The Best '80s Trends Making a Comeback Now (2024)

Dust off those shoulder pads, the '80s are here again.

By Sophie Dweck
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Power suits with padded shoulders and voluminous sleeves is dominating the runway, fashion girlies everywhere are dressing in head-to-toe leather, and you can't open social media without somebody talking about the mob wife aesthetic. One thing's for sure: '80s fashion is back! Except the 21st century's take on the period's style is sleeker, sexier, and more versatile than ever. Ahead, we rounded up some of our favorite '80s trends, inspired by iconic stars of the decade, to revive in 2024.

Power Suiting

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In the 1980s, menswear was the uniform du jour while women were smashing glass ceilings, holding their own on a three-martini lunch, and generally overturning the workforce status quo. In short, it was awesome. The power suit will never go out of style, and judging by the recent runways and black tie pants revival, it's not leaving the trend cycle anytime soon either. So, keep it simple and strong and you’ll make a statement without saying anything at all.

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Norma Kamali Double-Breasted Jersey Blazer

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Norma Kamali Low-Rise Pleated Tapered Pants

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Huishan Zhang Leila Belted Fringed Metallic Tweed Jacket

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Huishan Zhang Gia Wrap-Effect Fringed Metallic Tweed Midi Skirt

Shoulder Pads

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While the quarterback-styles of yesteryear are particularly haunting, their modern counterparts add an extra level of confidence to any outfit. They add structure to everyday pieces like t-shirts and blouses to make basic pieces more interesting.

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The Frankie Shop Eva Padded-Shoulder Organic-Cotton Tank Top

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Norma Kamali Shoulder Pad Long Sleeve Crew Top

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Gabriela Hearst Gavin Double-Breasted Wool-Crepe Blazer

Puff Sleeves

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This romantic style makes an appearance in classic films, such as Gone with the Wind and Anne of Green Gables. Available in everything from dresses to jumpsuits and even knits, puff sleeves are more interesting than a standard short sleeve—the style is fun and feminine without being too over the top.

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Jacquemus Off-the-Shoulder Taffeta Mini Dress

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Button Earrings

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Glamorous button earrings were one of the most defining jewelry trends of the era. Jackie Kennedy and Joan Rivers famously donned the baubles, but it was really none other than Joan Collins, as Alexis Carrington on Dynasty, who became synonymous with look. Rest assured, modern versions are just as glam—and will add the perfect finishing touch to any outfit.

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Aureum Collective Blythe

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David Yurman Sculpted Cable Stud Earrings

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Saint Laurent Cabochon Clip-on Earrings

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Heaven Mayham Gigi Earrings

Fur Coats

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Fur coats are also one of the 1980s styles finally getting its well deserved moment in the sun again. Take the ultra-glam trend into 2024 with oversized shearling toppers in rich hues and statement-making animal prints.

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Raey Shawl-Collar Giant Faux-Fur Monster Coat

Leather

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Leather was a staple in the '80s, and continues to reign supreme in the '20s. Think of it as denim's edgier cousin: it's just as versatile but adds a touch of cool to anything you wear. These days, there are tons of ways to wear it, from leather blazers to leather pants to leather trench coats.

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Magda Butrym Oversized Leather Jacket

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Altuzarra Fenice Leather Blazer

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ALAÏA Archetypes Belted Leather Midi Dress

Rocker Glam

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The rocker-glam look is back. Popularized by Madonna, we are seeing a return of avant-garde tulle skirts, crystal-encrusted accessories, and piles of jewelry. Pick and choose one aspect to highlight in an everyday look or go all in for an eye-catching ensemble.

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J.Crew Collection Layered Tulle Skirt

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Paco Rabanne Double-Wrap Chain Necklace

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Amina Muaddi Ane Embellished Leather Ballet Flats

Polka Dots

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If there was one print that dominated the 1980s, it was polka dots. The dotted design element gives outfits a dash of femininity, and looks stylish no matter how you wear it.

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Alessandra Rich Polka-Dot Silk-Crepe Maxi Dress

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Saint Laurent Polka-Dot Silk Crêpe de Chine Blouse

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Dolce & Gabbana Polka-Dot Satin Bustier Midi Dress

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Manolo Blahnik 90mm Polka-Dot Mesh Pumps

Neon

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Princess Diana always knew how to push the boundaries when it came to fashion. Neon is the easiest way to broaden your sartorial horizons. Start with an accessory or a jacket and soon you’ll be putting together full-on looks.

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Stella McCartney Wool-Blend Twill Blazer

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Bottega Veneta Jodie Mini Knotted Intrecciato Leather Tote

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Saint Laurent Kiss 105 Patent Leather Slingback Pumps

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Oscar de la Renta Gold-Tone Beaded Clip Earrings

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Sophie Dweck

Sophie Dweck is the associate shopping editor for Town & Country, where she covers beauty, fashion, home and décor, and more.

