The 1980s was a decade of bold and eclectic fashion, characterized by an appreciation for both vintage and futuristic styles. From neon colors and punk rock influences to the rise of power dressing, the 1980s was a decade of experimentation and creativity. Enjoy reliving these top 18 fashion trends of the 1980s:
Power Dressing
#1
Power dressing was a major fashion trend in the 1980s and was characterized by strong, sharp, and confident styles that were designed to convey power, authority, and success. This trend was particularly popular among women who were entering the workforce in increasing numbers and seeking to assert their professional authority and presence. The power dressing trend was characterized by tailored suits, blazers, and trousers that were designed to fit well and make a statement. The styles often featured bold colors, such as red, blue, and green, as well as geometric patterns and bright prints. Shoulder pads were a key part of the power dressing trend, as they added a sense of structure and strength to the clothing, and helped to emphasize the wearer's confidence and authority. Other elements of power dressing included sharp-toed pumps, statement jewelry, and oversized glasses. Power dressing was also influenced by the growing interest in androgynous fashion and gender-neutral styles, as well as the increasing emphasis on gender equality in the workplace. By wearing power dressing, women could signal that they were just as capable and confident as their male colleagues, and that they were not afraid to assert their authority in the workplace.
Punk Fashion
#2
This was a major trend in the 1980s, particularly in the early part of the decade. The punk movement originated in the late 1970s, and was characterized by its DIY ethos, anti-establishment attitude, and rebellious spirit. The fashion was inspired by the punk rock music scene and reflected the countercultural values of the punk movement. Punk fashion often incorporated leather, studs, chains, and other hardware, and was often characterized by a mix of black and bright, bold colors. The punk look often included brightly dyed hair, safety pins, and band T-shirts. Punk fashion was highly influential, and inspired many other subcultures and fashion trends in the 1980s, as well as influencing contemporary fashion.
Neon Colors
#3
The 1980s was a decade of bright and bold colors, and neon colors were a big part of this trend. From neon green to electric blue, these colors were used to create eye-catching outfits that were sure to turn heads. The popularity of neon colors was due in part to advancements in technology, which made it easier to produce brightly colored fabrics and materials. The trend was embraced by many different subcultures, including the fitness and aerobics craze, as well as the dance and club scenes. Bright neon workout clothes, such as leotards, leg warmers, and headbands, were especially popular, as they helped to create a fun and energetic look. In addition to fitness wear, neon colors were also used in casual and streetwear, as well as in high-end fashion.
Leg Warmers
#4
Leg warmers were a popular accessory in the 1980s, often worn with short dresses and skirts to add a touch of fun and playfulness to an outfit. Leg warmers were long, knitted tubes that were worn over the legs, typically over leggings or tights. They were designed to keep the legs warm during exercise, but they also became a fashionable accessory. Leg warmers were often made in bright neon colors, which helped to create a fun and energetic look. They were worn with short skirts, leotards, and other sportswear, and were often paired with ankle boots or sneakers. Leg warmers became a popular trend in the early 1980s and remained popular throughout the decade. They were embraced by various subcultures, including punk and new wave, and have since become a classic symbol of 1980s fashion and pop culture.
Big Hair
#5
Big hair was a defining trend of the 1980s, with women using hair spray, mousse, and curling irons to create voluminous hairstyles that were both glamorous and over-the-top, which was voluminous, teased, and styled hair that was often styled higher and bigger than natural hair. This look was achieved through the use of hair products such as mousse, hairspray, and perms, and was often paired with bangs or hair accessories. The trend was popular among women, and was seen as a way to express individuality and create a bold, eye-catching look. Big hair was a popular look in many different styles, including punk, new wave, and glam rock, and was often paired with bold and colorful clothing, as well as bold makeup.
Shoulder Pads
#6
Shoulder pads were a key part of the power dressing trend of the 1980s, adding structure and a sense of authority to outfits. Power dressing was a style that emerged during this decade, as women sought to assert their presence and authority in the workplace. The style was characterized by a strong and confident look, with an emphasis on creating a broad, powerful silhouette. Shoulder pads were a key element of this trend, as they helped to create a look of strength and confidence. The shoulder pads were often large and exaggerated, and were designed to make the wearer look bigger, taller, and more commanding. The trend was adopted by professional women across many industries, and was seen as a way of showing off their power, ambition, and success.
