When it comes to '80s fashion, we have a (surprising) amount to be thankful for. While the decade previously hadn't influenced our wardrobes for a long time, in recent years, we've come to the realisation that all the most current trends today are courtesy of the '80s. Now, if you're not too familiar with the nuances of this era, there are a few standout looks we're sure you'll recognise: big shoulders, white jeans, underwear as outerwear and oversized jewellery. It was the decade of the power dresser but also of punks. It gave us Madonna, Sade, Tina Turner and Cher, plus numerous other superstars whose sense of style influences many right now.
While Y2K might have been the top nostalgic fashion decade for the past few years, designers have clearly switched their focus to the '80s in 2024, particularly when it comes to evening wear. Whether you're looking to embrace the OTT glamour of '80s eveningwear or the power shouldered suits, we've found 36 A-list images that prove these '80s fashion looks are as current now as they were then.
1. Madonna and Her Bodysuits
Style Notes: This is classic '80s Madonna, but the underwear/bodysuit look is bang on the money for now. Back in the '80s, bodysuits were dressed up with layered necklaces for the red carpet. For 2024, you can forgo the pearls and wear yours with some high-waisted jeans for a night out.
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The define cups have such an '80s feel to them.
2. A "Naked" Dress, as Loved by Cher
Style Notes: As if we needed any more proof that Cher is the ultimate style queen, here was the star doing the naked dress before everyone was doing it on the red carpet. It might seen bold, but there are loads of ways to rock the 'naked' dress in 2024, from small cut-outs to mesh panelling.
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Ease into this daring trend with this subtle dress.
3. Roll-Necks for Everyone, Including Brooke Shields
Style Notes: Brooke Shields was America's number one sweetheart back in the '80s, and here, she proves exactly why. The roll-neck is an item that has never really left our wardrobes, but to embody a full '80s look, pair yours with some high-waisted jeans and loafers.
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Go full '80s by styling it with a blazer or open white shirt.
4. See-Through Layers Were Loved by Kim Basinger
Style Notes: The Jenner/Kardashian clan may be the current leaders of this trend, but the originator of this style? Another Kim—Kim Basinger. If you're looking for a way to dip you toe into the trend, opt for sheer button-ups that can be layered over your favourite cami.
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Perfect for nights out.
5. Structured Shoulders, Styled by Courteney Cox
Style Notes: Okay, so the term "structured shoulders" is just another way for us to say "shoulder pads" and attempt to not freak you out, but we've seen a real trend toward this look. Shout-out to Courteney Cox for wearing this on the red carpet pre–Monica Gellar days.
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Padded shoulders make everything look more expensive.
6. Corset Belts Were a Cyndi Lauper Essential
Style Notes: A cinched waist is the ultimate styling trick, and we can't deny that Cyndi Lauper is the queen of the trend. Luckily, there a loads of options to shop in both luxury and high-street stores at the moment.
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Highlight your figure with a waist-defining belt.
7. Chunky Jewellery Was Joan Collins's Armour
Style Notes: Joan Collins is so incredible in this snap. Is there anything we don't love about it? Answer: No. The jacket, the simple black top, the red lippie… However, it's the gobstopper necklace our magpie eyes focus on. Joan knows the power incredible jewellery has in pulling together an outfit.
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Just as elegant with a white shirt and jeans as an evening dress.
8. Checked Outerwear Was Adored by Royalty
Style Notes: There were so many incredible outfits from Princess Diana we could have included, but we settled on this "country-casual" one. The heritage check on her jacket and matching skirt are classic attire. Not only has this Harrington-style jacket made a comeback in hipster circles, but we're also seeing plaid coats everywhere. Coincidence? We think not.
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Trust Mango to make checks feel simultaneously modern and classic.
9. Showing Off Your Socks Was a Meg Ryan–Approved Move
Style Notes: Want to know the real way to update your outfit for 2024? Just add a pair of chunky, ribbed socks à la Meg Ryan. Wear with loafers, ballet flats or even heels. Yes, really.
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Wear with ballet flats to elevate the entire outfit.
