The 80s were the primary time when you could express yourself through clothes, accessories, and hair. The 1980s was an expression overload, so why wouldn’t you want to have a guide to figure out how to become a  1980s fashion icon like most people in the 80s. If you look back at some old pictures of people in the 80s, you will see the many different styles in people, all always dress to stand out more, setting themselves apart from someone else by adding a little more flair to their clothes. Let’s add some  80s style to your life; in this article, I will give you the complete 1980s fashion guide that will make people think you were born in that decade.

The Mall: Where Fashion Dreams Were Born

It’s Saturday afternoon at the mall. The air smells like Orange Julius and new leather from Merry-Go-Round. You’re flipping through racks at Contempo Casuals, debating whether to buy that new neon sweater or save up for a pair of acid-wash Guess jeans. The mall wasn’t just a shopping center it was our style university, where fashion trends spread faster than gossip at a high school lunch table!

What Made 80s Mall Fashion Unique:

• Every store had its own tribe (The Limited girls vs. the Spencer’s crowd)
• Window displays were our Pinterest boards
• Fashion shows in the center court were MAJOR events
• Getting your ears pierced at Claire’s was a rite of passage

MTV: When Music Videos Became Style Bibles 📺

Before Instagram influencers, we had Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, and Michael Jackson teaching us how to dress. Every new video premiere was like Fashion Week beamed directly into our living rooms.

Remember rushing to the mall to find anything remotely similar to what Madonna wore in “Lucky Star”?

Icons Who Shaped 80s Style:

• Madonna’s lace gloves and layered necklaces
• Michael Jackson’s military jackets and single glove
• Cyndi Lauper’s technicolor hair and layered skirts
• Boy George’s gender-bending romantic looks

The entire definition of 80s style

80s style is unique and different from any other decade. It is all about being extra and over-the-top. The 80s were a time of self-expression, and people went all out to show the world who they were.

There were no rules when it came to fashion in the 80s; if you could dream it, you could wear it. You would see people that like to dress over the top with big shoulder pads and fancy pants. Then there are the other people who are okay with having on some ripped jeans and a graphic t-shirt.

And the ones that will rock the fancy pants and the shoulder pads would typically have a simple comb hairstyle. And the ones that will rock the ripped jeans and graphic tees would generally have that punk rock-styled hair.

This is only a brief explanation of the various style of the 80s. Below I have listed the complete 80s fashion list; you need to look just like they did in the 80s.

All of the bold 80s styles you need to know about

80s T-shirts

• Oversized shirts- T-shirt gives you a certain type of sex appeal without showing much of your body.
• Crop tops were popular in the 80s because they were sexy and stylish. It was more than a t-shirt; it was about how you styled it.

• Off-the-shoulder tops were popular in the 80s because they were sexy and stylish, with only a little skin, leaving a lot to the imagination.
• Slogan t-shirts– were popular in the 80s because they were a way to show your personality.
• Shoulder pads– were a way to make your shoulders look more prominent; these padded shoulders were something that many movie stars and pop stars used to make them look more fit.

• Turtlenecks- Make it look smart and sophisticated.

80s Jackets

• Trench coats- were the go-to jacket; it was simple, but they could turn any outfit into a 1980s fashion trend.

• Fur coats- were something that was considered luxurious.

• A leather jacket- is a great way to add a bit of edge to your look. It can be dressed up or down, which is a great way to keep warm in the colder months.

• Denim jacket – The denim jacket is a wardrobe staple that can be worn year-round. It is perfect for layering in the cooler months or wearing on its own in, the warmer months.
• Cardigans are a great way to add a bit of warmth to your outfit without being too heavy. They can be worn year-round and come in a variety of styles.

• Biker jackets- are a great way to add edge to your look. They are perfect for transitioning from 80s summer fashion to fall and can be worn with a variety of outfits. They are typically made from leather or faux leather and come in a variety of colors, styles, and designs.

80s Colors and Patterns

• Bright colors– can be a great way to add fun and personality to your look. They can be worn year-round and are perfect for making a statement.
• Bold patterns– can add visual interest to your outfits. They are perfect for adding a pop of color and can be worn year-round.
• Animal prints– were also popular in the 80s. You would see them on clothing, accessories, and even home decor.
• Leopard print 80s-It was all the rage! You couldn’t go anywhere without seeing it. It was on clothes, accessories, and even furniture. Everyone wanted a piece of the leopard print trend.

