15 Trends These '80s Style Icons Predicted for 2018

The '80s were a time of experimental fashion, and that's never a bad thing—actually, quite the opposite. Thanks to this innovative approach, many a style icon was born during the decade. Although not every '80s look is something we'd go for today (no blue eye shadow for us, thanks), we've been wearing plenty of '80s-inspired trends throughout the past year. We spotted 15 '80s icons who predicted some key trends for 2018, be it a theme, a colour or an actual garment.

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For starters, there's Cindy Crawford, who back in the '80s was already wearing vinyl trenches way before they were everywhere this year. Then there's Grace Jones and her oversized earrings, Prince in purple (aka the hue of the year) and Brooke Shields and her rainbow dresses decades before they became ultra-popular. Keep scrolling for our guide to '80s icons we still love today and the trends they predicted 30 years ago.

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Iman: Grey Check
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Style Notes: If there's one office piece everyone bought this year, it was the grey checked jacket and suit. It's flattering on everyone, and great for work or going out. 

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Statement Earrings
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Style Notes: Earrings were big this year—a trend that's set to continue into 2018. Grace Jones's take on it is exactly how we want to wear them right now.

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Oversized Glasses
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Style Notes: Bow down to the queen who is Jane Fonda. Back in the '80s, she did the oversized glasses way before Gucci debuted them.

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Red Everything
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Style Notes: Red never really goes out of fashion—in fact, it just might simmer away in the background for a while. Here's how Anna Wintour used to style it back in the day (to perfection, we might add).

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Vinyl Coats
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Style Notes: The vinyl trench was a big deal for 2017, and it's only getting more popular this year. But Cindy was doing it back in the '80s. No biggie—just a whole 30 years before we started to take notice of how amazing this look is.

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Rainbow Dresses
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Style Notes: As seen on Brooke Shields during the '80s, the rainbow dress (such as this Attico frock) or skirt has become a must-have item.

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The Colour Purple
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Style Notes: Thanks, in part, to Prince, the colour purple is the hue of 2018. Whether a head-to-toe look or just an accessory, it was one of the hues of the year.

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Corduroy
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Style Notes: A less predictable trend that 2018 has embraced is corduroy. Loved by Farrah Fawcett during the '80s, this is still chic 30 years later.

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Ladylike Glamour
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Style Notes: Opposing the abundance of streetwear is ladylike glamour. While Kim Basinger wore a load of trends, she did this look so incredibly well.

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Sheer Leggings
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Style Notes: It's no surprise that Kim Kardashian West frequently references Cher for her looks. Much like Cher, KKW likes wearing sheer leggings, which have taken off this year.

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Midi Skirts
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Style Notes: The midi skirt made a real impact last year that'll continue on through 2018. Instead of maxis, we wanted to show off a bit of ankle. And you know who did it well during the '80s? Michelle Pfeiffer. 

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Red
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Style Notes: Red all over might be a serious statement, but the good news is that the colour suits everyone. Take a tip from Jerry Hall and opt for a slip dress.

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Polka Dots
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Style Notes: Yes, 2017 was the year we started to love polka dots again, and that'll continue this year too. The person who was championing this look back in 1984? Princess Diana.

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Madonna: Velvet
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Style Notes: Seriously, though, did you even get dressed in 2017 if you didn't wear velvet? From her hair tie to the body-con dress, there's plenty of inspo to glean from Madonna.

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Checked Blazers
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Style Notes: What did you even wear if you haven't been wearing a checked blazer in 2018? We jest, but these really were everywhere.

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Elinor Block