12 80s Fashion Trends That Are Back in Style

Shoulder pads, neon leggings, hoop earrings…all of these weird 80s fashion trends were popular back in the 80s. But they’re also back in today’s fashion world. What’s brought them back? Young Gen Z and Millennials have a way of expressing themselves, but it’s nothing new as they love to show off their individualities.

These back-from-the-day fashion trends show diversity as today’s youngsters want to stand out from the crowd. What better way to do it than clothing? With so many ethnicities in America today, there are numerous clothing styles to choose from, and the 80s are really popular!

Check out some of the specific 80s fashion trends that are back in style.

1. Oversized Shoulder Pads

Oversized shoulder pads were mostly worn by women in the work place, flaunting their features. Worn well with lace, cotton, sequins and more, these puffy pads complimented suits with pencil skirts in all colors.

Now, you see them with everything. Casual and business wear, they go with everything. Although the difference between then and now is today’s trends are a little more subtle. Today’s younger generation wants to flaunt their style but doesn’t want to look like a bunch of football players.

2. Icons and Logos

We don’t think these ever went out of style. First started in the 80s by popular brands like Ray-Bans Wayfarers, Nike, Lacoste and more, companies have helped this trend to stay popular as it’s only free marketing for them. In the 90s, Reebok, Juicy Couture and Gap were all flashed on t-shirts and backpacks. The 2000s and 2010s were Abercrombie, Hollister, American Eagle and Aéropostale on every single shirt, booty shorts, swim suits and pants.

Now, you’ll see anything and everything on t-shirts, even Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups! But according to Brand Finance Directory, Nike, Gucci, Adidas and Louis Vuitton are the top clothing brands of 2020. And you can be sure to find their logos all over their clothing. They’ve certainly been doing something right over the last 40 years.

3. Big and Bright

During the 80s, everyone could wear colors to the point where it wouldn’t even look ridiculous. Huge hoop earrings, bright red lipstick, ripped jeans, and off-the-shoulder tops certainly weren’t hard to find on someone walking around in the city. These crazy fashion trends were mostly brought on by Cyndi Lauper and Madonna as they went through an entire can of Aqua Net for the day and lathered on makeup by the pounds. Maybe all that aerosol went to their heads, and it only got worse over time.

Now, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Ariana Grande set the stage for what to wear. And it’s not much different than their older counterparts. Contouring, drawn eyebrows and bright blends of eye shadow with several shades of lipstick would make anyone think today’s young generation look like clowns, but they’re in! We’ve only got today’s YouTube famous makeup artists and TikTok videos to thank for it. Additional big and bright trends brought back from the 80s include:

• Curled hair
• Brazilian blowouts
• Leggings and leg warmers (although not always neon)
• Pearl necklaces
• Acid-washed jeans
• Mom jeans
• Loud prints, including animal, plaid, bright colors and sequins
• Fitness wear, including sweatbands, tight leggings, Nike gym shoes

4. Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses

Although I personally would never wear these because I’m simply not responsible enough to not lose them in a week, those who did wear them in the 80s were definitely cool. The Wayfarers were first introduced by Ray-Ban in 1956, lost popularity during the 60s and 70s, but made a bright comeback during the 80s. This was believed to be contributed from their appearances in The Blues and Brothers and a number of other movies.

Now, they’re as popular as ever, worn even at college parties when it’s dark. This style still remains the most popular by Ray-Ban today.

5. Monochrome Power Suits

Women haven’t been wearing pants in the workforce for very long, until the power suit came out. When these babies took over the fashion world, closets were full of them. I mean, what better way to go to the office in a matching over-sized top and bottom? Power suits in the 80s came in all styles and colors, many with padded shoulders and very large leg flares.

Since then, they’ve made a few adjustments: a little more form-fitting with very little or no lace or frilly cloth popping out of the jacket. While the pant legs are also generally more skinny today than back then, it’s still not uncommon to see the huge flare flashing around every now and then.

