Skip to content

Top Navigation

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Food and Recipes
  • Culture and Lifestyle
  • Style
  • Holidays & Occasions
  • Home
  • Gardening Ideas
  • News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Southern Living

Southern Living Southern Living
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      The Best New Haircuts to Try in 2022

      Here are the haircuts you'll be seeing everywhere this year. Read More
    • How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet

      How To Season A Cast-Iron Skillet

      Learn how to season this Southern kitchen staple in five easy steps. Read More
    • 50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      50 Thoughtful Messages for a Meaningful Thank You Note

      Not sure what to write in a thank you card? Here's how to show your gratitude with a handwritten note. Read More
  • Food and Recipes

    Food and Recipes

    See All Food and Recipes
    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    4 Easy Ways to Tell if an Egg Has Gone Bad

    It’s not all in the senses, but they sure can help.
    • Recipes
    • Quick and Easy Dinner
    • Kitchen Assistant
    • Casserole
    • Holiday and Occasion Food
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Desserts
    • Healthy and Light
    • Side Dishes
    • Party Food and Drink
    • Appetizers
    • Meat
    • Breakfast
    • BBQ
    • Drinks
    • What's Cooking
  • Culture and Lifestyle

    Culture and Lifestyle

    See All Culture and Lifestyle
    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    70 Cute and Funny Nicknames For Your Best Friends

    Let your besties know how much they mean to you with these unique nicknames.
    • Quotes and Sayings
    • Biscuits and Jam Podcast
    • Travel
    • Pets
    • Healthy Living
    • Coastal Living
  • Style

    Style

    See All Style
    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The Coziest Winter Nail Colors for January 2022

    The beginning of a new year often has us all feeling like starting off fresh by taking on better habits, getting rid of old ones, and—most commonly—changing up our look. While others are hitting the squats and going into the salon for a pixie cut, why not start slow and steady with a cozy winter manicure in a color that feels new to you? It takes only a little courage to step outside your usual OPI Lincoln Park After Dark or Essie Bordeaux, which is all you need to kick 2022 off on a fanciful foot.  From new wintry takes on classic dark nail colors to unique pops of color that'll have you feeling the opposite of boring, these are the best nail colors to try this January and tick off all the way into spring. 
    • Beauty
    • Hair
    • Fashion
    • Short Hairstyles
    • Nails
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Skincare
    • Long Hairstyles
  • Holidays & Occasions

    Holidays & Occasions

    See All Holidays & Occasions
    • Thanksgiving
    • Gifts
    • Christmas
    • Mother's Day
    • Hanukkah
    • New Year's
    • Easter
    • Mardi Gras
    • 4th of July
    • Weddings
  • Home

    Home

    See All Home
    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    16 Kitchen Design Trends Southern Designers Predict Will Be Everywhere in 2022

    There's no denying how the pandemic fundamentally changed the world—including how we live (and work) inside our homes. An overall trend toward celebrating the history and originality of our homes is displacing ultramodern aesthetics and sharp lines as we all look to create cozier, colorful, more personalized spaces that better suit our lifestyles. We're turning away from big-box stores and toward vintage items—first, out of necessity due to supply-chain issues, and now, for design reasons—to add charm and character to every room in the house, including the kitchen. Here, interior designers from around the South share their predictions for what's trending in kitchen design for 2022 and beyond.
    • Home Decor Ideas
    • Idea Houses
    • Kitchen Design
    • Before & After Photos
    • Bathroom Design
    • Curb Appeal
    • Bedroom Design
    • DIY Home Decor
    • Color Palettes & Paint
    • House Plans & Builders
    • Inspired Communities
  • Gardening Ideas

    Gardening Ideas

    See All Gardening Ideas
    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    If You Keep Finding Ladybugs in Your House, Here's What You Need to Know

    Plus a few strategies for keeping them out-of-doors
    • Container Gardening
    • Gardening Flowers
    • Fruit, Vegetable & Herb Gardens
    • Garden Pests
    • Plant Guides A-Z
    • Indoor Plants
    • Fall Plants
    • Landscaping Ideas
    • The Grumpy Gardener
  • News

    News

    See All News
    • Celebrities
    • Local News
  • Video

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living Books this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Southern Living
  2. Style
  3. The '80s Trends That Are Back In Style Today

The '80s Trends That Are Back In Style Today

Mary Shannon Hodes, Associate Digital Editor at Southern Living
By Mary Shannon Wells
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.
Skip gallery slides
FB
Athletic Attire, Then
Credit: 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

1 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Oversized Blazers with Shoulder Pads, Then

Oversized Blazers with Shoulder Pads, Then
Credit: Ann Clifford/Getty Images

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

1 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Oversized Blazers with Shoulder Pads, Now

Oversized Blazers with Shoulder Pads, Now
Credit: 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

2 of 32

3 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Patchwork Denim, Then

Patchwork Denim, Then
Credit: 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).

