Top Trends
Shoulder pads were one of the most iconic fashion trends of the 1980s. Found in everything from blazers to dresses, they created a bold, boxy silhouette that symbolized power and confidence. The trend coincided with women joining the workforce at higher numbers than before. The trend was all about projecting strength and authority, and it became a key part of the “power dressing” movement. Shoulder pads turned everyday outfits into strong style statements. Love them or hate them, they totally defined the decade’s look.
Neon was everywhere in the 1980s and it was loud, bright, and impossible to ignore. From highlighter pink leg warmers to electric green jackets, neon colors took over fashion and made bold self-expression the norm. Inspired by pop culture, aerobics videos, and the rise of MTV, neon became a symbol of the decade’s fun, energetic vibe. It wasn’t just for workouts either—people rocked neon in casual wear, club outfits, and accessories. Whether you were layering multiple neon shades or just adding a pop of color, the trend was all about standing out and having fun with your look.
“Mom” jeans became a major trend in the 1980s, known for their high waist, relaxed fit, and slightly tapered legs. Often made from light-wash denim, they were comfy, practical, and gave off that effortlessly casual vibe. Originally considered just everyday wear for suburban moms, these jeans actually became a go-to look for women of all ages. They were often paired with tucked-in tees, oversized sweaters, or denim jackets, making them a staple of laid-back ‘80s style. It’s funny how jeans went from baggy and highwaisted, to skinny and low waisted, to skinny and highwaisted, to baggy and low waisted…
Denim was an absolute staple in 1980s fashion, and people wore it every way imaginable. From acid-wash jeans to oversized denim jackets and even full denim-on-denim outfits, the look was all about being bold and casual at the same time. Ripped knees, patches, and embellishments gave denim a rebellious, personalized edge, while designers started experimenting with new cuts and washes. It wasn’t just for jeans—denim skirts, dresses, and vests were everywhere too. In the ’80s, denim wasn’t just a fabric—it was a whole attitude.
Female Fashion Icons
Madonna- Madonna was the fashion trailblazer of the 1980s—bold, fearless, and completely original. From the moment she burst onto the scene, she made it clear that her style was just as much a part of her identity as her music. With a mix of punk attitude, street style, and glam influence, she created looks that were edgy, rebellious, and totally unforgettable. Her “Like a Virgin” era made a huge splash with lace tops, layered rosaries, tulle skirts, fingerless gloves, and messy, teased hair topped with bows or headbands. It was a look that countless young women tried to imitate—and still one of the most iconic styles of the decade.
But Madonna didn’t just stick to one look. She was constantly evolving—rocking corsets, leather jackets, fishnets, power suits, and experimental haute couture throughout the ’80s. She could go from punk princess to Hollywood glam to androgynous chic, often blending masculine and feminine elements in a way that challenged traditional fashion norms. What made her so influential wasn’t just her ability to wear bold looks—it was her confidence and refusal to follow anyone else’s rules. She used fashion as a form of self-expression and empowerment, and that message resonated deeply with her fans.
Cyndi Lauper- Cyndi Lauper was one of the most vibrant and unforgettable fashion icons of the 1980s. She brought a burst of color and creativity to the music and style scene that felt like a breath of fresh air—and a bit of chaos in the best way. Her look was bold, quirky, and totally her own. With wild, crimped hair often dyed in bright reds, oranges, or blondes, layered necklaces, chunky bracelets, lace gloves, mismatched patterns, and tulle skirts, she created a style that was impossible to ignore. Cyndi didn’t care about looking “pretty” or polished in the traditional sense—she cared about standing out and being authentically herself.
What made her such a powerful fashion figure was how she embraced individuality. She pulled pieces from thrift stores, DIY-ed her own outfits, and often looked like she had stepped out of a neon dream. Her wardrobe was a mash-up of punk, new wave, glam, and street style, often accessorized with big earrings, oversized belts, and statement boots. Every outfit told a story, and every detail seemed to shout, “I’m here, and I’m having fun!”
Through hits like Girls Just Want to Have Fun, Cyndi’s message was clear: fashion should be joyful, fearless, and personal. She broke all the rules and encouraged others to do the same. In a decade full of big fashion moments, Cyndi Lauper stood out because she didn’t just wear fashion—she lived it. Her playful, rebellious spirit helped define ’80s style and inspired countless people to dress for themselves, not for anyone else.
Princess Diana- Princess Diana was undeniably one of the most influential fashion icons of the 1980s, captivating the world not just with her royal status but with her evolving and relatable sense of style. When she first stepped into the spotlight as a shy young kindergarten teacher turned princess, her fashion reflected a sense of innocence and tradition—frilly collars, pastel tones, floral prints, and modest silhouettes. But as she settled into her role and gained confidence, so did her wardrobe. Her style began to shift from sweet and conservative to bold, fashion-forward, and often trendsetting.
