette, Ally Sheedy, and Debbie Harry.
Denim overalls were styled with crop tops, oversized T-shirts, or off-the-shoulder tops and paired with sneakers, high-top sneakers, or ankle boots.
Puff Sleeve Prom Dress
From mid-1894 to early 1897, the clothes had sleeves as large as possible, in a look calling back to the 1830s and the re-emergence of full gowns following the brief popularity of empire-waist dresses and fitted sleeves of the Regency.
The dress of choice for cocktail events in the 80s, puffed sleeves (and puff-ball skirts) were made from a decadent ‘puff’ fabric, recalling the looks of Renaissance Kings and Queens with oversized sleeves.
Some of the most notable celebrities who made puff sleeve dress popular in the 80s are Che, Whitney Houston, Kim Basinger, and Jane Fonda.
High Waisted Jeans
High-waisted jeans became a fashion trend thanks to iconic women of the 80s, such as Brooke Shields, Princess Diana, Farrah Fawcett, Joan Collins, and Diane Keaton.
80s high-waisted jeans come with straight legs, skinny or tapered cuts, in either light or dark washes, and were best paired with oversized t-shirts, crop tops, and blazers.
Dolphin Shorts
Dolphin shorts or Dolfins were a specific style of unisex shorts very popular with the 80s female athletes.
Even male celebrities such as Elton John, members of AC/DC, JFK Jr., Andre Agassi, and Carl Lewis were nailing the look.
The name was the shorts derived from Dolfin, the American company that first produced this style of shorts in the 1980s and were made from nylon with contrasting binding, side slits, and rounded corners, with a waistband at the top.
Spandex Workout Sets
The 80s was also a decisive decade of fitness and wellness movements.
Form-fitting, stretchy athletic wear, comprised of tops and leggings in bold colors, were excellent to showcase one’s dedication and healthy lifestyle.
Favored by the times’ fitness experts such as Jane Fonda and Olivia Newton-John, for their comfortable fit while accentuating the body’s natural curves, spandex workout sets became the norm.
Cher, Raquel Welch, and Diana Ross were other celebrities that sported spandex workout sets in bright colors and bold patterns.
Pleated Trousers
Inspired by the elegant looks of the 1920s and 1930s, the pleated trousers of the 80s were characterized by wide-legged pants with folds or creases along the length of the pants.
The “wrinkles” added to the trousers covered them with glamour and sophistication, making them suitable for formal, smart casual, and casual wear.
Richard Gere, John Travolta, Sean Connery, and Freddie Mercury often wore pleated trousers with matching blazers, crisp shirts, jackets, and vests.
80s Stripes
Influenced by the decade’s love for athletic wear and promoted by Perry Ellis, Norma Kamali, and Ralph Lauren, the stripe trend was an 80s thing.
The late Princess of Wales and Joan Collins loved wearing striped tops and dresses, often in nautical themes and paired with pumps and elegant jewelry for a classic, timeless look.
On the other hand, Brooke Shields and Cindy Crawford preferred wearing clothes with stripes in combo with denim shorts, high-waisted jeans, and sneakers for a sporty-casual look.
Bandana
Wearing bandanas was a trend in the 80s, particularly in the punk, new wave, and hip-hop subcultures.
Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and Grace Jones liked to wear bandanas as headwraps, neckties, and arm cuffs and match them with ripped denim shorts or crop tops for a more rebellious look.
Michael Jackson’s red bandana showcased in his famous “Thriller” music video became a fashion statement of the 80s, paired with leather jackets, gloves, and sunglasses.
Another popular name of the 80s wearing bandanas was the rap group Run-DMC combined with Adidas sneakers and black fedoras.
Denim Jacket
Thanks to celebs like Molly Ringwald, Andrew McCarthy, Ally Sheedy, and Rob Lowe, 80s denim jackets were fashion staples, especially combined with acid-washed jeans or denim overalls.
For example, Bruce Springsteen and John Hughes liked to wear denim jackets layered over t-shirts or oversized sweaters to create a casual, relaxed look.
On the other hand, George Michael’s androgynous style had him wearing denim jackets over striped shirts or turtlenecks.
Long Pleated Skirt
Pleated skirts became popular in the early 20th century when corsets went out of style.
The more comfortable staple piece began to take precedence in the closets of fashionable women of the 1920s and 1930s and later in the wardrobes of even notable royal figures like Queen Elizabeth.
In the 80s, pleated skirts became the best blend of sophistication and street style, worn at galas, charity events, and parties.
Bubble Skirts
The bubble skirt style – also known as puffball or balloon skirt in other countries – was a reinvented version of the 50s fad.
