Leather, broad shoulders, and spandex are the staples you need to thrive in your modern 80s looks
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
Fashion is dictated by two things: war and music. WWII saw the rise of women entering the workforce, filling roles that required more suiting and utilitarian styles. The traditional suit jacket became feminine: nipped-in waist and rounded shoulders, all constructed in lighter fabrics. Thus, Dior’s Bar Jacket was born. Inversely, post-war groups like punks and hippies influenced rebellious styles, introducing denim and leather into the mainstream.
So, as 80s trends cycle back into fashion, it comes as no surprise why. Boxy blazers and suits inspire ideas of power dressing as Gen Z enters the workforce. Spandex and athleticwear have become popular as culture obsesses over monetizing self-image, and global warming has led to more second-hand shopping for durable fabrics like denim.
If you’re shopping for a few trendy pieces in 2024 or want to do a total closet re-haul, look no further. We’ve outlined the best 80s fashion picks, analyzing user reviews, that will make great additions to your closet this year and for years to come.
Best 80s Denim
Stacking denim jackets and pants, when done right, is the easiest and most cost-effective way to feed into the 80s trend because you more than likely have these two items in your closet. However, also factor in silhouettes and washes with your look. Baggy and relaxed fits thrived in this era as flare and bootcut subsided, all cast light or acid washes.
Currently available in women’s XXS-XL
Everlane Curvy Way-High Jean
Currently available in women’s 27-35
$83$11830% off
Buy Now on Everlane
Wrangler Rugged Wear Unlined Denim Jacket
Currently available in men’s S-6X
$49.99$49.50
Buy Now on Amazon
Everlane 4-Way Stretch Organic Jean
Currently available in men’s 28-40
$69$9830% off
Buy Now on Everlane
Currently available in women’s 24-34
Levi’s Trucker Jacket
Currently available in men’s XS-3X
Currently available in men’s 28-40
Best 80s Power Suiting
The Power Suit’s single most important characteristic is sharp tailoring. If you’re shopping for the perfect blazer or pants to kick off 2024 with confidence, tailoring is key. Look for jackets that have a bit of shape, like nipped waists or broad shoulders. Or, if you’re in the market for pants, shop for pants with front darts and pleats. Editor’s picks
Every Awful Thing Trump Has Promised to Do in a Second Term
The 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time
The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
The 50 Worst Decisions in Movie History
Everlane Performance Chino Blazer
Currently available in men’s XS-XXL
$132$18830% off
Buy Now on Everlane
The Drop Blake Long Blazer
Currently available in women’s XXS-5X
Veronica Beard Miller Dickey Jacket
Currently available in women’s 00-16
Currently available in women’s 23-37
Ted Baker London Thomas Stretch Wool Blend Sport Coat
Currently available in men’s 36-48
Cemi Ceri High Waist Dress Pants
Currently available in women’s S-5X
Bonobos Stretch Slim Fit Dress Pants
Currently available in men’s 29-40
Best 80s Athleticwear
We enjoy a bit of spandex in our looks. It shows off the curves we love to flaunt and looks perfect when layered under other pieces. When shopping this trend, reach for athleticwear, which thrived in the 80s. Bodysuits, leggings, compression tops, you name it. Not only are these styles relevant for 2024, but their duality of style and function means they’re perfect for breaking a sweat in.
Related
Here's Where to Buy Last-Minute 2024 Stanley Cup Tickets Online
From Taylor Swift to The Beatles, Here's Where to Buy the Most Popular Vinyl Records Online
Daytime Emmys 2024 Livestream: How to Watch the Awards Ceremony Online for Free
AUTOMET Unitard Bodysuits
Currently available in women’s XS-XL
$18.59$29.9938% off
Buy Now on Amazon
Girlfriend Collective Paloma Racerback Dress
Currently available in women’s XXS-6XL
$88
Buy Now on Girlfriend Collective
Currently available in women’s XS-4X
$84.85
Buy Now on Savage x Fenty
Under Armour Compression Long-Sleeve
Currently available in men’s XS-4X
Currently available in women’s XXS-XXL
Under Armour Leggings
Currently available in men’s XS-4X
$35$35.00
Buy Now on Amazon
Best 80s Leather
A classic 80s style is the leather jacket and simple white tee. However, we’ve evolved past that. Leather (and vegan leather) products come in all styles, from blazers and button-downs to even socks and jeans (like Bottega Veneta’s previous collections). It’s time to live your leather daddy dreams in 2024.Trending
Kim Porter’s Dad Breaks Silence After Sean Combs Attack Video: 'Despicable'‘Georgia Is Our Laboratory’: Inside Trump’s Plan to Rig 2024‘We’re in Uncharted Territory’: Inside the Rise of Women’s Basketball
Amazon’s The Drop Anouk Blazer
Currently available in men’s XS-3X
$40.78$79.9049% off
Buy Now on Amazon
Currently available in men’s XS-XXL
The Drop Vegan Leather Mini Dress
Currently available in women’s XXS-2X
Currently available in women’s 23-37
Xelement Loose Fit Leather Pants
Currently available in men’s XS-XXL
HowWe Make Our Best 80s Fashion Selections
Style is incredibly subjective. That is why we take care in choosing the clothing, shoes, handbags, and jewelry that we present to our readers. While we review trends to showcase fashion-forward selections, we also rely on promising customer feedback or first-hand experience with the products and brands. The result is a carefully considered shopping list with you in mind.
