41 Iconic '80s Fashion Moments

Fashion in the 1980s was bold, fearless, and so absolutely unforgettable, we’ve been throwing costume parties dedicated to it ever since. From the gritty underground punk scene to the colorful leg warmers and neon colors of the aerobics lifestyle to oversized blazers with epic shoulder pads, we’re constantly seeing the influence of ‘80s trends in today’s fashion. 

Celebrities like Madonna, Grace Jones, and Princess Diana represented the vast range of style icons that rose to prominence in this decadent decade. It’s no wonder that the decade that gave us the dawn of music videos and the Brat Pack’s cinema dominance was filled with rising stars in all walks of fashion, music, and pop culture who pushed the boundaries of creativity in their wardrobes both on stage and screen, and off. Here, we take a look back at 42 of the most unforgettable looks that defined an iconic decade.

Princess Diana

You could fill an entire list of ‘80s outfits with just a highlight reel of Princess Diana’s looks of the decade — her infamous black sheep sweater and her world-famous wedding gown, to name a few — but this jeans, sweatshirt, and blazer combo exemplifies what made the People’s Princess such an icon of casual style.

Madonna

In the late ‘80s, Madonna had moved on from her “Like a Virgin” era and into her “Express Yourself” zone, and her fashion had gotten even edgier. with bustiers, trousers, and menswear shoes.

Cher

The outrageous Oscars getups get a lot of the focus when it comes to Cher’s ‘80s fashion, but for us, it’s the iconic leather jacket, no pants necessary, that she wore performing “If I Could Turn Back Time” on the battleship USS Missouri that was truly unforgettable.

Salt-N-Pepa

It’s impossible to overstate the impact hip-hop girl group Salt-N-Pepa had on music and fashion. The seminal jackets they wore in the “Push It” video were a defining moment of the decade.

Brooke Shields

Before she wore those notorious Calvins, Brooke Shields was somehow making red suspender pants, a Kermit the Frog T-shirt, and roller skates an enviable outfit.

Courteney Cox

In a pre-Friends life, Courteney Cox was a master of the polished business style that was so popular in the ‘80s, and this olive green suit was no exception.

Joan Collins

The drama and glamour of soap opera Dynasty had an absolute chokehold on American culture, and star Joan Collins completely embodied the opulent, over-the-top style like no one else.

Grace Jones

Model, actress, and singer Grace Jones simply was — and continues to be — the moment. Hoods were a signature of her sexy, androgynous, inimitable style.

Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Polly Mellon, and Christy Turlington

A memorable moment of supermodels (and one fashion editor) kicking up their heels in their best ‘80s cocktail attire.

Olivia Newton John

After exploding onto the scene with Grease in the ‘70s, Olivia Newton John made a whole new fashion craze with her “Physical” video and absolutely iconic sweatband.

Donna Summer

The Queen of Disco didn’t stop serving looks when the ‘70s ended — she moved into the '80s in trendsetting styles like this striped bodysuit.

Carrie Fisher

Her gold bikini as Princess Leia may have been her most memorable outfit of the ‘80s (especially for teen boys), but off-duty, Carrie Fisher’s style was pretty great too.

Kim Basinger

Known for her sexy and femme fatale roles in movies, Kim Basinger’s tie-and-vest combo was a quintessential, borrowed-from-the-boys ‘80s ensemble.

Cyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper’s eccentric, maximalist style was a defining trend of the decade. With layers of accessories, cutoff tights, and that fiery hair, she was unmistakably cool.

Meg Ryan

Not a pumpkin spice season has passed without this photo of Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal in When Harry Met Sally... in cozy sweaters inspiring our wardrobes.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Long before she was Carrie Bradshaw, Sarah Jessica Parker was still giving us great outfit inspiration. The oversized blazer, the scrunched socks, the cuffed jeans are perfection.

Michelle Pfeiffer

I don’t think we give enough credit to cult classic Grease 2 — or to Michelle Pfeiffer’s strutting, confident “cool rider” style in it.

Rosie Perez

Before she became a movie star, Rosie Perez was showing her moves in minidresses and elbow-length gloves on Soul Train.

Sade

Sade’s style was as unmistakable as her stunning voice: understated elegance, punctuated with her signature gold hoops.

Jane Fonda

If internet culture had existed in the ‘80s, we would have been calling this exercise and fashion craze aerobics-core, and Jane Fonda would be its reigning queen.

Joan Jett

Joan Jett’s rebellious, edgy style was an inspiration for all the ‘80s rocker girlies.

Beverly Johnson

Trailblazing model Beverly Johnson personified sophisticated glam in the ‘80s.

Demi Moore

Demi Moore’s 1989 Oscars ensemble was widely ridiculed when she wore it, but looking back, it was kind of ahead of its time, no?

Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston’s angelic voice was topping charts, and her cheerful bodycon dresses, oversized earrings, and her stunning curls made her a fashion hit as well.

Bianca Jagger

No one did ‘80s-glam suiting like Bianca Jagger.

Debbie Harry

With her shaggy bleached hair and punk style, Blondie’s lead singer has been a fashion muse for decades.

Molly Ringwald

Molly Ringwald was the definitive girl next door of ‘80s cinema. Her thrifted, boho Pretty in Pink style may have made her an outsider in the world of prep school, but it made her an icon to teen girls in the real world.

Tina Turner

The ‘80s were a comeback era for Tina Turner, and her denim jacket and fishnets? Simply the best.

Shannen Doherty, Lisanne Falk, Kim Walker and Winona Ryder

Dark comedy Heathers wasn’t just a subversive cult classic, it was a full-length feature of preppy teenage power dressing.

Iman

Before launching her beauty empire and marrying David Bowie, Iman was a muse to many of the fashion greats, including Yves Saint Laurent, and it’s easy to see her sophisticated grace and elegant style were in high demand.

Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts, those trademark curls, and a bedazzled blazer dress. It’s just everything.

Jennifer Beals

Remember when Jennifer Beals invented sweatshirts in Flashdance? We do. 

Pat Cleveland

Only model Pat Cleveland could make every grown woman consider a Mickey and Minnie Mouse shirt a wardrobe staple. 

Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson had one of the biggest transformations of the decade, starting the ‘80s as the sweet kid sister of the Jackson 5, and ending it as an absolute musical powerhouse in her own right. Her military-inspired “Rhythm Nation” style (and accompanying dance moves) caused a fashion frenzy.

Tracy Chapman

Singer and songwriter Tracy Chapman didn’t do flashy ‘80s style, but she did consistently do classic denim and turtlenecks better than anyone else. 

The Go-Gos

The bold style of iconic girl group The Go-Gos had a lasting legacy on the female rockers that came after them.

Goldie Hawn

Do we think Goldie Hawn’s impossibly chic bodysuit could have been on the moodboard for what would become her daughter Kate Hudson’s equally iconic How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days yellow dress? We can't say for sure, but the color looks perfect on both of them.

Gloria Estefan

Gloria Estefan had everyone doing the conga and imitating her on-stage style. 

Tiffany

If you lived through the ‘80s, you knew the appeal of both Tiffany and a good silk vest. 

Oprah and Dolly Parton

When we talk about over-the-top ‘80s evening gowns, this is what we mean: Oprah and Dolly Parton in full sequins and huge statement earrings.

The Bangles

Another iconic girl band, The Bangles’ unapologetically feminine rock vibe made their outfits as memorable as “Manic Monday.” 

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