50 Most Iconic Fashion Trends of the 1980s

Harem pants re characterized by their baggy, voluminous silhouette, with a high waistband that sits at or above the navel and tapered ankles. The pants typically have a dropped crotch, which adds to their distinctive shape.

In the 1980s, harem pants were often made from lightweight fabrics like cotton, rayon, or silk, and were available in a variety of prints and colors. They were worn by both men and women and were often paired with oversized t-shirts or blouses, leather jackets, and chunky jewelry.

Power suits were a popular style of business attire for both men and women in the 1980s. They were characterized by their sharp, tailored lines, padded shoulders, and boxy silhouette. The suits were typically made from luxurious fabrics like wool or silk and were designed to convey a sense of power and authority.

For men, power suits typically consisted of a double-breasted jacket with wide lapels, paired with pleated trousers. The suits often came in muted colors like black, gray, or navy, and were worn with a crisp, white dress shirt and a bold-colored tie.

The Indiana Jones leather jacket is a classic style of jacket that became popular in the 1980s, inspired by the iconic wardrobe of the character Indiana Jones from the adventure film series of the same name. The jacket is typically made from high-quality leather, with a rugged, distressed appearance, and features a classic bomber-style cut with a zip front, ribbed cuffs and waistband, and a shirt-style collar.

Hooded dresses were a popular style of dress in the 1980s that featured a hood attached to the back of the dress. These dresses were often made from comfortable and stretchy fabrics, such as cotton or jersey, and were available in a variety of styles, from casual to dressy.

The hooded dress was a versatile piece of clothing that could be worn for a variety of occasions. The dress often had a relaxed, loose-fitting silhouette, with a cinched or elasticized waistline that accentuated the wearer’s figure.

Moto jackets, also known as motorcycle jackets, were a popular style of outerwear in the 1980s. They are typically made from high-quality leather and feature a rugged design with asymmetrical zippers and stud embellishments.

Moto jackets were originally designed for motorcyclists, however, the style quickly became popular as a fashion statement. It was worn by both men and women and became particularly popular as part of the punk and new wave fashion movements.

High top trainers, also known as high top sneakers, were a popular style of footwear in the 1980s.

High top trainers were particularly popular in the hip-hop and basketball scenes of the 1980s. They were often made from durable materials like leather or canvas and featured a padded tongue and collar for added comfort. High top trainers were often worn with athletic wear, such as track pants or basketball shorts, as well as with jeans and other casual clothing.

Sequined dresses were a popular fashion trend in the 1980s, particularly for formal and evening wear. These dresses featured an abundance of shimmering sequins, beads, and other embellishments, which added sparkle and glamour to the wearer’s look.

Sequined dresses were available in a range of styles, from form-fitting mini dresses to full-length ball gowns. They were often made from luxurious fabrics like silk or satin and featured intricate beading and embroidery.

Polka dot clothes were a popular fashion trend in the 1980s, particularly for women’s clothing. The dots can vary in size and color, ranging from small white dots on a dark background to larger multi-colored dots on a light background.

Polka dot clothes were available in a variety of styles, from dresses to blouses, skirts, and even pants. They were often made from lightweight, flowy fabrics like cotton or silk and were available in a range of colors and sizes.

Slogan t-shirts were a popular fashion trend in the 1980s. These t-shirts featured a printed slogan or message on the front, often expressing a political or social message, or featuring a reference to popular culture.

Slogan t-shirts were a popular way for people to express their individuality and make a statement with their fashion. They were often worn with other casual pieces, such as jeans or shorts, and were popularly accessorized with colorful jewelry or hats.

Animal print clothing was a popular fashion trend in the 1980s. This style of clothing featured prints that mimicked the patterns found on the fur, scales, or skins of various animals, such as leopards, zebras, snakes, and cheetahs.

Animal print clothing was popularly worn with other bold and colorful pieces, such as neon accessories or oversized jewelry. The clothing was often paired with solid-colored accessories, such as a black purse or shoes, to balance out the bold pattern.