Pride yourself on shopping only the best selections when it comes tofashion? Us too. We are tastemakers dedicated to bringing you the finest in clothing, shoes, and accessories.Shop like aRolling Stoneeditorand check out more of our recommendations.
FAQs
When shopping this trend, reach for athleticwear, which thrived in the 80s. Bodysuits, leggings, compression tops, you name it. Not only are these styles relevant for 2024, but their duality of style and function means they're perfect for breaking a sweat in.
What is 80s fashion in 2024? ›
The 80s marked the rise of athleisure wear, and this trend continues to reign supreme in 2024. From tracksuits to leggings, sporty-chic ensembles are a staple in the modern woman's wardrobe, seamlessly blending comfort with style.
What were the fashion trends in the 80s? ›
Just think about it: The '80s brought us fishnets and leg warmers, served up electric colorways and the naked dress, made a case for leggings-as-pants, and inserted shoulder pads into any blazer and blouse that designers would allow.
Are 80s sweaters still in style? ›
The vibrant colors and distinctive clothing of the 80s continue to inspire and influence fashion trends today. Elements of the 80s are still present on runways, in street fashion, and even in everyday wardrobes.
What is the color forecast for 2024 fashion? ›
What is the Trend Color of the Year 2024? The trend color in 2024, according to the Pantone Color Institute, is a delicate peach tone - Peach Fuzz, listed under the number 13-1023. This color is a blend of a delicate orange and a gentle pink. The successful tone conveys warmth and modern elegance.
Are the 80s coming back in 2024 Vogue? ›
But while all things '90s—from Jean Paul Gaultier to John Galliano—have dominated in recent years, vintage experts are predicting a more covered-up approach in 2024 with the return of both the '50s and '80s.
What style of jeans are in fashion in 2024? ›
The Bleached Jean
'Bleached denim will be a core denim trend in 2024, as seen in the SS24 collection of Proenza Schouler,' says Libby Page, Market Director at NET-A-PORTER. 'They go hand in hand with oversized silhouettes to exude an effortless aesthetic.'
What color suit is in style in 2024? ›
The ideal season for pastels is spring and summer.
Pastel suits are a current trend in men's suit fashion for 2024. They will infuse your attire with a revitalizing sense of color. These pastel suits are an underappreciated treasure in men's fashion, offering an impeccable aesthetic for the months of spring and summer.
What kind of jeans were worn in the 80s? ›
In the 80s, the baggy, high-waisted jeans we know as mom jeans were just called jeans. They were worn by everyone from models to pop stars. But as they went out of style in the 90s, the baggy, blue, and belted high-rise jeans had become a staple in the wardrobe of suburban moms instead.
What did 80s makeup look like? ›
Vibrant eyeliners, neon eyeshadows, and coloured mascaras were used to create dramatic, larger-than-life 80s eye makeup and lipstick colours like fuchsia, plum and bubblegum pink were lacquered onto the lips to create vivid 80s pouts. Everything looked lifted and dynamic in the 80s, especially when it came to blush.
The 80s saw the rise of acid wash denim, with its distinctive bleached and faded patterns. This rebellious trend has made a remarkable comeback, finding its way back into our wardrobes. Acid wash jeans, jackets, and skirts are once again being embraced, adding a touch of vintage flair to modern outfits.
What decade of fashion is coming back in 2024? ›
EIGHTIES GLAMOUR. Style Notes: While Y2K might have been the leading inspiration for the past few years, we're seeing the Eighties making a fashion comeback in 2024, particularly when it comes to evening wear. Think voluminous silhouettes, high-octane metallics and dresses that embrace the joy of dressing up.
How to dress for an 80s theme? ›
Best '80s party outfit:
Think short, pink, and lots of ruffles. Big, teased-out hair is optional. Sydney Sweeney rocked the exact look at her birthday party last year. Pair a pretty pastel off-the-shoulder top with your favorite straight-legged jeans or a skirt, just like the popular girl in those '80s teen movies.
Is fashion going back to the 80s? ›
The 80s fashion style signify everything big. Oversized blazers, acid-washed jeans, chunky boots, animal print, padded shoulders and puff sleeves are perfect to bring back 80s fashion through your 2022-23 collection. Cold shoulders are out, bold shoulders are pretty in!
What is the trend in sleeves in 2024? ›
The puff-sleeve trend, reignited in the spring of 2024, has proven its staying power far beyond a mere seasonal fad. The silhouette, deeply rooted in the iconic style of Princess Diana's 1981 wedding gown, has been a recurring theme in fashion, evolving through decades yet retaining its whimsical charm.
Are 80s hairstyles coming back? ›
But with no fewer than four major celebrities stepping out with hair unmistakably inspired by the decade of excess in recent days, we're calling it: '80s hair is well and truly back. Notable for its volume and fluffy finish, '80s hair is big and brushed-out.
