Legendary Photos of the Most Iconic 80s Fashion Trends

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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