The Best '80s Trends Making a Comeback Now

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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

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.

GET THE LOOK

Adele Single Breasted Tailored Jacket

Corette Pant

Double-Breasted Jersey Blazer

Low-Rise Pleated Tapered Pants

Leila Belted Fringed Metallic Tweed Jacket

Gia Wrap-Effect Fringed Metallic Tweed Midi Skirt

Shoulder Pads

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.

GET THE LOOK

Eva Padded-Shoulder Organic-Cotton Tank Top

Shoulder Pad Long Sleeve Crew Top

Gavin Double-Breasted Wool-Crepe Blazer

Knitted Braided Sweater

Puff Sleeves

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.

GET THE LOOK

Off-the-Shoulder Taffeta Mini Dress

Dusk Puff Sleeve Midi Dress

Josie Pullover

Noon Open-Back Printed Satin Midi Dress

Button Earrings

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.

GET THE LOOK

Blythe

Sculpted Cable Stud Earrings

Cabochon Clip-on Earrings

Gigi Earrings

Fur Coats

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.

GET THE LOOK

Shearling-Trimmed Wool and Cashmere-Blend Coat

Reina Shearling Jacket

Long Hair Shearling Reversible Oversized Coat

Shawl-Collar Giant Faux-Fur Monster Coat

Leather

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.

GET THE LOOK

Oversized Leather Jacket

Carmen Pant

Fenice Leather Blazer

Archetypes Belted Leather Midi Dress

Rocker Glam

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.

GET THE LOOK

Collection Layered Tulle Skirt

Charlotte Lace Balconette Bodysuit

Double-Wrap Chain Necklace

Ane Embellished Leather Ballet Flats

Polka Dots

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.

GET THE LOOK

Polka-Dot Silk-Crepe Maxi Dress

Polka-Dot Silk Crêpe de Chine Blouse

Polka-Dot Satin Bustier Midi Dress

90mm Polka-Dot Mesh Pumps

Neon

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.

GET THE LOOK

Wool-Blend Twill Blazer

Jodie Mini Knotted Intrecciato Leather Tote

Kiss 105 Patent Leather Slingback Pumps

Gold-Tone Beaded Clip Earrings

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