Women's Fashion in the '80s: The 14 Biggest Trends of the Decade (2023)

The 14 hottest women's trends of the 80s

Oh the 80s! What a decade of decadence, fun and style that was...

Fueled by soul-wrenching music, sleek sports cars and technology that brought television into every home, the '80s were a time of unbridled emotion.

Worn by larger-than-life movie stars and music stars, '80s women's hairstyles and dress choices were equal parts bold, sassy, ​​and daring.

So try to list them allCult fashion trends of the 80sA decade of sartorial creativity would be an almost impossible task.

However, I have highlighted the 14 most popular women's fashion styles that shaped the '80s.

1. Sportswear from the 80s

With film icons such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone and fitness goddess Jane Fonda leading the way, the 1980s saw an increased focus on health and fitness activities.

The 1980s was a time when fitness and health were at the forefront of popular culture, and being fit was more than a goal, it was a status symbol, and wearing fancy clothes was part of the, um, image.

Some of the most representativeSportswear from the 80sThey were spandex bodysuits, leggings, tennis bracelets, colorful training gloves, tights, jumpsuits and mini-shorts like those worn by John Travolta in Perfect (1985).

Other workout clothes popular in the '80s included neon headbands, hair ties, tank tops, Zubaz pants, and corduroy tracksuits with Rebook sneakers.

2. Fashion preppy

The 1980s saw the emergence of the "preppy fashion" trend, characterized by the sophisticated, sophisticated style of the upper-class academy of prestigious Ivy League schools.

The preppy look exuded classic, relaxed and academic vibes and included a handpicked wardrobe of essentials.

Essential pieces include: open-neck polo shirts, tennis sweaters, Ivy League cardigans, turtlenecks, traditional navy blazers, striped jackets and chinos.

Shorts, striped ties, classic boat shoes or timeless loafers and Ray-Ban sunglasses were all popular in '80s preppy fashion.

3. Neon trend of the 80s

The neon trend of the 80's reflected the times and captures the bright, bold and adventurous spirit of the decade.

Early music artists who wore neon sunglasses at night and sang of "The Bright Future Ahead" encouraged the ubiquitous neon trend that was dominating the fashion scene at the time.

From fluorescent green and neon yellow to neon pink and blue, the bold and bright colors of the '80s permeated every aspect of life, making a statement at every turn.

Madonna, Jane Fonda, Michael Jackson, Brooke Shields, Cindy Crawford, Cheryl Tiegs, Karen Alexander and other celebrities have been instrumental in promoting the neon clothing trend.

Similar,the best fashion brandssuch as Esprit Clothing, United Colors Of Benetton, Rebook and Nike capitalized on the trend by marketing neon skiwear andsportswear, neon headbands, jelly bracelets, flashy neon makeup, neon leggings and legwarmers, and even neon goggles.

4. Rock the 80s

As rock bands like Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Guns n' Roses and Kiss rose to fame, rock fashion's popularity soared in the '80s as millions sought to emulate their favorite rock stars.

In order to embody the rock style of the 80s, you need the right outfitLeather jackets in 80's motorcycle stylewith metal rivets, pockets and patches or denim jackets.

Pair the jacket with skinny leather pants, ripped jeans, and black, white, or gray t-shirts.

Complete the look with tall leather combat boots, biker gloves, headbands, studded leather bracelets and statement silver rings to capture the essence of 80's rock fashion.

5. Hip-Hop-Mode der 80er

In the 1980s, hip-hop fashion was a form of self-expression that went beyond mere clothing and reflected the music of the time.

After Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five clear the wayMode der 70erWith unique blends of rock star and cowboy styles, '80s hip-hop fashion was influenced by rap legends like Run DMC, MC Hammer, Eric B. & Rakim and LL Cool J.

In a fusion of urban, athletic and luxe fashion, the iconic styles of '80s hip-hop remain relevant today, with items like Air Jordans, bucket hats and tracksuits still being worn decades later.

Some of the most iconic pieces of 1980s hip-hop fashion were: RUN DMC style leather jackets with light wash jeans and kangol hats, large gold ropes and chains, boomer jackets, patched jackets, windbreakers, men's boots and Gucci's Dapper Dan style.

Rappers also wore Adidas tracksuits, thick socks,Jordan sneakers, four finger rings, snapback hats, gold hoop earrings, trucker caps, polka dot men's shirts, Gucci slippers and Cazal sunglasses.

6. Punk fashion of the 80s

British music of the '80s had a bold, rebellious energy that instilled in the youth different values ​​that were reflected in their dress.

Punk fashion has taken a step forward by breaking with the norm of preppy polo shirts, sneakers and women's suits.

Some punk clothing basics worth adding to your wardrobe are Doc Martens or military style boots, punk rock necklaces, plaids and ripped skinny jeans with band tees.

Let's not forgetblack leather jackets for women, patches, safety pins, trousers, kilts, buttons, buckles and black leather belts, complete with skinhead or mohawk hairstyles.

