When I think of 1980s fashion, a jewel-toned tint is cast over my mind's eye – and women with big hair and even bigger shoulder pads strut down the streets by day and change into leg-warmers and lycra bodysuits by night.
As much as these might come from a sweeping stereotype of the way women dressed in the ‘80s, they're not that far from the truth. Power suits indeed dominated the era, thanks to the work of the 1970s Women's Liberation Movement bringing more women into the workplace. Jane Fonda sold millions of VHS tapes of her much-parodied aerobics video – which was the equivalent of going viral in the 80s – and, thanks to the rise of couturiers like Christian Lacroix and Thierry Mugler, fashion reached new, extravagant heights.
Recently, 80s fashion has been rearing its head again in the mob wife aesthetic that took over 2024, the glitzy costumes worn by Sophie Turner in the ITV show Joan and Saint Laurent's commitment to sharp-shouldered silhouettes on the runway.
Below are the 9 trends that defined 1980s fashion and that we’re still very much enamoured with today.
If there's one fashion item that sums up the ‘80s, it’s the power suit. Designers from Jean Paul Gaultier to Yves Saint Laurent crafted suit skirts in striking silhouettes, with super-sized shoulder pads, nipped waists and sometimes, to add to the drama, a peplum hem. They were often worn with a thin belt and sheer black tights that emphasised the stark lines of the suit.
Shop the best blazers and oversized blazers for women.
We know better now that it was not an ethical choice, but fur coats were booming in the ‘80s – especially silhouettes with princess sleeves, in dramatic patterns or oversized, cocooning shapes. Today, the fuzzy coat has made a comeback (thanks to the mob wife aesthetic) in equally-chic faux styles – so while we're happy to take the ’80s inspiration, we'll keep our coats firmly cruelty-free, thanks.
No ‘80s style would be complete without bold bling. By that we mean giant pearl necklaces or teardrop earrings, chunky gold clip-ons and an arm full of bangles stacked up to the elbows. With such exaggerated silhouettes when it comes to ready-to-wear, it only makes sense that the jewellery had to match its energy.
Feeling fully liberated thanks to the ‘60s and ’70s, women also felt more comfortable showing off their physiques through figure-hugging styles. Bodycon dresses reigned supreme, sometimes even featuring risqué cutouts thanks to daring designers like Alaia and Versace putting the female form at the front and centre. The legacy of naked dresses have endured, and found a forever home on the red carpet where stars continue to mine the archives for these '80s gowns.
Speaking of the red carpet, those with a discerning eye for fashion history may have noticed a certain designer re-emerging as celebrities plunged brand archives for a splashy premiere look. Christian Lacroix – a beloved couturier who began his atelier in 1987 under LVMH Group known for his intricate, baroque gowns that rose to fame as the economy boomed – and his unique creations have become the new go-to for A-listers from Jennifer Lawrence to Rihanna who want to stand apart from their peers. The '80s was also when the inimitable Karl Lagerfeld took over the house of Chanel and of course went on to craft a formidable legacy for one of the biggest luxury brands still today.
Across the pond, the Brits were busy crafting their own legacy. Designers like Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren led the punk kids into a new wave of the New Romantics. Sporting pirate blouses, crazy patterns and even crazier hair, the Glam Rock era began and was fully embraced by London's club kids and theatre kids alike. They were the OG ‘brats’, really.
Love or hate it, when it comes the prevalence of leg warmers, you've got the ‘80s to thank. The world went mad for all things fitness, but especially Jane Fonda’s workout videos that have now become a piece of pop culture history. To get a sweat on, women wore lycra body suits (I don't get it either), under leg warmers and accessorised with sweatbands, all in punchy highlighter hues. Balletcore might be taking off in 2025, but when it comes to fusing fashion with fitness, the '80s girlies did it first.
You'd probably get a few stares on the tube now, but in the 1980s, wearing blue, yellow and red all in one look is just another regular Tuesday outfit. Of course, not everyone dressed like this—Princess Diana, for instance favoured bold monochromatic looks, but bold nonetheless. Who could forget the bright indigo hat and dress combo she wore to Sandringham for Christmas? The People's Princess was not afraid of colour.
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We might be all over barrel leg jeans at the moment but its ancestry could probably be traced back the mom jean. Princess Diana was a fan – as were many of the women at the time looking for high-waisted styles that relaxed around the thighs and tapered in at the ankles. Practical and freeing, the jeans went with women's lifestyles of the time. Power suits during the week, mom jeans for the weekend.