Lace shirts were a popular fashion trend in the 1980s, particularly for women’s clothing. These shirts featured intricate lace detailing, often in the form of floral patterns or other decorative motifs.

In the 1980s, lace shirts became a popular way for women to express their individuality and femininity through fashion. They were often accessorized with statement jewelry, such as oversized earrings or layered necklaces, to add even more glamour and elegance to the look.

Vinyl jackets were a popular fashion trend in the 1980s. These jackets were made from a shiny, glossy material called vinyl, which gave them a sleek and futuristic appearance.

Vinyl jackets were particularly popular in the punk and new wave music scenes, where they were often worn as a statement piece to express individuality and rebellion. The jackets were often accessorized with studded belts or leather bracelets, adding to their edgy and rebellious appeal.

Oversized printed shirts were a popular fashion trend in the 1980s, particularly for men’s clothing. These shirts were characterized by their loose, relaxed fit and large graphic prints.

Oversized printed shirts were popularly worn with other casual pieces, such as jeans or shorts, and were accessorized with colorful sneakers or high-top sneakers. They were often tucked into the waistband of the pants or left untucked for a more relaxed and laid-back look.

White sneakers were a popular fashion trend in the 1980s, particularly for athletic footwear.

White sneakers were popularly worn with a range of casual and athletic outfits, including jeans, shorts, and athletic wear. They were often paired with colorful socks, which were rolled down to show off the sneaker.

White sneakers became particularly popular in the hip-hop music scene, where they were often worn as a symbol of urban style and street-wear culture.

Double-breasted suits were a popular fashion trend for men’s clothing in the 1980s. These suits featured a jacket with two rows of buttons, creating a distinctive, sophisticated look.

Double-breasted suits were often paired with other classic menswear pieces, such as dress shirts, ties, and dress shoes. They were popularly worn to formal events such as weddings, business meetings, or other occasions that called for a sophisticated and refined style.

Fingerless gloves were a popular fashion accessory in the 1980s, particularly for the punk and new wave music scenes. These gloves featured a design that covered the palm of the hand and wrist, but left the fingers exposed.

Fingerless gloves were popularly worn as a statement accessory, adding an element of attitude and individuality to an outfit. They were often paired with other punk or new wave fashion staples, such as leather jackets, studded belts, or ripped jeans.

Cut-off sweatshirts were a popular fashion trend in the 1980s, particularly for athletic and casual wear. These sweatshirts featured a design where the sleeves and bottom hem were cut off, creating a sleeveless, cropped style.

Cut-off sweatshirts were popularly worn as a statement piece, often paired with other casual clothing items such as shorts, leggings, or denim. They were also popularly worn as part of athletic wear, particularly for sports like basketball or track and field. Cut-off sweatshirts became particularly popular in the hip-hop music scene, where they were often worn with bold jewelry and accessories, like oversized chains or sunglasses.

Turtleneck sweaters were a popular fashion trend in the 1980s, particularly for both men and women’s casual and business wear. These sweaters featured a high collar that folded over, covering the neck and providing extra warmth.

Turtleneck sweaters were popularly worn with other classic clothing items such as jeans, slacks, or skirts. They were often paired with blazers or jackets, providing a comfortable and stylish look for both casual and formal events.

In the 1980s, turtleneck sweaters also became popular in the preppy fashion trend.

Fluorescent shirts were a popular fashion trend in the 1980s, particularly for both men and women’s casual and athletic wear. These shirts featured bright, eye-catching colors that glowed under black light.

Fluorescent shirts were popularly worn with other classic clothing items such as jeans, shorts, or leggings. They were often paired with athletic shoes or sneakers, providing a comfortable and stylish look for both casual and athletic events. Fluorescent clothing became popular in the new wave and punk music scenes,

The Members Only jacket was an iconic men’s jacket from the 1980s that was known for its distinctive design and popularity among young men of the time. It was created by the Europe Craft Imports company and became a fashion sensation after its introduction in the early 1980s.