7. 80s pop fashion

The 1980s were a landmark in pop culture, largely for their musical and cinematic output and the unforgettable experience that resulted.fashion trendsthat we associate

Superstars like Madonna, Molly Ringwald and Cyndi Lauper inspired teenage girls with hairstyles, fishnet stockings, bright makeup, large earrings, bracelets, hair ties and fingerless gloves.

Pop icons like Michael Jackson and David Bowie made it acceptable for men to wear sequined clothing and even makeup to enhance facial features.

8. Gothic-Mode der 80er

In the early 1980s, fans of the American death rock music genre, particularly Batcave club-goers in London, decided to face the dark future head-on.

As a result, the classic goth look was born, characterized by a high slicked-back hairstyle and dark clothing ranging from coats and skinny jeans to mini-skirts, fishnet stockings and more.gothic garments.

The 1980s goth fashion movement was fueled by pioneering figures such as Siouxsie Sioux, Strawberry Switchblade, The Cure and Nick Cave.

9. Black fashion of the 80s

IsBlack fashion of the 80s– also known as African American Style, was the celebrity pioneer of the decade.

Whitney Houston and Janet Jackson wore jumpsuits and tied with just one strap, giving black women the desired carefree '80s look.

For men, popular black fashion styles of the 1980s were characterized by acid-washed jeans and leather jackets, often worn by Michael Jackson and Prince.

But psychedelic printed shirts, oversized clothes, gold chains, bamboo earrings, floppy hats and Adidas sneakers were also popular with black celebrities such as rappers Kid, Prince, LL Cool J, Run-DMC and MC Hammer.

10. Swimwear from the 80s

Some of the most popular beach styles of the 1980s were jean shorts, crop tops, wide-brimmed hats, rah-rah skirts, huarache shoes, Ray-Ban wayfarers, hair ties, and neon-colored spandex swimsuits. .

11. Women's skater fashion

The skateboard culture of the 1980s reflected the counterculture movements of the time.

Skateboarders back then were more interested in the freedom of expression through their sport and less in the fashion that came with it.

However, the movies and documentaries that have captured the skateboarding scene, such as Thrashin', Gleaming the Cube, and Bones Brigade, offer fascinating insights into the unique fashion styles of '80s skaters.

Some of the most iconic skater trends of the '80s that are still relevant today include classic sneakers like Chuck Taylors and Vans paired with white socks, graphic tees and tank tops, colorful baggy pants, and tousled hairstyles.

Other pieces that embody the rebellious spirit of '80s skate culture include:

• The glowing neon skater skirts.
• The sleeveless denim jacket.
• Jeans and Levi's jackets with patchwork designs.
• Thrasher-T-Shirts.
• Low sweaters.

12. Mom-Fashion in the 80s

The most popular mom fashion style of the 1980s consisted of high-waisted pants (or "mom" jeans) tucked into a blouse or sweater.

Other styles popular in 1980s motherswear included broad-shouldered power suits, sequined outfits, ruffled dresses, off-the-shoulder tops and dresses in bold colors, and oversized earrings.

Other popular 1980s outfits for moms, especially those focused on fitness, were spandex workout clothes, spandex tights, and leg warmers in bright neon colors.

13. Rangers by Modo Sloane

The Sloane Ranger fashion of the 1980s was a British preppy style associated with upper-class youth living in the exclusive Chelsea area of ​​London.

The style included a mix of classic and traditional elements such as tweed jackets, pearls and polo shirts combined with a more relaxed and casual approach to clothing.

Popularized by the bestselling book The Official Sloane Ranger Handbook, this look became a defining trend of the decade.

14. Office wear for women

Some of the most famous office wear for women of the 1980s revolved around power wear, a style characterized by elegant, tailored suits with heavy shoulder pads for a sense of authority.

Another iconic office look of the 80's was the "working girl" look with pencil skirts, blazers and heels.

Powersuit and working girl styles were paired with silk blouses, pumps, oversized glasses and beaded accessories.

1980s office wear for men included blazers, shirts, ties and formal shoes, complemented by opulent cufflinks, tie clips and statement briefcases.

Frequently asked questions about women's fashion from the 80s

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In summary, 1980s womenswear was a beautiful mix of freedom and rebellious options, aiming to stand out and stand out.

Most women's fashion looks of the '80s were characterized by power dressing styles with masculine cuts and broad shoulders.

The rocker-chick look, characterized by distressed jeans and biker jackets with short skirts and bright neon tones, was also very popular.

what's moreall fashion styles of the 80sThe women accessorized extensively in chunky jewellery, oversized sunglasses, hair ties, colorful leggings, fishnet stockings, studs and chains.

And while you're free to mix and match patterns, colors, and accessories, remember to use this guide to '80s women's fashion as an important stylistic reference.

With the right attitude and inspiration, you will quickly become one80s fashion icon!

And remember to share your 80s fashion looks with us on social media; We can't wait to see her 80's fashion outfits.

Now it is your turn…

Which of these 80s women's fashion looks is your favorite and why?

What 80s fashion style for women do you think is missing to include in our next article update?

Please leave your comments below; We always appreciate them and use them to learn, improve and update these articles.