3 of 32

Advertisement

4 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Patchwork Denim, Now

Patchwork Denim, Now
Credit: 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

4 of 32

5 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses, Then

Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses, Then
Credit: 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.

5 of 32

6 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses, Now

Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses, Now
Credit: 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

6 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Monochrome Power Suits, Then

Monochrome Power Suits, Then
Credit: 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.

7 of 32

8 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Monochrome Power Suits, Now

Monochrome Power Suits, Now
Credit: 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

8 of 32

9 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Velvet Dresses, Then

Velvet Dresses, Then
Credit: Pierre Vauthey/Getty Images

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

9 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Velvet Dresses, Now

Velvet Dresses, Now
Credit: 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

10 of 32

11 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Cropped Jeans, Then

Cropped Jeans, Then
Credit: 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.

11 of 32

12 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Cropped Jeans, Now

Cropped Jeans, Now
Credit: 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

12 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Fanny Packs, Then

Fanny Packs, Then
Credit: 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.

13 of 32

14 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Fanny Packs, Now

Fanny Packs, Now
Credit: 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

14 of 32

15 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Sequins and Shine, Then

Sequins and Shine, Then
Credit: Victor Virgile/Getty Images

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

15 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Sequins and Shine, Now

Sequins and Shine, Now
Credit: 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

16 of 32

17 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Ruffle Blouses, Then

Ruffle Blouses, Then
Credit: 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.

17 of 32

18 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Ruffle Blouses, Now

Ruffle Blouses, Now
Credit: 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

18 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Off-The-Shoulder Dresses, Then

Off-The-Shoulder Dresses, Then
Credit: 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.

19 of 32

20 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Off-The-Shoulder Dresses, Now

Off-The-Shoulder Dresses, Now
Credit: 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

20 of 32

21 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Big Sleeves, Then

Big Sleeves, Then
Credit: Dick Loek/Getty Images

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

21 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Big Sleeves, Now

Big Sleeves, Now
Credit: 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

22 of 32

23 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Lace, Then

Lace, Then
Credit: 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.

23 of 32

24 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Lace, Now

Lace, Now
Credit: 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

24 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Bomber Jackets, Then

Bomber Jackets, Then
Credit: 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.

25 of 32

26 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Bomber Jackets, Now

Bomber Jackets, Now
Credit: Lulu's

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

Buy It: $52; lulus.com

26 of 32

27 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Athletic Attire, Then

Athletic Attire, Then
Credit: 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.

27 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Athletic Attire, Now

Athletic Attire, Now
Credit: 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

28 of 32

29 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Keds, Then

Keds, Then
Credit: Ron Galella/Getty Images

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

29 of 32

30 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Keds, Now

Keds, Now
Credit: 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

30 of 32

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Denim Jackets, Then

Denim Jackets, Then
Credit: Bob Riha Jr/Getty Images

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

31 of 32

32 of 32

FB
Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print

Denim Jackets, Now

Denim Jackets, Now
Credit: 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

32 of 32

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Mary Shannon Wells

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 32 Oversized Blazers with Shoulder Pads, Then
    2 of 32 Oversized Blazers with Shoulder Pads, Now
    3 of 32 Patchwork Denim, Then
    4 of 32 Patchwork Denim, Now
    5 of 32 Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses, Then
    6 of 32 Ray-Ban Wayfarer Sunglasses, Now
    7 of 32 Monochrome Power Suits, Then
    8 of 32 Monochrome Power Suits, Now
    9 of 32 Velvet Dresses, Then
    10 of 32 Velvet Dresses, Now
    11 of 32 Cropped Jeans, Then
    12 of 32 Cropped Jeans, Now
    13 of 32 Fanny Packs, Then
    14 of 32 Fanny Packs, Now
    15 of 32 Sequins and Shine, Then
    16 of 32 Sequins and Shine, Now
    17 of 32 Ruffle Blouses, Then
    18 of 32 Ruffle Blouses, Now
    19 of 32 Off-The-Shoulder Dresses, Then
    20 of 32 Off-The-Shoulder Dresses, Now
    21 of 32 Big Sleeves, Then
    22 of 32 Big Sleeves, Now
    23 of 32 Lace, Then
    24 of 32 Lace, Now
    25 of 32 Bomber Jackets, Then
    26 of 32 Bomber Jackets, Now
    27 of 32 Athletic Attire, Then
    28 of 32 Athletic Attire, Now
    29 of 32 Keds, Then
    30 of 32 Keds, Now
    31 of 32 Denim Jackets, Then
    32 of 32 Denim Jackets, Now

    Share & More

    Tweet Pinterest Email Send Text Message Print
    Southern Living

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Books from Southern Living
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    MeredithSouthern Living is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. Southern Living is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporationthis link opens in a new tab All Rights Reserved. Southern Living may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Southern Living. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.southernliving.com

    Sign in

    View image

    The '80s Trends That Are Back In Style Today
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.