Athletic Wear
#7
Athletic wear, such as sweatbands, leotards, and running shoes, became fashionable in the 1980s as fitness and physical health became more important. Athletic wear was designed for comfortable and practical exercise, but it was also embraced as a fashionable trend. Athletic wear was often made in bright neon colors, and was often paired with leg warmers, headbands, and other athletic accessories. The trend was popular among women, and was seen as a way to express individuality and create a fun and energetic look. In addition to fitness wear, athletic wear was also worn as casual and streetwear, and was often paired with sneakers, high-tops, and other athletic shoes. Athletic wear remains an important part of 1980s fashion and pop culture, and continues to be referenced and imitated in contemporary fashion and pop culture.
Overalls
#8
Overalls were a popular trend in the 1980s, often worn with a crop top or graphic tee for a casual, yet stylish look. Overalls are a type of garment that consist of a bib-like piece that covers the chest and a pair of pants that are attached at the waist. They were originally designed for manual labor and farming, but were embraced as a fashionable trend in the 1980s. Overalls were often made in denim or other sturdy fabrics, and were often paired with t-shirts, sneakers, and other casual clothing. The trend was popular among both men and women, and was seen as a way to create a comfortable and casual look. Overalls remain an important part of 1980s fashion and pop culture, and continue to be referenced and imitated in contemporary fashion and pop culture.
Denim
#9
Denim was a staple of 1980s fashion, often worn in oversized, distressed, or acid-washed styles. Denim was embraced as a fashionable trend, and was often paired with t-shirts, sneakers, and other casual clothing. The trend was popular among both men and women, and was seen as a way to create a comfortable and casual look. Denim was often worn in its classic blue shade, but was also available in other colors and washes. The trend was popular in various styles, including punk, new wave, and glam rock, and remains an important part of 1980s fashion and pop culture. Denim continues to be a popular and versatile fabric that is used in contemporary fashion and pop culture.
Spandex
#10
Spandex was a popular material in the 1980s, often used in leggings, bodysuits, and cycling shorts to create body-hugging, form-fitting outfits. Spandex is a synthetic elastic fiber that is often used to make tight-fitting clothing, such as leggings, cycling shorts, and bodysuits. In the 1980s, spandex was embraced as a fashionable trend, and was often paired with leg warmers, headbands, and other athletic accessories. The trend was popular among women, and was seen as a way to express individuality and create a fun and energetic look. Spandex was often worn in bright neon colors, and was designed to show off the body and highlight athletic form. The trend was popular in various styles, including punk, new wave, and glam rock, and remains an important part of 1980s fashion and pop culture. Spandex continues to be a popular and versatile fabric that is used in contemporary fashion and pop culture.
Pop Art
#11
Pop Art was characterized by its use of bold and bright colors, graphic images, and commercial imagery, and was inspired by popular culture, advertising, and mass media. Pop Art was often seen as a reaction against abstract expressionism and other modern art movements, and sought to incorporate the everyday world into fine art. In the 1980s, Pop Art influences were evident in fashion, as designers and fashion brands embraced the use of bold and graphic images, as well as playful and whimsical themes. Pop Art styles were often seen as a way to express individuality and create a fun and lighthearted look. Pop Art was also influenced by punk and new wave, which were popular music genres in the 1980s, and incorporated elements of those styles into fashion.
Fringe
#12
Fringe was a popular trend in the 1980s that added a bohemian and eclectic touch to fashion. Fringe was used on a variety of garments, including jackets, skirts, bags, and accessories, and was often seen as a way to add movement and texture to an outfit. Fringe was often made from leather, suede, or other materials, and came in a variety of lengths and styles. The fringe trend was inspired by various cultural influences, including Native American and Western styles, and was often paired with other popular fashion trends of the decade, such as neon colors, athletic wear, and oversized clothing. The fringe trend was also associated with the counterculture movement of the 1980s, and was often seen as a way to express individuality and rebel against mainstream fashion.
Preppy
#13
The preppy trend was a major fashion trend in the 1980s that was characterized by a preppy and polished look. Preppy styles were inspired by the traditional Ivy League and prep school styles, and were often associated with wealth, privilege, and a certain level of education. Preppy fashion included classic and traditional pieces, such as polo shirts, cardigans, oxford shirts, and khaki pants, as well as more formal pieces, such as blazers, trousers, and button-down shirts. Preppy styles were often paired with loafers, boat shoes, or other casual footwear, and were often accessorized with items such as wristwatches, neckties, and cashmere sweaters. The preppy trend was often seen as a reaction against the more radical and alternative fashion trends of the 1980s, and was associated with a more traditional and conservative style. The preppy trend was also associated with the "yuppie" culture of the 1980s, which was characterized by young, upwardly-mobile, and urban professionals who were focused on career success and financial stability.