Designed to make women’s hips look exaggeratedly large, bubble skirts had a unique mushroom-like shape that puffed out at the hem and sat just above the knee.
Worn by prominent figures such as Princess Diana – spotted wearing a diagonally striped puffball skirt – and Pepsi & Shirlie, bubble skirts gained popularity in the mid to late 80s.
Knee High Sport Socks
Knee-high sports socks become popular in America during the 1920s.
In the 1960s fashion, knee-high sports socks became a fashionable accessory that lasted through the 1970s and 1980s.
The trend came back in the late 90s fashion thanks to the movie “Clueless” and has since been used as part of many school uniform requirements.
Oversized Tops
Oversized tops were a trend in the 80s, worn in casual and formal outfits and matched with tight-fitting pants or skirts to balance the proportions.
Madonna and Grace Jones wore many oversized tops, off-the-shoulder tops, tunics, and billowy blouses.
Jumpsuits
Worn by celebrities and fashion icons like Diana Ross, Cher, and Madonna, jumpsuits were a popular trend in the 80s.
Versatile and practical, made from lightweight and breathable materials such as cotton or linen, jumpsuits could be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Whether paired with high heels for a night out or sneakers for a more casual look, jumpsuits were a must-have item for many women in the 80s.
Crop Tops
For an 80s-inspired look, pair your crop top with high-waisted jeans or a high-waisted skirt and a denim jacket for a stylish look.
Wear oversized sunglasses, hoop earrings, and chunky bracelets to complete the 80s vibe.
Shoes-wise, you can wear ankle boots or sneakers for a casual look or heels for a more dressed-up appearance.
Stirrup leggings
Stirrup leggings were made famous in the 80s by Jennifer Beals in “Flashdance” and Jane Fonda in her workout videos.
Pair stirrup leggings with oversized tops: baggy sweatshirts, chunky sweaters, or layer with a tunic for a more polished look.
Depending on the occasion and the desired look, you can wear sneakers, ankle boots, or heels.
Finish the look with some 80s-inspired accessories such as oversized sunglasses, a brightly colored scrunchie, and chunky jewelry.
Leg Warmers
Made of knit or crocheted material and worn over leggings, tights, or bare legs to add color, texture, and warmth to an outfit, leg warmers were a popular fashion accessory in the 1980s.
Made famous in the 80s by Jennifer Beals in the “Flashdance” movie, Jane Fonda in many workout videos, and several “Glee” cast members, leg warmers became a fashion staple for many celebs.
Madonna, for example, made leg warmers a signature part of her stage outfits, while Cyndi Lauper wore leg warmers everywhere, pairing them with oversized tops, miniskirts, and stirrup leggings.
80s Bold Colors
Bright, vivid, and neon-colored fashion choices were trendy in the 1980s, reflecting that decade’s energy, optimism, and playfulness.
The decade was characterized by a love of bold and attention-grabbing hues, with fashion and interior design trends featuring bright neon pinks, greens, yellows, oranges, deep purples, blues, and reds.
80s Ruffles
As a new fashion touch in the 1980s, ruffles added texture and volume to blouses, dresses, and skirts to create a more feminine look.
Percussionist and singer Sheila E. and dancer and choreographer Toni Basil were famous in the 80s for how they incorporated ruffles into their eclectic and playful stage outfits.
Off-the-Shoulder Tops
Towards the end of the 80s decade, people embraced a more relaxed and bohemian style.
Off-the-shoulder tops and dresses that exposed shoulders to create a more feminine look became very popular among women and teenagers.
80s Shoes for Women
Given the growing demand in the 80s for fitness and healthcare activities, some of the women’s most popular shoes were athletic.
Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star, Reebok Freestyle, and Adidas Gazelle were the decade’s favs paired with leggings or tights, athletic wear, oversized tops, Delfin shorts, and graphic t-shirts.
80s Accessories for Women
In the 80s, accessories played a significant role in completing one’s look.
The most popular 80s accessories for women included scrunchies, colorful necklaces, bracelets, earrings made from plastic or resin, and colorful sunglasses in neon or pastel colors.
Other popular 80s accessories for women were leg warmers worn over leggings or tights, small, waist-mounted bags, fanny packs, short fingerless gloves, and colorful socks.
80s Hair and Makeup for Women
In the 80s, women embraced a variety of hairstyles and makeup looks, from voluminous hair to dramatic punk and New Romantic styles to side ponytails, mullets, and short bobs.
The voluminous hairstyles were created with hair rollers, teasing combs, and hairspray and paired with bold eye makeup and frosty lip colors.
Side ponytails, side-parted bangs, and mullet cuts were paired with bright eye shadow and intense lipstick colors.
