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The Best '80s Fashion Moments to Relive from the Decade
Plus, the key pieces you need to re-create each look.
If we've learned anything from the life cycle of trends over the years, it's that everything always comes back into style eventually. From the stark resurgence of the early aughts to the ever-present influence of decades like the '70s, designers are clearly taking notes from the past. The 1980s, in particular, had a major impact on modern fashion, with enduring muses like Grace Jones, Madonna, and Bianca Jagger. And today, plenty of the signature staples of the 1980s, like biker shorts, bold-shoulder blazers, and taffeta eveningwear, are everywhere. In a post-Phoebe Philo era where neutral palettes and minimal silhouettes were king, the '80s influences in the early 2010s gave the market a renewed sense of bold color stories and playful dressing many would argue was missing from the industry for decades.
Brynn Jones, owner of Aralda Vintage in Los Angeles, where actresses like Alexa Demie and Taylor Russell shop for archival designer finds, has always been inspired by the boldness of the era. In an interview, she tells us how she particularly loves, "the structured silhouettes, abstract and playful shapes," and, "the unapologetic glamour and all of the statement pieces made to command the room." Like many of us who are enamored with the time period, Jones can't help but gush over the accessories. "The hats! The earrings! The brooches! The belts! The gloves!" she says. "Some of my favorite accessories from that era were made by Christian Lacroix, Yves Saint Laurent, and Karl Lagerfeld. Also, sunglasses by Alain Mikli, Issey Miyake, and Kenzo."
When it comes to her favorite collections, Jones says Thierry Mugler instantly comes to mind. "He ruled the '80s. His fall 1984 show is what fashion fantasy dreams are made of. Pat Cleveland descended from the ceiling in a glistening gown looking like an ethereal angel. She was pregnant for that show and coincidentally was supposed to be representing the Virgin Mary." She also loves the Issey Miyake fall 1981 collection, particularly the famous blue plastic bodice (which she actually has in her personal collection). As for her favorite '80s fashion pop culture moments, she says, "Anything Grace Jones ever wore," like, "the looks that Azzedine Alaïa created for her character May Day in the 1985 Bond movie A View to Kill."
For those interested in expanding their '80s fashion history knowledge into less mainstream territory, Jones suggests looking into Claude Montana's work. "I think he is underrated as a designer, and his designs embody the chic, powerful, and aspirational '80s woman." There's also '80s Kenzo, which she feels is "under celebrated." In addition, we recommend revisiting some of the best style moments from the decade below and shopping our well-curated selection of key pieces to help you re-create the '80s look.
1980: Leather Dresses
French singer and model Amanda Lear wearing an asymmetric leather dress with fishnet tights. The futuristic sunglasses with a subtle motorsport-inspired edge are a nice finishing touch. Those looking to re-create the look should consider anything by Rick Owens.
Rick Owens Strapless Cutout Coated-Denim Mini Dress
A rock star staple.
1980: Cowboy Boots
Stylish partygoers at Studio 54 confirmed that free-flowing dresses and skirts paired with coordinating cowboy boots are timeless outfit combos. Ganni's extremely trendy cowboy boots with a retro feel are the perfect place to start.
Ganni Embroidered Colorblocked Leather Western Boots
Ganni Embroidered Colorblocked Leather Western Boots
Western boots are an investment that will transcend seasons and trends in your wardrobe.
1980: Punk Embellishments
Punk rock flourished in London—with fishnets, chains, and studs as the go-to accessories. Worn alongside leather separates and easy silhouettes, the looks are quintessentially '80s. Just add industrial-style jewelry from the likes of brands like Justine Clenquet, Martine Ali, or Chopova Lowena to bring the style into present day.
Perfect for layering over a basic white tank.
1980: Leather Blazers
Legendary supermodel Beverly Johnson and Italian clothing designer Giorgio di Sant' Angelo spotted in chic outfits outside of Studio 54. Johnson sports a double-breasted leather blazer with metallic gold trousers to match.
FRAME '70s Leather Blazer
Every well-dressed person needs a double-breasted leather blazer in their closet.
1980: Lace Dresses
Forever style muse Bianca Jagger arrives at A-list hot spot Studio 54 wearing a frilly lace dress. Trimmed with lace around the edges, the '80s dress has the versatility to be dressed up and down with ease. Look to vintage-informed brands such as Ciao Lucia, Mirror Palais, or Charo Ruiz Ibiza to mirror the effortlessly chic look. Or splurge on a macramé runway piece by Valentino.
Easy and chic.
1981: Disco Tops
Actress Heather Locklear poses for a fashion portrait shoot in a draped disco top paired with high-waisted blue jeans. With the party-girl aesthetic on the rise, it makes sense that Paco Rabanne's signature sequin and chain mail pieces have piqued the interest of the younger generation.
Paco Rabanne Sequined Stand Collar Top
Paco Rabanne Sequined Stand Collar Top
Chain mail is having a major moment right now.
1981: High-Cut One-Pieces
Swimsuit models Chancela Almonsour, Sara Wills, and Shae Huckaby stun onstage in bamboo hoop earrings and high-cut one-pieces. Isa Boulder's signature square-neck swimsuit will give you the leggy look made popular in the '80s while offering a super-sexy alternative to the classic bikini this summer.
Isa Boulder Isa Boulder Cut-Out Square-Neck Swimsuit
Isa Boulder Isa Boulder Cut-Out Square-Neck Swimsuit
These cutouts add a sexy edge.
1982: Checked Blazers
Brooke Shields poses in a turtleneck and checked blazer, giving a lesson in strategic layering. Bringing the look together with a plaid button shirt underneath, tucked into denim, the model-turned-actress offers a polished '80s outfit fit for the office and beyond.
The shirt-and-jacket hybrid is great for transitional weather.
1982: Country Club Aesthetic
Jerry Hall and Marie Helvin in black-and-white ensembles at the Royal Ascot. One of the more luxe aesthetics to come from the '80s, the classic country club look was made popular by the likes of Karyn Parson's character Hilary Banks on the popular television show at the time The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Balmain Spencer Cropped Cotton-Velvet Blazer
All buttoned up.
1983: Skinny Wrap Belts
Princess Diana sports a printed blouse with puff sleeves and a fitted pencil skirt to watch a polo match in the early '80s. The era's style icon cinches the look together with a skinny wrap belt.
Isabel Marant Lecce Leather Belt
Isabel Marant Lecce Leather Belt
The skinny style is a core piece in the Parisian brand's collections.
Shelby Ying Hyde is a Brooklyn-based shopping and fashion contributor BAZAAR.com, with bylines on The Zoe Report, Teen Vogue, Essence, Nylon, Elite Daily and more. Prior to entering the editorial space, she worked at luxury e-commerce giants Net-a-Porter and Moda Operandi on the product editorial team, where she gained an extensive understanding of the luxury market as it pertains to shopping and engaging customers in a digital space. Follow @theshelbyying on Instagram for shopping advice, sale updates, and tips for building a well-rounded wardrobe.
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