10. Tailoring Made Up Grace Jones's Wardrobe
Style Notes: Grace Jones will never be anything less than fierce, but this incredible look has been seared into our minds. Who wouldn't want to look so focused in a razor-sharp piece of tailoring? (Purple makeup optional, of course.)
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No one does tailoring like The Frankie Shop.
11. Miniskirts Were Loved by Kylie Minogue
Style Notes: Kylie Minogue wore a lot of high-shine minis like this. Get inspired by investing in 2024's sequinned version that's easy to dress up or down for any occasion.
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What a look!
12. High-Waisted Jeans Were Worn by Models, Singers and Actresses
Style Notes: We have some serious love for high-waisted jeans. Tina Turner pulls this look off with aplomb, and we have to agree: Bauble earrings and a white vest are great accessories.
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I love the vintage wash.
13. Baggy Cropped Trousers Were a Part of the Off-Duty Celeb Uniform
Style Notes: Well, how else do you expect to show off your socks? Thanks to Demi Moore for inspiring us all those years ago.
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The perfect mix of casual and smart.
14. Tights—Especially Sheer Ones—Were Loved by Sassy Ladies Like Debbie Harry
Style Notes: Debbie Harry has brought us many a trend. But during the '80s, we got to see her in chic little black dresses, which she accessorised with a flash of low denier at most times. And in case you didn't know, that kind of hosiery is news again.
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A playful touch to add to your evening outfits.
15. Bold Buttons Adorned Every Blazer
Style Notes: We've seen this trend start to appear on trousers, from old-school joggers to jeans with shiny gold buttons, as well as on the classic Balmain blazers that remain forever popular. Jerry Hall's gold buttons down her nautical blazer and gold bracelets made for the ultimate '80s power look.
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Perfectly cut.
16. Off-the-Shoulder Silhouettes Really Picked Up Steam
Style Notes: True, Goldie Hawn didn't invent the off-the-shoulder style, but she knew how to do it right. There's something so elegant about an off-shoulder top, especially fi you opt for a chic colour or elevated neckline.
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The asymmetrical neckline is so elevated.
17. Leggings Were Worn by Rockers and Fitness Fanatics Alike
Style Notes: Joan Jett will never be anything less than cool. Her punk-inspired ensembles often involved oversized jackets and skintight trousers. While leggings have definitely come on a bit since then, take inspo from this look and pair your leggings (or black skinny jeans) with a leather jacket this weekend.
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Those leggings you lived in during lockdown just need a tee and leather jacket.
18. No Outfit Was Complete Without Shoulder Pads Like SJP's
Style Notes: Things tended to be pretty oversized during the '80s, and no other item was as exaggerated as the blazer. For 2024, boxier blazers are way more subtle but no less chic.
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You can never go wrong with a simple black blazer.
19. Every Major Celeb Had a Sequin Moment
Style Notes: When aren't sequins a great idea? As seen on Diana Ross, this look is making us long for an excuse to dress up.
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Perfect for the upcoming party season.
20. And a Tassel Moment, Too
Style Notes: Yes, the '70s might have been the era for bodysuits, but with the '80s came extra bits like tassels. In the modern day, the tassel trend remains just as popular, with brands releasing tassel blazers, bodysuits and dresses for more formal occasions.
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Fringe is a big trend for the upcoming season, and this one shoulder fringe dress is such a cool take.
21. Vinyl Jackets Were Introduced to Replace Standard Leathers
Style Notes: The vinyl-coat trend has been everywhere for the past few years, and we see it sticking around for many more. But it was in the '80s when one of the original supermodels, Cindy Crawford, made it look iconic.
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Nothing screams the '80s like vinyl with a fur trim.
22. No Casual Outfit Was Complete With a Graphic Tee
Style Notes: Model Pat Cleveland knew how to make a graphic tee look chic. It's still one of our favourite outfits for the weekend. Simply add your favourite jeans or midi skirt and trainers.
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Free People has some great affordable graphic tee options.
23. Sunglasses Were the Biggest They've Probably Ever Been
Style Notes: Susan Sarandon is just one of the reasons we love oversized sunglasses. A slightly bigger frame will automatically give you an 'off-duty model' look.
