Legendary Photos of the Most Iconic 80s Fashion Trends

Last updated on December 10th, 2024 at 09:44 pm

80s fashion made an extreme turn away from the hippie fashion of the 70s. Punk and alternative fashion also had a growing movement in the 80s as a pushback to fashion of the previous decade.

Popular trends that we started to see included acid wash denim, cut off shirts, bright and neon colors, big patterns, leg warmers, and spandex, spandex, spandex. High-waisted swimwear, jeans, and tights were also prevalent.

We saw a distinct preppy style that included big, fluffy hair, statement jewelry pieces, velvet, neon, popped collars, and bomber jackets. There was also a distinctive alternative style scene that encompassed the punk, post-punk, and street styles.

Today, 80s fashion gets a lot of hate when looked back upon. But it wouldn’t be a surprise to see these fashion trends start to sneak back into popular culture. Some might already be showing up again.

Let’s take a look at some of the most iconic styles of 80s fashion.

Cut off t-shirts and denim on denim.

Leg warmers

Spray painted clothes

Geometric prints

Leather dresses and narrow sunglasses were a common trend. Photo: Keystone

Punk fashion: high mohawks, leather, studs, stressed denim

Patterns that seemingly clash

Animal print patterns

Patchwork denim pieces

Punk fashion

Sparkly disco tops. Photo: Harry Langdon

Distressed denim, chunky jewelry, high top shoes

The 80s punk aesthetic was another side of the fashion coin. Fishnets, leather, and studded everything.

Super padded and pointy shoulder pads

Shoulder pads and bright color-blocking

Big jewelry, light and matching denim

Mohawks, animal print, zippers

Statement prints

Matching tracksuits

High-waisted denim

Puffy sleeves and skinny belt ties. Photo: Tim Graham

Stirrup pants

New Wave pastel suits

Velour velvet

Mesh and fishnet

Statement jewelry, especially oversize pearls

High-cut workout gear and swimsuits. Photo: Clarence Gatson

Tights and spandex workout gear

Head to toe workout gear, leg warmers

Spandex and neon combos

Neon spandez

More high-cut swimsuits

Neon, big patterns, high-waisted

Bomber jackets

Acid wash denim and fringe

Matching acid wash sets

Headbands and bandanas

Crimped hair, bright nails, and hot pink lipstick

Side ponytails were a common fashion staple

Side ponytails were often accompanied with a scrunchie

Big hair, especially mullets

Neon makeup to match the aesthetic

Clip-on fanny packs

References

‘80s Fashion Trends That Are Making a Serious Comeback. https://membersonly.com/blogs/membersonlyblog/80s-fashion-trends-that-are-making-a-serious-comeback

’80s fashion: Trends from the ‘more is more’ style decade that keep coming back. https://www.cnn.com/style/article/80s-fashion-style-comeback/index.html

The Best ’80s Fashion Moments to Relive from the Decade. https://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/trends/g6549/80s-fashion-photos/

Regrettable Fashion Choices of the 1980s: Vintage Photos Show the Worst Trends. https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/ugly-fashion-trends-1980s/

Top 10 80s Fashion Trends. https://www.victorplazma.com/blogs/retroblog/top-10-80s-fashion-trends

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