Sweater vests were a popular fashion item for both men and women in the 1980s. They were typically made from wool or acrylic and were often worn over a collared shirt or blouse.

Sweater vests were frequently made in bold, bright colors and patterns. Sweater vests with oversized graphics, neon stripes, or abstract designs were particularly popular.

Sweater vests were often worn as part of casual or business-casual outfits, paired with jeans or slacks and a collared shirt. They were also sometimes worn as part of more formal outfits, paired with a suit or blazer.

Stirrup pants were a popular fashion item for women in the 1980s. They were made from stretchy, form-fitting material like Lycra or Spandex, and featured a strap or loop that went under the arch of the foot, keeping the pant leg securely in place.

Stirrup pants came in a variety of colors and patterns, including neon brights, bold stripes, and animal prints. They were often worn with high-top sneakers or leg warmers for a complete 1980s workout look.

Slouch boots were a popular fashion item for women in the 1980s. These boots had a relaxed, slouchy appearance, with a loose, unstructured shaft that slouched down around the ankle or calf.

Slouch boots were often worn with leggings or skinny jeans, as the loose shaft of the boot provided a nice contrast to the form-fitting pants. They were also sometimes worn with skirts or dresses, adding a touch of edginess to a feminine outfit.

Slouch boots were popularized by pop culture icons like Madonna and Jennifer Beals, who wore them in the film “Flashdance.”

Flecked suits were a popular style in the 1980s, particularly in the early to mid-decade. These suits were characterized by their distinctive speckled or flecked pattern, which was achieved by weaving together different colored threads.

Flecked suits were popular with both men and women, and were often seen in business or formal settings. They were also popular as casual wear, with many people wearing the jacket or trousers separately with more relaxed clothing.

Lacoste was a popular fashion brand in the 1980s, known for its sporty and preppy style. The brand was founded by French tennis player René Lacoste in the 1930s, and became especially popular in the 1980s.

In the 1980s, Lacoste was known for its signature polo shirts, which featured the brand’s iconic crocodile logo on the left chest. These polo shirts were often worn with popped collars, and came in a range of colors, from bright neons to classic pastels.

Oversized sunglasses were a popular fashion accessory in the 1980s. These sunglasses had larger-than-normal frames and lenses, which often covered a significant portion of the wearer’s face.

The oversized sunglasses trend was popularized by celebrities such as Princess Diana, who was often photographed wearing large, glamorous shades. The trend was also embraced by other pop culture icons of the time, such as Madonna and Michael Jackson.

Headbands were a popular hair accessory in the 1980s, particularly among women. They were often worn to keep hair out of the face while exercising or during other physical activities, but they also became a fashion statement.

Headbands in the 1980s came in a variety of styles, from plain and simple to colorful and embellished. Some were made of soft, stretchy material like cotton or spandex.

Plastic bangles were a popular accessory in the 1980s, particularly among teenage girls and young women. These bangles were typically made of brightly colored plastic and were often worn in multiples, stacked up the arm for a bold and playful look.

The bangles were often worn in combination with other accessories, such as large hoop earrings, oversized sunglasses, and headbands. They were particularly popular as part of the “preppy” fashion trend, which emphasized bright colors and bold patterns.

Hawaiian shirts, also known as aloha shirts, were a popular fashion trend in the 1980s. These shirts were typically made of lightweight, breathable fabric and featured colorful, tropical-themed prints.

In the 1980s, Hawaiian shirts were often worn by both men and women, and were a popular choice for casual summer wear. They were often paired with shorts or jeans, and could be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Magnum PI, played by Tom Selleck, was just one famous celebrity to sport Hawaiian shirts.

Ripped jeans were a popular fashion trend in the 1980s, particularly among young people and those who were interested in the punk rock and new wave music scenes. Ripped jeans were a way to express rebellion and nonconformity, as well as to create a “lived-in” and “authentic” look.