The punk movement inspired women to experiment with brightly colored, asymmetrical hairstyles, spikes, and Mohawk cuts.
The New Romantic movement introduced dramatic hairstyles for women paired with heavy eyeliners and dark lipstick.
80s Fashion for Teenage Girls
Inspired by the pop and rock music scene, the 80s teenage girls tried to emulate their favorite singers and bands.
Inspired by Madonna’s MTV clips, many teenage girls wore scrunchies, leg warmers, and fishnet tights, accessorized with statement jewelry and oversized sunglasses.
Another popular look for 80s young girls was the “rocker chick” style of ripped denim, band t-shirts, leather jackets, and even baseball caps.
The 80s rocker chick was about showcasing a rebellious attitude and a way for girls to assert their individuality.
The “preppy” style, or 80s preppy fashion, characterized by colored sweaters, collared shirts, and khaki pants (or skirts), was another popular look for young girls in the 1980s.
The preppy look was about creating a well-put-together and polished look to show a more feminine side.
80s Fashion for Kids and Young Girls
The most popular 80s look for kids revolved around relaxed wear in bright neon colors and bold but playful designs.
Bold colors were popular in the times’ movies and television shows for kids, such as Pretty in Pink, Rainbow Brite, Jem and the Holograms, and Care Bears, to name a few.
Style-wise, the 80s was a decade of “sporty” looks for young girls, characterized by athletic wear, tracksuits, sneakers, tutus, leggings, and t-shirts.
The 80s kids and young girls were great at mixing and matching different styles and trends, such as punk, new wave, hip-hop, and goth, creating unique looks.
80s Women’s Fashion Icons
80s fashion styles for women were shaped by the times’ celebrities, movie stars, royals, models, and pop icons such as Princess Diana, Madonna, Cindy Crawford, Brooke Shields, Joan Collins, Grace Jones, Cher, Jane Fonda, and Linda Evangelista.
These women were known for their unique and fearless fashion sense, setting trends in fashion and beauty that are still remembered today.
Madonna
With uniquely edgy styles, the American-Italian pop star significantly influenced 80s fashion.
By combining elements of punk, rock, and glamour, Madonna’s fashion style was always on edge and controversial, pushing the boundaries of traditional norms.
Madonna’s choice of crop tops and tutu skirts with fishnet stockings, lace gloves, and accessories made of religious elements like crosses and rosaries is still one of the most iconic 80s fashion moments.
Grace Jones
With a powerful androgynous style that combined elements of punk, new wave, and classic elegance, Grace Jones was a key 80s fashion influencer.
Jones’s look was both avant-garde and dramatic, involving heavy makeup, androgynous clothing, flashy accessories, and intense, sculpted hairstyles.
Grace is remembered as an 80s fashion icon thanks to her choice of streamlined silhouette suits with oversized shoulder pads and tuxedos that challenged traditional gender norms.
Joan Collins
Best known for her role as Alexis Carrington in the prime-time soap opera “Dynasty,” which aired from 1981 to 1989, Joan Collins is an English actress, author, and former model.
At the height of the show’s popularity in the 1980s, Collins impacted 80s women with her glamorous and flashy fashion sense.
Collins wore tight-fitted designer jackets and trousers, glittering jewelry, fur coats, sequins, and sumptuous hats in a Hollywood Regency kind of style that was sophisticated and a bit over-the-top.
Cyndi Lauper
Best known for her hit song (cultural anthem for young women in the 1980s), “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” the American pop and rock music icon had an eccentric fashion sense.
Lauper’s influence on the fashion trends of the 1980s was massive, as she popularized wearing vintage clothing, repurposing, and customizing items to create a unique and personal style.
How Do I Make My 80s Look?
Whether you want to dress like the 80s with normal clothes or you want to attend an 80s party, dressing (or recreating) 80s fashion is not difficult.
Here are four essential tips to help you create your 80s look for a party or just a personal wardrobe change.
1. Choose a Silhouette That Represents the 80s
If you want to be accurate with your 80s style, choose an 80s silhouette that represents the decade the most.
Some of women’s most popular 80s styles were Power Dressing, the Rocker Chick look, and the Feminine style.
– Power Dressing comprised tailored blazers with oversized shoulder pads and high-waisted skirts or trousers.
– The Rocker Chick was characterized by biker jackets or ripped denim jackets, band t-shirts, acid-washed jeans, and studded leather chain accessories.
– The 80s Feminine Style was characterized by ruffled blouses, bows, and short skirts in sensual colors.
2. Choose the Colors According to the Silhouette
Each dressing style described above had stylistic variations (rock punk – feminine – preppy) and color choices.