80s pants

•  Spandex- was another popular trend in the 80s. It could be found on everything from pants to leggings to jackets, and it allowed for a lot of versatility and flexibility.

 

• Leotards- were a must in the 80s. You would see people of all ages wearing them, even men! They came in all different colors.

 

• Jumpsuits- were also popular in the 80s and could be found in a variety of colors, styles, and designs.

• Ripped jeans– were another trend that was popular in the 80s. They could be worn casually or dressed up for a night out in town.

• Skinny jeans- are another trend that was popular in the 80s. They can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion and are a great way to show off your curves.

• Acid-wash jeans- were another trend that was popular in the 80s. They were typically worn with a t-shirt and a pair of sneakers or sandals.

• High-waisted jeans- were also popular in the 80s. They can be worn with various tops and are a great way to get that retro look.
• Mc hammer pants– were baggy, high-waisted pants that came in a variety of different colors. They were typically worn with a t-shirt, tank top, or no shirt.

80s styled Socks

• Leg warmers- People wear these to keep their legs warm in the wintertime. But you would also see people wearing these 80s clothes to look cool and stylish.
• Knee-high socks- are another popular way to keep your legs warm in the winter. These were an 80s fashion statement.

• Ankle socks- were also popular in the 80s. They could be worn with a variety of shoes and were a great way to show off your ankles.

80s Skirts

• Mini skirts- Mini skirts were another must-have in the 80s. They were super short and usually paired with a tight top or sweater.
• Maxi skirts- Maxi skirts were also popular in the 80s. They were long and flowing and usually made from lightweight fabric.
• Skater skirts- Skater skirts were also popular in the 80s. They were shorter than mini skirts but still flared out at the bottom.
• Tulle skirt- The tulle skirt was another fun and flirty look that became popular in the 80s. It came in a wide variety of styles and colors.

Top 1980s Dresses

• Dresses with big bows– Big bows were a popular trend in the 80s, especially on women’s dresses. They gave a fun and flirty look to any outfit.
• Polka dot dress– The polka dot dress was another popular trend in the 80s. It came in all different colors and patterns and could be worn for a variety of occasions.

Some of the best 80s shoes

• High heels– have been a staple in women’s wardrobes for decades. They can add some much-needed height and elegance to any outfit.
• Flats are a great alternative to high heels. They are comfortable and can be worn with a variety of outfits.
• Sneakers are a great way to add comfort and style to your look. They come in a variety of styles and can be worn with a variety of outfit.
• Chunky boots– are a great way to keep warm during the colder months. They can be worn with dresses, skirts, and pants and come in various colors and styles.
• Boat shoes are a great way to add a touch of nautical style to your look. They can be worn year-round and are perfect for casual outfits.

80s Sunglasses must haves

• Aviator sunglasses-    A 80s style that everyone had to have. They are great for adding a bit of edge to your look, and they can be worn year-round.
• Wayfarer sunglasses- were another popular style of sunglasses in the 80s. They are perfect for adding a bit of retro flair to your look and can be worn year-round.
• Butterfly sunglasses- They are a great way to add some fun and personality to your look.
• Ray-Ban sunglasses- are a classic style of sunglasses that never goes out of style. They are perfect for any season and can be worn with many different outfits.
• Neon glasses– They can be a great way to add some bold color to your look and are perfect for making a statement.
• Glasses with thick black frames– They are perfect for adding a bit of edge to your look and can also be worn as a statement piece.

Gloves most people worn in the 80s

• Fingerless gloves–  A 80s fashion women must have. They were typically made from leather or faux leather and came in a variety of styles and colors.
• Long gloves- Long gloves were also popular in the 80s. They could be made from a variety of materials and came in both solid colors and bold prints.

80s Hats

• Bucket hats- were a popular accessory in the 80s. They were typically made from cotton or denim and came in a variety of colors and designs.

• Mittens Beret- A beret is a French hat typically worn in the winter. It is made from wool or another warm material.

