The '80s Trends That Are Back In Style Today

By Mary Shannon Wells
George Tiedemann/Getty Images
The 1980s are remembered as one of the most questionable (but daring!) decades in fashion history. From shoulder pads and oversized blazers to ruffles and the doorknocker earrings, it seems like everything was big in the 80s. And don’t even get us started on the beauty trends of the 80s. Even though some of the looks should never resurface (ahem–hair crimpers, bless your hearts), many fashion trends are actually back in style today. Whether you’re surprised, excited, or horrified, 80s fashion has made its way to the 21st century. Luckily, most of the trends that have found their way back to the racks are toned-down versions of the originals. It might feel like everything is coming full circle when you spot your daughter in a velvet dress that looks just like the one you wore to junior prom. Or you'll be happy to learn that those Keds you wore ragged have gotten a modern makeover. How many of these '80s looks did you have in your closet, and would you wear them now?
Start Slideshow
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.

1 of 32

Oversized Blazers with Shoulder Pads, Then

Ann Clifford/Getty Images

In the 80s, the shoulder pads were substantial and the colors were loud. Often, blazers were boxy and big.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 32

Oversized Blazers with Shoulder Pads, Now

Anthropologie

Now, blazers can be structured on the shoulders without appearing ready for battle. An oversized blazer in black, taupe, or a neutral plaid can be paired with countless outfits any time of year.

Buy It: $118; anthropologie.com

3 of 32

Patchwork Denim, Then

Universal Images Group/Getty Images

The 1980s were quite a time for denim. Jean jackets were all the rage, acid-wash became a thing, and you could even buy denim with patchwork details (or add some yourself).

Advertisement

4 of 32

Patchwork Denim, Now

Anthropologie

Jeans with embroidered floral patterns and patches are back in, especially for fall. This style is laidback with a boho feel.  

Buy It: $150; anthropologie.com

5 of 32

Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses, Then

Bryn Colton/Getty Images

Although Ray-Ban introduced the Wayfarer style in 1956, the shades had resurgence in popularity in the 1980s, which was largely contributed to their appearance in The Blues Brothers, among other movies.

6 of 32

Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses, Now

Ray-Ban

The wayfarer style has remained trendy over the years and is still one of Ray-Ban’s most popular pair of sunglasses.

Buy It: $153;  ray-ban.com

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 32

Monochrome Power Suits, Then

Pierre Vauthey/Getty Images

Women haven’t been wearing pantsuits for very long on the timeline of fashion history, and the 1980s was the age of the “power suit” for working women.

8 of 32

Monochrome Power Suits, Now

J.Crew

Women’s suits have certainly gotten more modern as far as the fit, but monochrome styles still work, even in the brightest colors. Keep putting the power in those suits, ladies.

Buy It: $288; jcrew.com

9 of 32

Velvet Dresses, Then

Pierre Vauthey/Getty Images

Velvet had a huge moment during the 80s, and even Princess Diana rocked the velvet-dress trend to multiple events.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 32

Velvet Dresses, Now

Nordstrom

Velvet might be having an even bigger moment now than it did in the 80s. From handbags, to blouses, to dresses, to shoes, you can find just about anything in soft or crushed velvet right now.

Buy It: $99;  nordstrom.com

11 of 32

Cropped Jeans, Then

WireImage/Getty Images

In the 1980s, cropped jeans with a cuff were actually called “pegged” jeans, but only when you achieved the perfect tight cuff.

12 of 32

Cropped Jeans, Now

Neiman Marcus

Although jeans with a traditional cuff are still in fashion, many emerging styles of cropped jeans have more rough and uneven hemlines.

Buy It: $128; neimanmarcus.com

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 32

Fanny Packs, Then

Gary Moss/Getty Images

The fanny pack was originally worn around the waist with the bag situated in the back, hence the name. Even though fanny packs were popular in the 80s, they weren’t considered fashionable and were worn for practical purposes.

14 of 32

Fanny Packs, Now

Nordstrom

Because of on-the-go generations and music festivals, fanny packs have seen a very fashionable comeback. Luckily, fanny packs brought a new, less gross-sounding name into the millennial—they’re now going by “belt bags.” Under the Instagram-fueled “belt bag” guise, we’re tempted to get behind this trend.