Ripped jeans were often paired with other punk-inspired fashion pieces, such as leather jackets, studded belts, and band t-shirts. They were also popular among fans of new wave music, who would often wear them with brightly colored tops and accessories. While ripped jeans were originally associated with the punk and new wave scenes, they eventually became more mainstream and were worn by a wider range of people.

Track suits were a popular fashion trend in the 1980s, particularly among athletes and fans of sports like jogging, track and field, and aerobics. These suits were typically made of lightweight, stretchy fabric like nylon or polyester, and were designed to be comfortable and easy to move in.

High-waisted jeans were a popular fashion trend in the 1980s, particularly among women. These jeans were designed to sit at or above the natural waistline, creating a flattering, hourglass silhouette.

High-waisted jeans were often paired with other popular fashion trends of the time, such as oversized sweaters, crop tops, and blouses with big, billowy sleeves. They were also worn with belts, often in contrasting colors or patterns, to help accentuate the waistline.

Oversized blazers were a popular fashion trend in the 1980s, particularly among women. These blazers were designed to be boxy and oversized, with broad shoulders and a loose, relaxed fit.

The oversized blazers of the 1980s were often made of wool, tweed, or other structured fabrics. They were typically worn with the sleeves rolled up, and were often paired with other trendy fashion items of the time, such as high-waisted jeans, leggings, or mini skirts.

Bomber jackets were a popular fashion trend in the 1980s, particularly among men. These jackets were originally designed for military pilots, but were adapted for civilian wear and became a popular fashion item in the 1980s.

Bomber jackets were often worn with other popular fashion trends of the time, such as acid wash jeans, high-top sneakers, and oversized graphic t-shirts. They were a popular choice for casual wear, and were often seen on college campuses and in urban areas.

Double denim, also known as the “Canadian tuxedo,” was a popular fashion trend in the 1980s. This trend involved wearing denim clothing items, such as jeans and jackets, together in one outfit.

In the 1980s, double denim was often worn in a matching or coordinating way, with both the top and bottom half of the outfit made of denim. This could involve wearing a denim jacket with matching denim jeans, or a denim shirt with denim shorts.

Double denim was popularized by musicians and celebrities, and was often associated with a rebellious, edgy aesthetic.

Jackets with rolled up sleeves were a popular fashion trend in the 1980s, particularly among men. This trend involved wearing a jacket, such as a blazer or denim jacket, with the sleeves rolled up to the elbow or just below.

ackets with rolled up sleeves were often worn as part of a casual or preppy outfit, and were paired with other popular fashion trends of the time, such as polo shirts, chinos, and boat shoes. They were also a popular choice for musicians and performers, and were often seen on stage and in music videos.

Side ponytails were a popular hairstyle trend in the 1980s, particularly among young women and girls. This hairstyle involved pulling all of the hair to one side of the head, and securing it with an elastic band or scrunchie. The ponytail would then hang down the side of the head, often with a few strands of hair left loose around the face.

Side ponytails were often worn with other popular fashion trends of the time, such as oversized t-shirts, leggings, and colorful accessories like scrunchies and headbands.

Baggy sweaters were a popular fashion trend in the 1980s, particularly among young women. These sweaters were typically made of soft, cozy materials like wool or cotton, and featured a loose, oversized fit that was designed to be both comfortable and stylish.

The baggy sweater trend was part of a larger trend in the 1980s towards a more relaxed, informal style.

Scrunchies were a popular hair accessory in the 1980s, particularly among young women and girls. These accessories were typically made of soft, stretchy material, and featured a fabric covering that would hold hair in place without causing damage or pulling.

Denim mini-skirts were a popular fashion trend in the 1980s, particularly among young women. These skirts were typically made of denim fabric and featured a short, above-the-knee length that was designed to be both comfortable and stylish.

Denim mini-skirts were often worn with other popular fashion trends of the time, such as oversized t-shirts, crop tops, and leggings.

