14 Fashion Trends From The '80s That Will Live On In Our Hearts Forever

When has there ever been another time where puffed sleeves were considered even mildly attractive?

Stephanie

• Published in Nostalgia
• August 11, 2022

If you were alive in the '80s, you will vividly recall the fashion trends of that crazy and wonderful decade. In fact, even if you weren't born in the '80s, chances are you are still very much aware of the fashion crazes because, let's face it, they were just that iconic!

They were the kind of trends that people loved to hate. From shoulder pads to over-styled hair to acid-wash jeans, the eighties had them all and so much more.

So many fashion rules were broken in the eighties that the decade is often referred to as "the time that fashion forgot." There's no denying the outfits were outrageous, but we think that's part of their appeal.

After all, when has there ever been another time where puffed sleeves were considered even mildly attractive? I rest my case.

Cyndi Lauper and Madonna were not only music mega-stars; they were fashion icons. With their huge earrings, studs, chains, and bangles, they were the epitome of '80s fashion.

We thought it would be fun to take a little stroll down memory lane and look back at some of the most iconic trends of the most outrageous decade. Keep scrolling to see 15 fashion trends from the '80s that will live on in our hearts forever.

1. Outlandish Jewelry

Oversized earrings, bangles, and beads were the thing in the eighties. Madonna was the classic example, rocking bows, hoop earrings, studs, and animal print.

2. Ray Bans

To be fair, Ray Bans have never really gone out of style, but they were especially popular in the '80s. Think Tom Cruise in Risky Business.

3. Shoulder Pads and Puffy Sleeves

Let's be honest, shoulder pads were never a good look, and they looked entirely unnatural and awkward. And then there were puffy sleeves - eek!

4. Polka Dots

Polka dot dresses, tops, and skirts were a favorite of Princess Diana throughout the eighties. They were initially popular in the '50s but made a comeback during the '80s, often worn with a ruffle skirt and giant PVC belt (obviously).

5. Fitness and Aerobics Fashion

Aerobics was the biggest fitness craze in the eighties. Jane Fonda's workout videos were selling out, and the fitness fashion trend followed.

Olivia Newton-John's 'Physical' music video sparked an obsession with women's aerobics gear. Leggings, legwarmers, headbands, and leotards were often paired with an oversized sweatshirt for good measure.

6. Animal Print

Animal print, particularly zebra, leopard, and snakeskin, were on trend in the eighties for both males and females. Featured on jackets, shoes, skirts, and pretty much anything, people loved it!

7. Drawstring Gym Shorts

Gym shorts, or Dolphin shorts, with a drawstring, were also popular in the eighties. They were usually one color with a contrasting edging, generally white.

8. Tight-Rolled Jeans

In the late eighties, rolled jeans were a big hit with both men and women. People everywhere started rolling up their tight-fitting jeans - if they were acid-washed, you were even more fabulous!

9. Slogan T-Shirts

We've all seen the "Frankie Says Relax" and "Choose Life" t-shirts. They originated in the early eighties thanks to Wham and Frankie Goes to Hollywood.

People are still wearing these shirts today. In fact, they are even more popular these days than they were in the eighties!

10. Skater Skirts, Ra-Ras, and Mini Skirts

Okay, we all know mini skirts were huge in the '60s, but when they reemerged in the '80s, they were generally worn with leggings or legwarmers. Mini's were usually tightly fit, whereas ra-ra's were more like a tutu.

Skater skirts were also popular in the eighties. They were similar to a ra-ra, often with layers of flat or puffy fabric.

11. Denim Jeans and Jackets

If you didn't own a pair of Levi's in the '80s, were you even there? Denim was essential to an eighties wardrobe, especially after Nick Kamen appeared in a Levi's 501 jeans ad in 1985.

12. The New Romantic Scene

New Romanticism was a big deal in the early eighties. Men wearing flamboyant shirts and makeup became as regular as shoulder pads and puffy sleeves.

13. Heavy Makeup

Bold and colorful makeup was a necessity in the eighties, whether you were male or female. Think Boy George (who is still rocking today) and Adam and the Ants.

Heavy lipstick, eyeliner, and brightly colored eyeshadows were essential for the girls. Oh, and blusher that was usually far too dark for your skin tone.

14. The Madonna Look

Madonna was an eighties fashion trend all on her own. With her teased-up hair, crucifix jewelry, bangles, and fishnet stockings, she meant business, and so did every teenage girl trying to imitate her.

So, there you have it, 14 fashion trends from the eighties that will live on in hearts forever. Which one is your favorite?

Were you a denim-on-denim wearer or a shoulder pads and puffy sleeves kind of person? Or perhaps you were more of a "leggings and oversized jumper" kind of guy or gal.

No matter your style, we're sure you will never forget the eighties and the fashion trends that came along with them. May blue eyeshadow and huge earrings never be forgotten.

Stephanie