A list of some of the top designers in the 1980s

There’s something magical about the designers who shaped the 1980s they weren’t just creating clothes, they were crafting dreams. Each label told a story, and each piece became part of our own personal movie. Let’s meet the visionaries who turned fashion into pure cinematic gold.

Tommy Hilfiger: The American Dream Personified Born from bold ambition in 1986, Tommy Hilfiger reshaped American fashion from the ground up. Before launching his namesake brand, Tommy learned the ropes working with industry giants like Jordache and Pepe jeans. What made Tommy special? He understood that Americans wanted more than just clothes – they wanted to wear success. Once his signature line took off, he expanded into a lifestyle empire, creating everything from fragrances to eyewear. His red, white, and blue aesthetic became the uniform of preppy America.

Guess: The Family That Styled Together The year was 1981 when brothers Marciano and Maurice Georges decided to revolutionize denim. Guess wasn’t just another jean company – it was a family vision brought to life. While Marciano and Maurice designed collections that would define a decade, brothers Armand and Paul masterminded the marketing that made Guess a household name. Their black-and-white advertisements didn’t just sell clothes; they sold the California dream to the world.

Calvin Klein: Minimalism Meets Controversy Though established in 1968, Calvin Klein’s influence peaked in the 1980s, bringing minimalist luxury to the masses. Klein understood that less could be more, even in the decade of excess. His controversial advertising campaigns with Brooke Shields and the launch of his designer jeans line transformed how America thought about fashion advertising. The simple CK logo became a status symbol that everyone wanted in their back pocket.

Donna Karan: Power Dressing with Soul When Donna Karan launched DKNY in 1985, she wasn’t just making clothes – she was solving problems. Working alongside her husband, Stephan Weiss, Donna revolutionized women’s workwear. After cutting her teeth at Anne Klein, she struck out on her own with a radical idea: what if professional women could be powerful and comfortable? Her “Seven Easy Pieces” concept changed how working women dressed forever.

Ralph Lauren: From the Bronx to the Boardroom Ralph Lauren’s journey from selling ties to building an empire epitomizes the American dream. Founded in 1967 as Polo, the brand reached its zenith in the 80s. Lauren didn’t just sell clothes; he sold a lifestyle – one of polo matches and Hampton beach houses, even to those who’d never left the city. His ability to market aspirational living made that little polo player an icon of the era.

Versace: When Fashion Met Rock and Roll, Gianni Versace brought Italian maximalism to the world stage in 1978. Every Versace piece told a story of excess, glamour, and unapologetic luxury. Working alongside his sister Donatella, Gianni created clothes for people who didn’t just want to enter a room – they wanted to own it. His bold prints and Mediterranean-inspired designs defined what it meant to be glamorous in the 1980s.

Giorgio Armani: The Power Suit Perfectionist Armani redefined power dressing in the 1980s, becoming the go-to designer for the corporate elite. His deconstructed suits changed how we thought about professional wear, bringing Italian sophistication to boardrooms worldwide. Armani understood that true power didn’t need to shout – it could whisper and still command attention.

These designers didn’t just create fashion they created the visual language of the 1980s. Their influence stretched beyond clothing racks and into our collective imagination, defining not just how we dressed, but how we dreamed. Their legacies continue to inspire new generations of designers, proving that truly revolutionary style never goes out of fashion.

Each designer brought something unique

Here’s an easy-to-read chart summarizing the unique contributions of each designer to 1980s fashion:

Designer	Signature Style	What They Brought to the 80s
Tommy Hilfiger	Preppy Americana	Classic, all-American looks with bold colors and logos.
Guess	Sexy Denim Revolution	Iconic denim styles that defined casual chic.
Calvin Klein	Minimalist Provocation	Sleek, simple designs with a provocative edge.
Donna Karan	Practical Luxury	Elegant yet functional clothing for modern women.
Ralph Lauren	Aspirational Lifestyle	Timeless pieces embodying wealth and sophistication.
Versace	Bold Glamour	Daring, flashy designs with luxurious fabrics and prints.
Armani	Refined Power	Sharp, tailored suits defining power dressing.

Together, they composed the fashion soundtrack of the 1980s a symphony of style that still echoes today.