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The Best '80s Trends Making a Comeback Now (2024)

FAQs

The Best '80s Trends Making a Comeback Now? ›

Oversized jackets and blazers

Why are 80s trends coming back? ›

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.

Will the 80s ever make a comeback? ›

One thing's for sure: '80s fashion is back! Except the 21st century's take on the period's style is sleeker, sexier, and more versatile than ever. Ahead, we rounded up some of our favorite '80s trends, inspired by iconic stars of the decade, to revive in 2024.

Are the 80s coming back in 2024? ›

Whether adorning blazers, dresses, or tops, exaggerated shoulders are a key trend for 2024. This nod to the 80s power silhouette adds a touch of drama and sophistication to any outfit, commanding attention with every stride. The 80s marked the rise of athleisure wear, and this trend continues to reign supreme in 2024.

What was a big trend in the 80s? ›

The 1980s was a decade of bold fashion choices and daring style statements. From power dressing to neon colors, leg warmers to big hair, the 80s saw the rise of a number of iconic fashion trends that continue to influence fashion today.

What is 80s style today? ›

Bright colors were big in the '80s and they're also big in 2023. What's also big? The jackets are oversized, often to an exaggerated point. Another aesthetic to keep an eye on is dance-inspired looks, like '80s athletic wear with a ballet feel.

What was hot in the 80s? ›

If you've ever wondered, “What was popular in the 80s?” then know that neon colors, big hair, the Brat-Pack, iconic toys and games like Nintendo and Transformers, as well as Madonna, Duran Duran, and MTV videos helped define the decade.

Why is 80s music better than today's? ›

Just what is it that made the quintessential 80s sound enjoyable to so many people? Maybe it's that nothing quite like it had ever been done before. The blend of drum machines, keyboard bass lines, synthesizers and vocals pioneered a brand new form of music production that took pop culture by storm.

Why do we still love the 80s? ›

Groovy Tunes. The 80s was all about music with big hair, cool beats, and super catchy tunes taking over the radio waves and the dance floors. From Michael Jackson's moonwalk to Madonna's rebellious flair, the decade was a mixtape of unforgettable hits. I'm sure you still have a favorite dance routine!

Why was the 80s so cool? ›

Positive Vibes. The 80s really had a sense of optimism and enthusiasm for the future. It was a time of dreaming big because anything was possible. There was a lot of emphasis on having fun, enjoying laughter and embracing individuality.

What will the 80s be remembered for? ›

From the John Hughes coming-of-age films (think Molly Ringwald in The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink) to anything starring Tom Cruise (Top Gun! Rain Man! co*cktail!), via the genre-defining sci-fi of Back to the Future, Blade Runner and The Terminator, the 80s was a decade of stone cold classics.

Are the 70s coming back? ›

Trends are fleeting, so that the general Y2K obsession has lasted as long as it has is quite a feat. Trends are also circular, though, so it only figures that Y2K's successor would be another distinct era in fashion. Suddenly, it's the 1970s once again.

Are 80s trends coming back? ›

The 80s fashion style is making a glorious comeback! That's right, some of the greatest bold and vibrant trends from the era of big hair and neon lights are back in the spotlight. Get ready to embrace the colorful world of 80s fashion in 2023, where individuality and unique styles reigned supreme.

What hairstyle was popular in the 80's? ›

Hairstyles in the 1980s included the mullet, tall mohawk hairstyles, jheri curls, flattops, and hi-top fades, which became popular styles. Amongst women, large hair-dos, puffed-up styles, permanent waves, and softer cuts typified the decade.

What was attractive in the 80s? ›

The eighties was the decade of MORE: Big hair, loud fashion, neon color, fast cars, mega-hold hair gel, and acid-washed jeans, the more rips, the better. Paradoxically, the eighties beauty rules were still about deprivation. When it came to the female body, LESS was still more.

Why is 80s music coming back? ›

The Role of Nostalgia

This means that when you listen to songs from this era now as an adult who grew up listening to them as well as other genres like pop or rock n' roll later on in life, it triggers pleasant memories about growing up during those decades and helps bring them back into focus for some reason!

Why are old trends coming back? ›

Generational Changes. Researchers believe that fashion repeats itself due to generational changes. Today, designers are inspired by the trends that prevailed during their parents' time. In this context, we can expect to see the styles from the 1990s and 2000s in the coming decade.

Why is 80s culture so popular? ›

Positive Vibes. The 80s really had a sense of optimism and enthusiasm for the future. It was a time of dreaming big because anything was possible. There was a lot of emphasis on having fun, enjoying laughter and embracing individuality.

What are the 80s trends for Gen Z? ›

Trends that have been seen across the diverse styles of the current generation have been high-rise jeans, denim jackets, iconic scrunchies, and sometimes even windbreakers and leather jackets! More specifically, colorful and oversized clothing has come back into trend.

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