Dressing Up
#14
In the 1980s, people took pride in dressing up and making a statement with their outfits. From formal wear to fancy accessories, the 1980s was a decade of fashion-forward dressing. This trend was characterized by a focus on luxury and sophistication, and was often seen as a reaction against the more casual and relaxed styles that had become popular in previous decades. Dressing up in the 1980s often involved wearing pieces such as cocktail dresses, ball gowns, tuxedos, and eveningwear, which were reserved for special occasions and events. This trend was also characterized by a focus on intricate details and embellishments, such as lace, ruffles, bows, and other decorative elements. Additionally, the trend of dressing up was often associated with the glamor and excess of the 1980s, which was a time of prosperity and optimism. This trend was also influenced by popular culture, such as the rise of pop stars and celebrities, who often dressed in elaborate and glamorous outfits for their performances and public appearances. Overall, the trend of dressing up in the 1980s represented a desire for luxury, sophistication, and elegance, and continues to influence fashion today in various ways, including a renewed interest in formal and elegant attire for special events and occasions.
Flashdance Style
#15
The Flashdance style was a popular trend in the 1980s, and was inspired by the movie "Flashdance," which was released in 1983. The movie, which was a romantic drama about a young woman who dreams of becoming a professional dancer, featured energetic dance numbers and iconic fashion moments. The Flashdance style was characterized by casual, athletic clothing, such as leg warmers, oversized sweatshirts, and off-the-shoulder tops. The trend was popular among young women who wanted to emulate the energetic and confident look of the movie's lead character. The Flashdance trend was often paired with other popular trends of the decade, such as aerobics and fitness, and was seen as a way to express individuality and create a fun and energetic look.
Military
#16
Military styles, such as camo, epaulets, and cargo pants, were popular in the 1980s, often worn in a more casual, streetwear context. Military styles were characterized by bold and practical clothing, such as cargo pants, field jackets, and combat boots. The trend was popular among both men and women, and was seen as a way to express individuality and create a strong and confident look. Military styles were often paired with other popular trends of the decade, such as punk, new wave, and gothic. The military trend remains an important part of 1980s fashion and pop culture, and continues to be referenced and imitated in contemporary fashion and popular culture. Military styles are often associated with toughness, power, and functionality, and are still a popular fashion trend today, appearing in many different forms, from utilitarian and technical styles, to more decorative and stylized pieces.
Gothic
#17
Gothic fashion, characterized by dark colors, lace, and oversized clothing, was a popular trend in the 1980s. The Gothic trend was influenced by Gothic literature, punk, and new wave music, and was characterized by dark and moody clothing, make-up, and accessories. Gothic fashion was often associated with an interest in death, the occult, and other macabre themes. Black was a common color in Gothic fashion, and clothing often had a brooding and sinister feel, with elements such as lace, velvet, and chains. Gothic fashion was popular among young people who wanted to express their individuality and rejection of mainstream culture.
Miami Vice Style
#18
The popular TV show Miami Vice had a major impact. Inspired by the popular TV show of the same name. The Miami Vice style was characterized by bright colors, bold patterns, and a mix of casual and formal wear. The show's lead characters, played by Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas, were known for their stylish and flashy clothing, including pastel-colored suits, designer sneakers, and sunglasses. This trend was a reflection of the high-end, luxury lifestyle portrayed in the show, and influenced a generation of fashion-conscious viewers. The 1980s was a decade of bold fashion choices and daring style statements. From power dressing to neon colors, leg warmers to big hair, the 80s saw the rise of a number of iconic fashion trends that continue to influence fashion today. Whether you loved or hated the 80s fashion, there is no denying that this decade was a time of experimentation and creativity in the world of fashion. From the influence of popular culture and the rise of new materials and technologies, to the desire for a more confident and empowered self-expression, the 80s set the stage for many of the fashion trends that continue to evolve and influence the world today.
The 1980s was a decade of bold fashion choices and daring style statements. From power dressing to neon colors, leg warmers to big hair, the 80s saw the rise of a number of iconic fashion trends that continue to influence fashion today. Whether you loved or hated the 80s fashion, there is no denying that this decade was a time of experimentation and creativity in the world of fashion. From the influence of popular culture and the rise of new materials and technologies, to the desire for a more confident and empowered self-expression, the 80s set the stage for many of the fashion trends that continue to evolve and influence the world today.