From black and dark browns for power suits and punk rock style to bright greens and yellow for preppy to bubble gum neon pink for feminine style, there are plenty of options to mix and match.
3. Accessorize
Accessories were an essential part of 80s fashion looks for women.
Chunky jewelry, big earrings, statement necklaces, and oversized sunglasses were popular among all 80s fashion styles for women described above.
Also, match your shoes with the overall style.
Choose black shoes for power suits, colorful sneakers for athletic clothes, and cute sandals for preppy clothes in pastel colors.
4. For the 80s Party, Consider the Event’s Theme
Most popular 80s parties revolve around shows like “Back to the Future” or “Miami Vice,” so try to align your outfit with the theme and complete it with relevant accessories.
80s Themed Party Ideas for women
Here are some must-have clothes and accessories for any 80s-themed party for women:
- Power dressing: Wear blazers and dresses featuring exaggerated shoulder pads.
- Neon colors: Wear clothes in bright and bold neon colors like pink, green, yellow, and orange.
- Mini skirts: Wear mini skirts or Dolfin shorts with tights or leggings and leg warmers for a fun and funky 80s look.
- Wild hair: User perm or wear a wig to recreate that 80s big and bold hairstyle.
- Acid-washed denim: Wear acid-washed denim jackets or skinny jeans with band t-shirts to re-create the punk-rock look.
- Tracksuits: Rock the 80s hip-hop look with a bright, colorful tracksuit and large, golden chains.
Women’s 80s Fashion FAQs
What Did Women Wear in the 80s?
Popular clothing items for women in the 80s included sweaters, turtlenecks, crew necks, and v-necks. Fur-lined puffer jackets, tunics, faux-fur coats, velvet blazers, and trench coats made from fake or real leather were also in vogue.
Crop tops, tube tops, knee-length skirts, loose and flowy knee-length dresses with high or low-cut necklines, and various sleeve lengths made of cotton, silk, satin, and polyester were also popular.
High-waisted loose pants, embroidered jeans, leather pants, and designer jeans were also fashionable, but by 1982 flared jeans had been replaced by straight-leg trousers while cropped pants, pedal-pushers, and Capri pants, popularized during the late 1970s, were still in fashion.
How Should I Dress for an 80s Party?
The best way to channel the spirit of the 80s is by wearing some of the decades’ staples such as neon miniskirts, acid-washed jeans, denim jumpsuits or jackets, Madonna-style fingerless gloves, oversized earrings, and layered necklaces. Finish the look with a teased hairstyle, a sweatband, oversized sunglasses, and heavy, radiant makeup.
How to Dress Like the 80s Female?
To dress like a female of the 80s with everyday clothes, you’ll have to use some of the decades’ staple styles:
- Wear clothes in bright neon colors with leg warmers
- Wear suit jackets and blazers with oversized shoulders – or bulky sweaters
- Wear off-the-shoulder tops with mini skits and fingerless gloves
- Wear acid-washed ripped jeans with denim jackets
- Wear tight-to-the-body spandex and lycra athletic clothes
- Wear tracksuits with large chains and hats to create an 80s hip-hop style
What Was the Clothing Style in the 80s?
There were several popular clothing styles in the 1980s, but off all these are the decades’ main fashion trends:
- Power dressing: Strong, boxy blazers with exaggerated shoulder pads and high-waisted trousers.
- Neon colors: Clothes in bright and bold neon colors, such as pink, green, yellow, and orange.
- Leg warmers: Leg warmers paired with mini skirts and short Delfin shorts.
- Acid-washed denim: jackets, shorts, and skirts.
- Mini skirts: Mini skirts worn with tights, leggings, fishnets, and fingerless gloves.
- Tracksuits: Colorful tracksuits with sneakers, large chains, and brimmed hats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 80s fashion trends for women included a beautiful mixture of freedom and rebellious fashion choices, statement clothing, and standing out.
The 80s decade was characterized by Power Dressing styles in masculine cuts and oversized shoulders.
Rocker Chick looks were defined by distressed jeans and biker jackets and feminine styles with short skirts and bright neon hues.
Moreover, all 80s fashion styles for women were heavily accessorized with chunky jewelry, oversized sunglasses, scrunchies, leg warmers in bright colors, fishnet tights, studs, and chains.
And, while you should feel free to mix and match patterns, colors, and accessories, remember to use this 80s fashion guide for women as a critical stylistic reference.
With the right attitude and a little bit of inspiration, you can become an 80s fashion icon in no time!
And remember to share your 80s fashion looks with us on social media; we can’t wait to see your 80s fashion outfits.
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Which one of these women’s 80s fashion looks is your favorite and why?
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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.