Spandex was a popular synthetic fabric in the 1980s that was used in a variety of fashion items, particularly athletic wear and dancewear. Spandex is a stretchy material that can be woven into fabric to create a tight, form-fitting garment that moves with the wearer’s body.

Spandex was often used in bright colors and bold prints, reflecting the bold, playful fashion trends of the time.

White blazers were a popular fashion trend in the 1980s, particularly among women. These blazers were typically made of lightweight, structured fabrics like linen or cotton, and featured a tailored fit with a single button closure and sharp lapels.

White blazers were often worn with other popular fashion items of the time, such as high-waisted jeans, oversized t-shirts, and statement jewelry. They were a popular choice for both casual and formal occasions, and were often seen on TV shows and in movies featuring stylish characters.

Parachute pants were made of a lightweight, synthetic material that resembled parachute fabric, which gave them a distinctive, shiny appearance. Parachute pants were typically loose-fitting and tapered at the ankles, and featured an elasticized waistband and cuffs.

Parachute pants were also associated with hip-hop culture, and were popularized by rappers and breakdancers who wore them as part of their distinctive style. The shiny fabric and loose, comfortable fit of parachute pants made them perfect for dancing and performing, and they became a staple of hip-hop fashion in the 1980s.

Neon colors were a prominent trend in the 1980s fashion scene. These bright colors were popular in clothing, accessories, and even home decor. Neon colors included shades like hot pink, lime green, bright orange, electric blue, and vivid yellow.

Neon colors were often paired with other popular fashion items of the time, such as acid wash denim, oversized t-shirts, and spandex leggings. They were also popular in accessories like jelly bracelets and Swatch watches.

Acid washed denim was a popular fashion trend in the 1980s. The process of acid washing involves treating denim with chemicals like chlorine or pumice stones to create a faded, worn-out look. This process gave denim a unique, almost tie-dye-like appearance, with lighter and darker areas and a mottled, distressed look.

The trend was popularized by celebrities like Madonna, who famously wore an acid washed denim jacket in her music video for “Papa Don’t Preach.”

Leg warmers were a popular fashion trend in the 1980s, particularly among dancers and fitness enthusiasts. They were typically made of stretchy, knitted material and designed to be worn over the legs, from the ankle up to the knee or higher.

Leg warmers were available in a variety of colors and styles, from basic black or white to neon colors and bold patterns. They were often worn scrunched down to the ankle or pulled up to the knee for a more dramatic look.

The mullet is a hairstyle that was popular in the 1980s, characterized by short hair on the sides and top of the head, and long hair in the back. The term “mullet” was not widely used until the 1990s, but the style itself was a defining look of the 1980s.

The mullet was often styled with a variety of hair products, including gel, hairspray, and mousse, to create volume and hold. Some variations of the style included a shaved or buzzed section at the sides or back of the head, or a curly perm for added texture.

Big hair was a popular hairstyle trend in the 1980s, characterized by voluminous, teased hair that was styled to create height and fullness. The trend was popular among both men and women, and was often achieved through the use of hairspray, mousse, and other hair products.

The big hair trend was largely influenced by the music and entertainment industry, with celebrities such as Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and Dolly Parton sporting the style. The trend was also associated with the “power dressing” movement, which emphasized a strong, confident look for women in the workplace.

Shoulder pads were a popular fashion trend in the 1980s, particularly in women’s clothing. The pads were inserts that were added to clothing, primarily jackets and blouses, to create a more structured and defined shoulder line. They were designed to give the appearance of broader shoulders and a more powerful, confident look.

The trend was popularized by high-profile figures such as Joan Collins, who famously wore shoulder-padded blazers on the television show “Dynasty”.

Popped collars were a fashion trend in the 1980s, particularly in preppy fashion. The trend involved wearing collared shirts, usually polo shirts, with the collar turned up and popped, creating a more casual and relaxed look.

The popped collar trend was popularized by preppy fashion icons such as Ralph Lauren and the Ivy League look. The trend was also influenced by the emerging hip-hop culture, where it was seen as a way to make a statement and stand out.