The 1980s were a time of bold colors, exaggerated silhouettes, and lots of accessories. Women’s fashion in the ’80s took inspiration from various decades and movements, resulting in eclectic yet iconic looks. From power suits with shoulder pads to acid-washed jeans and big hair, ’80s fashion made a statement.
Influences on 1980s Fashion
Several key influences shaped the women’s fashion trends of the 1980s:
- Disco – Sparkly fabrics, platform shoes, and bright colors carried over from the 1970s disco era.
- Punk – Ripped jeans, leather jackets, and spiked hair were hallmarks of the punk movement that continued into the ’80s.
- Power dressing – With more women in the workplace, tailored suits with broad shoulders emulated masculine authority.
- Athletic wear – From leg warmers to leotards, athletic gear like spandex was worn as everyday attire.
- Vintage – The 1950s comeback resulted in poodle skirts and cat-eye glasses.
Key Pieces and Trends
No ’80s wardrobe was complete without several staple items and trends:
Shoulder Pads
The angular shoulder pad gave women a broad-shouldered, authoritative silhouette. Shoulder pads were inserted into jackets, dresses, blouses and more – the bigger, the better!
Acid-Washed Jeans
Jeans lightened with splatterings of bleach created the iconic acid-wash denim trend. Paired with an off-the-shoulder top or sweater and big hair, acid-washed jeans were the casual uniform of ’80s girls.
Leotards and Leggings
Influenced by the fitness craze, skintight leotards and leggings made from spandex fabrics were worn for working out and everyday wear. Stirrup pants and leg warmers completed the look.
Miniskirts
Hemlines got shorter as miniskirts that showed off legs became the rage in the ’80s. From ultra-short denim skirts to shimmery minis paired with leggings, miniskirts were a staple.
Neon Colors
Electric neon hues like hot pink, acid green, and highlighter yellow took over ’80s fashion. These bright, intense shades popped in everything from T-shirts to prom dresses.
Big Hair
Backcombed, teased, sprayed and curled, big voluminous hair towered over ’80s fashion. The bigger the better, women used mousse, hairspray and crimpers to get sky-high locks.
Exaggerated Accessories
No outfit was complete without oversized accessories. From door-knocker earrings and bangle bracelets to banana clips and scrunchies, these loud extras polished off ’80s style.
Key Looks
Power Suits
As more women entered traditionally male-dominated fields in the ’80s, power dressing was a way to emulate masculine authority. Tailored suits with wide shoulders and pads, contrasting buttons and lapels, and bold colors commanded respect.
Preppy
The preppy trend carried over from the late ’70s into ’80s fashion. Oxford shirts, cable knit sweaters, khaki pants, and penny loafers epitomized the preppy aesthetic of Ivy League privilege and country club wealth.
New Wave
This edgy look blended punk and 1950s influences. Ripped tights, miniskirts, cropped jackets, and experimental asymmetrical hairstyles were set to the New Wave tunes of bands like Blondie and The Cars.
Miami Vice
The popular ’80s TV crime series Miami Vice popularized a slick look. An unstructured blazer, T-shirt, ankle boots, and slim trousers emulated the show’s detectives. This monochromatic style also featured pastels.
Rocker Chicks
Concert T-shirts, ripped jeans, leather moto jackets, and bandanas gave women a rebellious rocker vibe. Big hair, dark eyeliner, and bold accessories finished the look.
Dresses and Skirts
The ’80s featured daring hemlines and eye-catching prints in dress and skirt fashions:
- Miniskirts and micro-minis showed off legs, especially when paired with crop tops or tucked-in blouses.
- Bright graphic prints and color blocking made statements in short, straight skirts.
- Sequins and metallics added glam to minidresses for nights out.
- Empire waists accentuated busts and hips while billowing over the midriff.
- Prairie-style peasant dresses and tiered maxis offered bohemian flair.
- Poufy taffeta or tulle ball gowns with bows and gloves had princess appeal.
Shirts and Tops
Looser, off-the-shoulder silhouettes tempered the decade’s broad-shouldered jackets and tighter bottoms:
- Oversized shirts slid sideways off one shoulder or both.
- Crop tops and knotted shirts bared midriffs.
- Neon and pastel tees touted musical groups or brands.
- Mesh and fishnet fabrics added sex appeal.
- Layered tanks, camis and lace created dimension.
- Plaid button-downs, ruffle blouses and tunics worked for the office.
Shoes
From sneakers to stilettos, footwear made a statement with every outfit:
- White leather Reeboks and Nikes paired with bright socks and pops of color.
- Jelly shoes and clear plastic sandals showed off pedicures.
- Chunky high-tops gave height.
- Neon pumps matched minidresses.
- Metallic high heels glittered under club lights.
- Western boots worked with prairie dresses.
Who Wore ’80s Fashion
From celebrities to street style, these personalities influenced the trends of the decade:
- Madonna – The queen of reinvention, her lace tops, crucifixes, fingerless gloves and teased hair started crazes.
- Princess Diana – Her elegant gowns, pearl necklaces and tiaras brought old Hollywood glamour.
- Material girls – Inspired by Madonna, teens paired miniskirts with jacket dresses and crucifixes.
- Preppies – Cable knits, Oxford shirts, khakis and penny loafers emulated Ivy League privilege.
- Ravers – Neon fishnets, miniskirts, and bracelets identified teenage followers of the underground club scene.
- Power executives – Pinstripe skirt suits with floppy ties and broad shoulders exuded authority.
The 1980s: Decade of Excess and Eclecticism
The ’80s were too much and not enough – all at once. Exaggerated proportions, experimental combinations and excess accessories resulted in fashion that was eclectic, creative and bold. The decade’s iconic looks make statements even today.