Buy It: $56; nordstrom.com

15 of 32

Sequins and Shine, Then

Victor Virgile/Getty Images

In the 80s, there were enough sparkles and shimmery fabrics to go around.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 32

Sequins and Shine, Now

Nordstrom

Sparkly looks of the 80s lost their shine during the grungy 90s, but if celebrities’ red carpet looks are any indication, sequins are back (and hopefully here to stay).

Buy It: $198; nordstrom.com

17 of 32

Ruffle Blouses, Then

Pierre Vauthey/Getty Images

Much like shoulder pads, ruffles were big (in size and popularity) in the 80s. Blouses often had ruffles down the front that made them look like they belonged on a pirate instead.

18 of 32

Ruffle Blouses, Now

Free People

Southern women have always loved ruffles, so it’s convenient that they’re back in style, although in a more subtle way than in the 80s.

Buy It: $78; freepeople.com

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 32

Off-The-Shoulder Dresses, Then

Daniel Simon/Getty Images

Off-the-shoulder looks were everywhere in the 80s, and Princess Diana wore a few influential off-the-shoulder gowns to various events.

20 of 32

Off-The-Shoulder Dresses, Now

Nordstrom

Off-the-shoulder looks are no longer just for fancy events. Off-the-shoulder dresses and tops are trendy for day or night, and many off-the-shoulder looks incorporate another 80s staple—ruffles.

Buy It: $198; nordstrom.com

21 of 32

Big Sleeves, Then

Dick Loek/Getty Images

Was anything actually small in the 80s? The sleeves sure weren’t.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 32

Big Sleeves, Now

Nordstrom

Brace yourselves, ladies: Puffy sleeves are back. For now, sleeves with the grandeur of the 80s sleeve are only prancing down couture runways, but ready-to-wear, more subdued versions are hitting shelves.

Buy It: $80; nordstrom.com

23 of 32

Lace, Then

Ebet Roberts/Getty Images

Madonna’s look at the first MTV Video Music Awards put lace on the map in a way the fashion world had never seen.

24 of 32

Lace, Now

Nordstrom

In the South, classic lace is never out of style. No offense to Madonna, but we’re very glad that fingerless lace gloves haven’t come back.

Buy It: $89; nordstrom.com

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 32

Bomber Jackets, Then

Victor Virgile/Getty Images

Bomber jackets came off of military pilots and high school football players and into the fashion scene in the 80s partially because of popular films like The Hunter and Top Gun.

26 of 32

Bomber Jackets, Now

Lulu's

Modern bomber jackets are dressier and made with lighter fabrics for more versatile wear.

Buy It: $52; lulus.com

27 of 32

Athletic Attire, Then

George Tiedemann/Getty Images

In 1982, Jane Fonda released her first aerobics home workout video, and the concept of exercise (and the fashion involved) changed forever.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 32

Athletic Attire, Now

Dick's Sporting Goods

Athletic attire now is much more advanced as far as weather and sweat protection go, but legging styles that became popular in the 80s are in, especially high-waist looks. Thank goodness leg warmers stayed in the 80s, and leotards are only for dancers and gymnasts again.

Buy It: $50; dickssportinggoods.com

29 of 32

Keds, Then

Ron Galella/Getty Images

Every girl in school was wearing Keds, and that white canvas had to be spot-free.

30 of 32

Keds, Now

Keds

The Keds brand has branched out from the original stark white look and now sells platform, high-top, and patterned sneakers in multiple multiple fabrics, colors, and patterns.

Buy It: $59.95; keds.com

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 32

Denim Jackets, Then

Bob Riha Jr/Getty Images

Denim played a big role in 80s fashion, and jackets were no exception.

32 of 32

Denim Jackets, Now

Old Navy

Denim jackets are perfect for chilly Southern days and nights when you just need something over your shoulders, and they go with just about anything, so this is a trend we’re happy to have back.

Buy It: $44.99; oldnavy.com