The Best of 1980s Fashion: Pics, Outfit Inspiration

Power suits with padded shoulders and voluminous sleeves is dominating the runway, fashion girlies everywhere are dressing in head-to-toe leather, and you can't open social media without somebody talking about the mob wife aesthetic. One thing's for sure: '80s fashion is back! Except the 21st century's take on the period's style is sleeker, sexier, and more versatile than ever. Ahead, we rounded up some of our favorite '80s trends, inspired by iconic stars of the decade, to revive in 2024.

Power Suiting

Michel Dufour//Getty Images

In the 1980s, menswear was the uniform du jour while women were smashing glass ceilings, holding their own on a three-martini lunch, and generally overturning the workforce status quo. In short, it was awesome. The power suit will never go out of style, and judging by the recent runways and black tie pants revival, it's not leaving the trend cycle anytime soon either. So, keep it simple and strong and you’ll make a statement without saying anything at all.

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Shoulder Pads

grace jones at the 'view to a kill' photo call

Steve Rapport//Getty Images

While the quarterback-styles of yesteryear are particularly haunting, their modern counterparts add an extra level of confidence to any outfit. They add structure to everyday pieces like t-shirts and blouses to make basic pieces more interesting.

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The Frankie Shop Eva Padded-Shoulder Organic-Cotton Tank Top

$75 at Matches Fashion

Norma Kamali Shoulder Pad Long Sleeve Crew Top

$115 at ShopBop

Gabriela Hearst Gavin Double-Breasted Wool-Crepe Blazer

$2,490 at NET-A-PORTER

Mango Knitted Braided Sweater

Now 50% Off

$30 at Mango

Puff Sleeves

NBC//Getty Images

This romantic style makes an appearance in classic films, such as Gone with the Wind and Anne of Green Gables. Available in everything from dresses to jumpsuits and even knits, puff sleeves are more interesting than a standard short sleeve—the style is fun and feminine without being too over the top.

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Jacquemus Off-the-Shoulder Taffeta Mini Dress

$879 at NET-A-PORTER

Aje Dusk Puff Sleeve Midi Dress

Now 40% Off

$345 at ajeworld.com

Ulla Johnson Josie Pullover

Now 40% Off

$252 at ullajohnson.com

Rotate Birger Christensen Noon Open-Back Printed Satin Midi Dress

$288 at NET-A-PORTER

Button Earrings

ABC Photo Archives//Getty Images

Glamorous button earrings were one of the most defining jewelry trends of the era. Jackie Kennedy and Joan Rivers famously donned the baubles, but it was really none other than Joan Collins, as Alexis Carrington on Dynasty, who became synonymous with look. Rest assured, modern versions are just as glam—and will add the perfect finishing touch to any outfit.

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Aureum Collective Blythe

$195 at aureumcollective.com

David Yurman Sculpted Cable Stud Earrings

$1,500 at David Yurman

Saint Laurent Cabochon Clip-on Earrings

$1,090 at Farfetch

Heaven Mayham Gigi Earrings

$90 at Revolve

Fur Coats

Bettmann//Getty Images

Fur coats are also one of the 1980s styles finally getting its well deserved moment in the sun again. Take the ultra-glam trend into 2024 with oversized shearling toppers in rich hues and statement-making animal prints.

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Yves Salomon Shearling-Trimmed Wool and Cashmere-Blend Coat

$4,770 at NET-A-PORTER

Nour Hammour Reina Shearling Jacket

$1,970 at nour-hammour.com

Lafayette 148 New York Long Hair Shearling Reversible Oversized Coat

Now 40% Off

$4,199 at lafayette148ny.com

Raey Shawl-Collar Giant Faux-Fur Monster Coat

$2,205 at Matches Fashion

Leather

Martina Raddatz/Redferns//Getty Images

Leather was a staple in the '80s, and continues to reign supreme in the '20s. Think of it as denim's edgier cousin: it's just as versatile but adds a touch of cool to anything you wear. These days, there are tons of ways to wear it, from leather blazers to leather pants to leather trench coats.

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Magda Butrym Oversized Leather Jacket

$4,830 at MyTheresa

Anine Bing Carmen Pant

Now 25% Off

$300 at aninebing.com

Altuzarra Fenice Leather Blazer

$1,995 at MyTheresa

ALAÏA Archetypes Belted Leather Midi Dress

$6,990 at NET-A-PORTER

Rocker Glam

american singer and actress madonna, dressed in white lace lingerie, pearls, and a 'boy toy' belt buckle, stands with one hand on her head and one on her hip at first annual mtv video music awards, held at tavern on the green, new york, new york, september 14, 1984 photo by david mcgoughdmithe life picture collection via getty images

David McGough

The rocker-glam look is back. Popularized by Madonna, we are seeing a return of avant-garde tulle skirts, crystal-encrusted accessories, and piles of jewelry. Pick and choose one aspect to highlight in an everyday look or go all in for an eye-catching ensemble.

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J.Crew Collection Layered Tulle Skirt

$168 at J Crew

Fleur Du Mal Charlotte Lace Balconette Bodysuit

$240 at Farfetch

Paco Rabanne Double-Wrap Chain Necklace

$590 at Farfetch

Amina Muaddi Ane Embellished Leather Ballet Flats

$1,065 at MyTheresa

Polka Dots

taping of the nbc television special "bob hope's spring fling of glamour and comedy"

Ron Galella//Getty Images

If there was one print that dominated the 1980s, it was polka dots. The dotted design element gives outfits a dash of femininity, and looks stylish no matter how you wear it.

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Alessandra Rich Polka-Dot Silk-Crepe Maxi Dress

$2,110 at NET-A-PORTER

Saint Laurent Polka-Dot Silk Crêpe de Chine Blouse

$1,790 at MyTheresa

Dolce & Gabbana Polka-Dot Satin Bustier Midi Dress

$3,395 at NET-A-PORTER

Manolo Blahnik 90mm Polka-Dot Mesh Pumps

$1,554 at Farfetch

Neon

Tim Graham//Getty Images

Princess Diana always knew how to push the boundaries when it came to fashion. Neon is the easiest way to broaden your sartorial horizons. Start with an accessory or a jacket and soon you’ll be putting together full-on looks.