6. Velvet Clothing

Velvet made its debut during the 80s and 90s, disappeared in the 2000s and 2010s, but now its back! Velvet clothing back then was commonly styled – again no surprise – with shoulder pads. Track suits, dresses, shirts, pants, everything you could think of can be bought in velvet in all colors. Some had floral designs while others paired well with flashy gold polyester coats and skirts.This material wasn’t only in style, but was also comfortable to wear.

Now, kids want it back as it’s certainly different and comfortable of course. Dresses, camis, lingerie, handbags, tracksuits and even men’s power suits, velvet clothing is here to stay awhile. It can also provide some warmth on cold nights as the fabric is fuzzy and thick.

7. Cropped Jeans

What better way to sport cropped jeans in the 80s than to show off them lacy socks and white shoes? In fact, lots of clothing was cropped in the 80s: shirts, jackets, sweaters and jumpers were all in, and they certainly made a hot summer day a lot more comfortable.

Cropped jeans are still in today, but instead of the hemmed bottoms, today’s versions will have distressed and uneven bottoms. Nevertheless, they’re comfortable, stylish, unique and still compliment the shoes!

8. Off the Shoulder Tops and Dresses

No matter where you went in the 80s, off-the-shoulder tops were a thing. Princess Diana, Whitney Houston, Molly Ringwald and other 80s female fashion icons had a lot to say about this type of clothing, and their fans followed suit. Whether they were off one shoulder or two, both looked great, usually with ruffles, sequins and shoulder pads. Although in the 80s, many off-the-shoulder tops and dresses were worn to fancy events.

But now, they’re worn everywhere, including to bed. Day or night, the off-the-shoulder look is here to stay at least a while longer. It’s also perfect during hot summer days, showing off that beautiful neckline with a cute choker.

9. Lace

Lace was certainly no stranger back then. It was sexy, usually tight, and worn well with almost anything. The only unfortunate aspect is that it’s easy to rip. One bad trip or stumble, and it’s over; there’s no fixing it. But for those who managed to take care of their lace, many wore them to fancy events like formal dances and weddings.

Now, it’s worn to everything (except to bed). This material looks especially good on summer dresses and tops as it’s breathable and more loose-fitting. If it gets chilly, throw on a denim jacket (also once popular in the 80s) and you’re good to go!

10. Athletic Clothing

When Jane Fonda released her first home workout video in 1982, the fashion world was changed forever. She made it not only socially acceptable to wear workout clothing in public, but a major fashion statement, going as far as sporting leotards with leggings, tall socks and white shoes. While some didn’t take these crazy styles that far, they would still opt for dark or grey sweatpants if they went on a quick errand at night.

Now, everyone wears athletic apparel in public. It still has yet to be worn to fancy events, but comfy leggings, stretchy spandex and shirts make it incredibly easy to wake up, hit the gym and grab that morning coffee without changing. Today’s colors are also a little more subtle than the neon worn back then, but nevertheless, the look is still there.

11. Denim Jackets

Denim was everywhere in the 80s, not just on jackets. And it hasn’t gone anywhere since. Incredibly comfortable and trendy, denim goes well with a ton of outfits. Many denim jackets in the 80s were also acid-washed and/or distressed and worn by both men and women.

Since then, they haven’t changed much, although they have more of a clean look and are generally more blue than others. They’re great for chilly summer nights when you just need a little extra something to stay warm. And everyone of all ages still wears them!

12. Bomber Jackets

Another one that never really went out of style, bomber jackets were worn mainly by high school football players and military pilots in the 80s. Although you might spot them on a few of their girlfriends. This trend was most likely started by Tom Cruise in Top Gun and The Hunter.

Nowadays, bomber jackets are a bit more dressy and mostly worn by women. They’re also made from a lighter fabric for versatile, warmer weather. Although some have a little more cotton stuffed in them to be worn on chillier nights. Regardless, they pair well with any logo t-shirt and jeans!

What Else is Back In?

We’d love to hear what else is back from the 80s and links to any pictures if you have any! Please let us know in the comments below. We look forward to hearing them!