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The sunglasses on all of our editors' wishlist.
24. Even Denim Jackets Were Supersized
Style Notes: Before Sex and the City, SJP was already pushing the fashion boundaries. In 2024, we're still rocking denim jackets in boxier styles/
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I love the boxier fit.
25. Geek-Chic Glasses Ruled the Celebrity Roost
Style Notes: Geek-chic glasses might be commonplace now, but it was during the '80s that they really took off. Acetate frames, as seen here on Jane Fonda, have definitely made a comeback.
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No one does geek-chic like Miu Miu.
26. It Was a Time of Over-Accessorising, so Gloves Were Key
Style Notes: Daryl Hannah's got all the accessories a decent '80s look should have, but you'll notice time and again that gloves (especially with layered jewellery) are key for this decade.
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Stylish people everywhere are getting back into gloves for dressy occasions, and we plan to go all-out with this long pair.
27. Skirt Suits Were a Favourite for Society Girls
Style Notes: Sarah Ferguson and Diana, Princess of Wales, were both particularly keen on skirt suits for their more formal events in the '80s. The look translated quickly into offices and parties, especially in this ultra-matchy form.
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Style with the matching blouse for a look straight out of Pretty Woman.
28. Aerobic Gear Wasn't a Street Trend, But It Was Essential
Style Notes: Jane Fonda started it in the 1970s, but by the time the 1980s arrived, spandex leggings, leotards and legwarmers were commonplace, and everyone was a fitness fanatic (for a time, at least).
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For a more 2024 feel, style with jeans.
29. Harem Pants Were Given the Green Light
Style Notes: Call them MC Hammer pants or harem pants, but never forget that drop-crotch trousers (the more draped, the better) were a key look in the '80s. Here's Donna Summer doing them justice.
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The dream casual winter trouser.
30. Polka Dots Kept Coming Back Through the '80s
Style Notes: Polka dots are back again, but one of the most current-looking ways they were worn in the '80s was thanks to singer Sade and this cool shirt.
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Polka dot dresses will always look elegant.
31. Flouncy Sleeves Were a Princess Diana Go-To
Style Notes: Princess Diana's balloon-sleeved monochromatic blouse is too good to leave out and feels so current. If you're worried about looking too fancy, try pairing your balloon-sleeved blouse with a pair of wide leg jeans and ballet flats.
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This can easily be taken from day to night. Simply swap out your jeans and ballet flats with tailored trousers and kitten heels.
32. Beige Continued on From the '70s Well Into the '80s
Style Notes: Beige really took off in the summer of 2018 (and continues still), but you need only look to Debbie Harry, who wore the trend three decades ago.
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Minimalists everywhere know how impactful beige can be.
33. Oversize Blazers Were Best Worn With Plenty of Jewellery
Style Notes: The oversized look was everywhere in the '80s and wasn't just limited to jackets—jewellery, too, was statement. In 2024, this is a trend that is making a big comeback.
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This will elevate any evening look.
34. Laura Ashley–Style Prints Looked Just as Cute Then
Style Notes: A trend that has made a surprising comeback, Laura Ashley–inspired dresses are everywhere right now. Yes, that's Gwyneth Paltrow! Rixo is currently our go-to for retro 'Laura Ashley'-style dresses that are easy to throw on and don't look like you're trying too hard.
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A great throw-on dress.
35. No Classic Wardrobe Is Ever Complete Without a Safari Jacket
Style Notes: The most timeless of jackets. Even in the '80s, it looked incredible. You can get a safari jacket in practically every colour, but we'd suggest sticking to khaki or beige to have a quick throw-on that goes with everything in your wardrobe.
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A utility-style jacket looks so good in this olive green.
36. Green Was Often the Colour du Jour
Style Notes: Green was very popular during the '80s, but no one wore it better than HRH. Nowadays, brands like Bottega Veneta are leading the way for chic clothing and accessories in this mood-boosting colour.
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A fun pop of colour to add into your wardrobe.
This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.
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