We might look back at 80s fashion and think — what were they thinking? But there are some fashion trends that we lovingly recall and have even incorporated into our modern-day looks. Several iconic 80s fashion trends have made their way back into the collective conscience.
So, what 80s fashion trends have we held onto? Which ones have we discarded but still love? Keep reading for some of the most iconic 1980s looks of all time.
Bodysuits
We saw bodysuits on the likes of Whitney Houston and Madonna as they danced their way into our hearts. Even today, bodysuits manage to find their way back into our style via some musical trendsetters.
Whether you’re wearing them under a pair of jeans or rocking a full body suit as an outfit on its own, this 80s trend keeps kicking.
Turtlenecks
Maybe you thought turtlenecks were something only your professors wore in the winter. Or perhaps they’re something you have in your closet. Either way, this trend came alive in the 80s and has still managed to stick around in small ways.
This year alone, we saw tons of stylish women layering blazers over turtlenecks. It was an ode to a classic 80s look that we haven’t forgotten.
Structured Shoulders
Shoulder pads got a bad reputation in the 80s. They tended to be a bit over the top, making it impossible to focus on any other aspect of the ensemble.
Luckily, designers have reeled in the excess and created structured shoulders we love. When this low key ode to the 80s came back into style, many of us were scrambling to incorporate it into our looks.
Statement Jewelry
The women of the 80s loved their giant jewels. Everything from necklaces to earrings were designed to catch the eye and keep it there. In fact, women like Joan Collins and Tina Turner were fans of this unique look.
While statement jewelry still has its place in fashion, it hasn’t yet come back in quite the same way.
Visible Socks
These days, we tend to try and hide our socks as much as possible. That wasn’t the case in the 80s.
A quick flip through a fashion magazine, and you’ll see tons of women out on the town with their chunky socks on display. Socks were paired with everything from the simple white sneaker to doc martins and heels.
Mini-Skirts
Was the 80s the birth of the mini-skirt? It very well could have been. We saw these leggy skirts work their way into the collective style in the form of skirts and dresses. They were all the rage on stage, in music videos, and even in movies (hello, Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman).
No surprise here! The mini-skirt trend has made its way through every decade since and is still a favorite of women everywhere.
Taking a look back at 80s style showcases just how much we’ve held onto from that style-defining decade. Whether you loved it or hated, you’re probably still wearing it in small ways.
