Ah, the 1980s. The decade of shoulder pads wider than doorways and hairstyles dependent on whole cans of hair spray was not an easy time for minimalists or shy and retiring types. Many people who lived through the extreme fashions of the day recoil in horror now at the thought of them returning. Eighties outfits were all about ultra-conspicuousness and being noticed. From meringue dresses and rah-rah skirts to leg warmers and stilettos, Spandex and lamé to door-knocker earrings and giant sunglasses, this was the era of OTT style, and the '90s took a sharp about-turn following the visual overload.
Now, with time and distance from this wild fashion period, not all 1980s ensembles seem quite as hideous as they once did. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that if you look closely, you'll find many key looks from the ostentatious epoch cropping up in today's coolest trends. Puffball dresses and puff sleeves are certainly back. Just think of the cloud-like frocks bouncing all over IG. Cut-outs and tight LBDs are popular once more—the S/S 22 runways say so. Oversize suiting is in, as are baggy jeans, loafers and baseball caps. Together, they were the power combo of the 1980s, and today, they're looking just as great in influencer circles.
Where does one find authentic inspiration for vintage fashion trends all these years later? Well, you're still best off digging into the archives, but rather than focusing on the more attention-grabbing looks from the period, it's worth cherry-picking some more wearable outfits from the biggest celebrities of the time. For all of Princess Diana's fancy gowns and prim skirt suits, there were some cool, casual moments too. Every barely there outfit Cher wore was counterbalanced with something more approachable for an average human without a stadium audience to entertain. So from Iman's slick, white trouser suit to Sarah Jessica Parker's perfect blazer-and-scrunchie pairing, keep scrolling for the '80s outfits that made the decade look cool and are worth copying today.
1. SARAH JESSICA PARKER
Style Notes: From the diamanté sunnies to the pink clutch bag, I adore everything about this smart-casual vibe from SJP.
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Free People is always my first stop for statement hair accessories.
A fashion-editor favourite.
A fun handbag never hurt anyone.
I hear such great things about this specific jeans style.
2. IMAN
Style Notes: We've noticed women all over Instagram wearing bra tops with blazers, but Iman was doing it before all of us in this cool white ensemble. The oversized cut, flat pumps and long necklace are so sophisticated that it just works.
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I’d love to own this blazer.
The coolest bralette.
Match the colour of your skirt to that of your blazer for extra polish.
Truly, ballet flats are timeless.
3. KIM BASINGER
Style Notes: There were plenty of daring looks coming from celebrities back in the '80s, but this sassy lingerie-under-chiffon number from Kim Basinger was the most elegant.
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The oversized silhouette makes this trend feel all the more current.
A pretty addition to any lingerie drawer.
Want more coverage? Add a bodysuit.
A staple you can wear in so many ways.
4. ANNA WINTOUR
Style Notes: She loved skirt suits then, and she still loves them now. Anna Wintour has been wearing these neat little numbers for many decades now. They're back on the trend map for 2022, so who better to look to?
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So chic.
Dress this skirt down with jersey basics.
The embossed logos feel so on-trend.
5. GRACE JONES
Style Notes: Sure, Grace Jones's outfits will always veer into costume territory, but this leopard-on-leopard-on-leopard look she wore for a Dior show is inspired and well worth bookmarking for a milestone birthday party.
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Layer this dress over a T-shirt for extra wearability.
The shoe brand to note this year.
Use these earrings to dress up jeans and vest tops for evenings out.
6. PRINCESS DIANA
Style Notes: The iconic sweatshirt/blazer/jeans/boots/cap look from Princess Diana has been emulated by many and remains one of her coolest get-ups of all time.
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A baseball cap can completely change the vibe of an outfit—in a good way.
If you want to add a dose of nostalgia into your look, Sporty & Rich is here for that.
Lighter denim washes will further help you tap into the ‘80s mood.
7. BROOKE SHIELDS
Style Notes: Brooke Shields celebrated her 21st birthday party in this Kermit-green puffball dress. We're seeing this colour filter into stores right now, and this kind of voluminous silhouette is also trending again.
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These shoulders are so brilliantly '80s.
You can always try a more laid-back silhouette.
Or body-con for that matter.
8. CHER
Style Notes: Is this Cher in the '80s or a cool, modern-day influencer? From the shag 'do to the cut-out leather skirt paired with a plain white tee, this has all the hallmarks of a great look we'd save on IG right now.
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So many members of the Who What Wear team own this very T-shirt.
A slouchy shoulder bag is the ideal arm candy for this ensemble.
Look for interesting black miniskirts to achieve this look.
Isabel Marant always delivers strong jewellery.
9. BIANCA JAGGER
Style Notes: Bianca Jagger's love of tailoring is well documented, but have you ever seen this pic of her before? I love the linen jacket with a satin slip skirt and the kooky accessories.
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The perfect warm-weather blazer.
A sleek take on the '80s sarong skirt.
No need to stack—this bangle is chunky enough on its own.
Next Up, Autumn/Winter 2022 Trends: The 15 Fashion Looks You Need to Know About
This article was originally published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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