37 Iconic 1980s Fashion Moments We Never Want to Forget

When it comes to eighties fashion, we have a (surprising) amount to be thankful for. While the decade previously had been relegated to the annals of fashion history, with its hallmark silhouettes barely influencing our wardrobes, we've come to the realisation that the most timeless looks we covet today are courtesy of the 1980s.

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, blazer and skirt co-ords and oversized jewellery. It was the decade of the power dresser but also of punks. It gave us Madonna, Sade, Sarah Jessica Parker and Princess Diana, plus numerous other superstars whose sense of style influences many right now.

Yes, Y2K fashion may have been the trendiest nostalgic aesthetic for the past few years, but designers have clearly switched their focus to the eighties particularly when it comes to evening wear. (Anthony Vaccarello's Saint Laurent is the perfect example of how to do eighties fashion with a contemporary twist.)

Whether you're looking to embrace the over-the-top glamour of the period or the preppy street style we've come to replicate, ahead you'll find 37 iconic style moments and A-list images that prove these eighties 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 2025, you can forgo the long chain necklaces and wear yours with some high-waisted jeans for a night out.

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2. A "Naked" Dress, as Loved by Cher

Style Notes: As if we needed any more proof that Cher is the ultimate style queen, especially during her eighties fashion era, here was the star doing the naked dress trend before everyone was doing it on the red carpet. It might seem bold, but there are loads of ways to 'see it through' in 2025, from small cut-outs to mesh panelling.

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3. Roll-Necks for Everyone, Including Brooke Shields

Style Notes: Brooke Shields in this soft roll-neck jumper is the definition of girl-next-door charm. While the roll-neck is an item that has never really left our wardrobes, to embody the full eighties fashion effect, pair yours with some high-waisted jeans and loafers.

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4. See-Through Layers, As Seen on Kim Basinger

Style Notes: While Jean Paul Gaultier was the king of mesh tops in the 80s, the Kardashian-Jenner clan have claimed their stake as the current leaders of this trend's resurgence. The originator of this style in off-duty moments? Another Kim—Kim Basinger. If you're looking for a way to dip you toe into the trend, opt for sheer shirts that can be layered over your favourite cami and tucked into your go-to mini skirt.

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5. Structured Shoulders, Styled by Courteney Cox

Style Notes: Okay, so the term "structured shoulders" is just a way for us to say "shoulder pads" and not freak you out. This angular finish is something we've seen a real shift towards lately but in a sleek way rather than a Heathers-esque take. Shout-out to Courteney Cox for wearing this on the red carpet pre–Monica Gellar days.

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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 helped pioneer this trend. Luckily, there a loads of options to shop in both luxury and high-street stores at the moment.

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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 that a fabulous statement necklace has in pulling together an outfit.

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8. Checked Outerwear

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 style made a comeback, but we're also seeing plaid coats and barn jackets everywhere. Coincidence? We think not.

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9. Showing Off Your Socks Was a Meg Ryan–Approved Move

9. Showing Off Your Socks Was a Meg Ryan–Approved Move

Style Notes: Want to know the real way to update your outfit for 2025? Just add a pair of chunky, ribbed socks like Meg Ryan. Wear with loafers, ballet flats (or ballet trainers, if you're bold) and even heels. Yes, really.

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10. Tailoring Made Up Grace Jones's Wardrobe

Style Notes: Grace Jones will never be anything less than fierce, but this incredible eighties fashion moment 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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11. Miniskirts Were Loved by '80s Supermodels

Style Notes: '80s supermodels knew how to wear a mini skirt, just take Linda Evangelista for Vogue, July 1987. Get inspired by investing in 2025's sequinned version that's easy to dress up or down for any occasion.

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12. High-Waisted Jeans Were Worn by Well, Everyone

Style Notes: We have some serious love for high-waisted jeans. Princess Di just killed this off-duty look with high-waisted jeans and a sweatshirt—one that we still love to recreate.

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13. Baggy Cropped Trousers Were a Part of the Off-Duty Celeb Uniform

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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14. Tights—Especially Sheer Ones—Were Loved by Sassy Ladies Like Debbie Harry

Style Notes: Blondie's Debbie Harry has brought us many iconic eighties fashion moments. Her stage uniform mostly consisted of chic little black dresses, which she accessorised with a flash of low-denier tights. And in case you didn't know, that kind of hosiery is news again.

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15. Bold Buttons Adorned Every Blazer

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 eighties fashion look.

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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 off-the-shoulder tops, especially if you opt for a chic colour or elevated neckline.

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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 coats 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. Hailey Bieber already has...

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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 2025 and beyond, boxier blazers are way more subtle but no less chic.

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19. Every Major Celeb Had a Sequin Moment

Style Notes: When aren't metallics a great idea? Wear a sequin skirt, rhinestone halter or, as seen on Diana Ross, bring a touch of shine as an excuse to dress up.

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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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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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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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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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24. Even Denim Jackets Were Supersized

Style Notes: Before Carrie Bradshaw, SJP was already pushing the fashion boundaries. In 2025, we're still rocking denim jackets and indigo-wash Canadian tuxedos.

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25. Geek-Chic Glasses Ruled the Celebrity Roost

Style Notes: Geek-chic glasses might be commonplace now thanks to Miu Miu, 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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26. It Was a Time of Over-Accessorising, so Gloves Were Key

Style Notes: Daryl Hannah's got all the accessories a decent eighties fashion moment should have, but you'll notice time and time again that gloves are key for this decade and a rich-looking winter accessory.

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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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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). Yes, activewear was actually workout clothes once upon a time.

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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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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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31. Flouncy Sleeves Were a Princess Diana Go-To

Style Notes: Princess Diana's puff-sleeved monochromatic blouse is too good to leave out and feels so current. If you're worried about looking too dated, try pairing your puff-sleeved blouse with a pair of wide-leg jeans and ballet flats à la Margot Robbie.

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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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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 2025, this is a trend that is making a big comeback.

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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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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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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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37. Novelty Jumpers Got A Regal Makeover Courtesy of Princess Diana

Style Notes: Such is that case now, but during a more conservative era, the royal family used fashion as a medium to communicate and convey signals without uttering a word. Princess Diana was a master of this, though none outing more memorable than the Warm & Wonderful black sheep sweater she wore to the Windsor Polo in 1981. While this moment has enshrined its own legacy for the way it revealed the late Lady Spencer's mindset at the time, the piece itself has become one of the most memorable styles of the decade. Lest we forget how Harry Styles gave it a modern update in 2019 when wearing a sweater vest version of the jumper while out in New York?

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This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.