Throughout the decade, Diana effortlessly balanced royal formality with a modern, chic edge. She embraced the power dressing trend of the time, regularly wearing structured suits with padded shoulders, bold colors, and high-neck blouses, giving a fresh spin to traditional royal attire. She knew how to command attention in elegant evening gowns as well—often favoring sleek silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, and dramatic details like off-the-shoulder cuts or statement accessories. Designers like Catherine Walker and Bruce Oldfield became favorites, helping to shape her refined, glamorous look. But Diana’s influence extended beyond the red carpet or official engagements.
She had an uncanny ability to make casual wear look effortlessly stylish—pairing oversized sweatshirts with bike shorts, sporting baseball caps and jeans, or stepping out in colorful jumpers and loafers. These more relaxed looks helped humanize her in the public eye and connected her with everyday people in a way few royals had done before. Every outfit she wore seemed to carry intention, emotion, or a subtle message, and people paid attention.
By the end of the 1980s, Princess Diana had become a true global fashion icon. She redefined what royal style could look like and inspired women everywhere to dress with elegance, strength, and individuality. Her legacy in fashion still resonates today, proving that personal style, when worn with confidence, can be just as powerful as any crown.
Cher- Cher was one of the most daring and unforgettable fashion icons of the 1980s. She took glamour to bold new heights, blending her signature theatrical flair with the glitzy, excess-loving spirit of the decade. While she had already made a name for herself in the ’70s for her trend-setting looks, the ’80s saw Cher fully embrace high fashion and stage-ready drama. Working closely with designer Bob Mackie, she created some of the most iconic red carpet and performance outfits of all time. From sheer, beaded gowns to elaborate feathered headdresses and skin-baring designs, her looks were bold, unapologetic, and totally one-of-a-kind.
Cher didn’t just follow trends—she created them. Her wardrobe was all about taking risks and expressing herself without limits. Whether she was stepping onto a stage in a barely-there bodysuit or arriving at an awards show in a dramatic headpiece and sequined cape, she knew how to command attention. She turned fashion into performance art, and every outfit felt like a statement of power and individuality. At a time when many female celebrities played it safe, Cher was proudly doing the opposite. She shattered expectations of how women, especially women in the spotlight, were “supposed” to dress.
What made Cher such a powerful style icon wasn’t just the clothes—it was the attitude behind them. She wore everything with confidence, challenging ideas of beauty, age, and femininity. Her influence stretched far beyond the red carpet, inspiring designers, entertainers, and everyday people to be fearless with their fashion. In a decade full of bold looks and big personalities, Cher stood out by staying true to herself and proving that style has no rules.
Male Fashion Icons
Michael Jackson- Michael Jackson was one of the most groundbreaking fashion icons of the 1980s, with a style that was as unforgettable as his music and performances. He didn’t just follow fashion trends—he created his own, developing a look that was entirely unique and instantly recognizable around the world. From the moment he stepped into the spotlight in the early ’80s, Michael made bold fashion choices that would shape pop culture for decades. His red leather jacket from the Thriller music video became one of the most iconic pieces in music and fashion history. Pair that with the single white sequined glove, black fedora, and short, high-water pants with white socks and loafers, and you’ve got a look that was unmistakably his.
Michael often wore military-style jackets with ornate gold or silver embellishments, pairing structure with sparkle in a way no one else was doing at the time. These jackets became his signature, seen on stage, in music videos, and at award shows, turning formalwear into something bold, modern, and entirely theatrical. His fashion choices were always carefully thought out to enhance his performances, using clothing to help tell a story or create a larger-than-life persona. He used accessories—like sunglasses, armbands, and bold belts—not just for style, but as part of a visual language that expressed who he was as an artist.
What set Michael apart was his confidence in wearing things that no one else would dare to try. He blurred the lines between menswear and costume, between performance gear and high fashion. His influence didn’t stop at the stage—it reached fans across the world and inspired future generations of artists to take risks, express themselves, and view fashion as an essential part of their identity. In the 1980s, Michael Jackson wasn’t just the King of Pop—he was the king of fashion too.
David Bowie- David Bowie was one of the most daring and innovative fashion icons of the 1980s, continuing a legacy he began in the previous decade of using style as a powerful tool for self-expression. While his flamboyant Ziggy Stardust and Aladdin Sane personas dominated the ’70s with glitter, glam, and space-age aesthetics, Bowie entered the ’80s with a more refined yet still unmistakably bold approach to fashion. This era marked a shift toward sleek sophistication, with Bowie frequently seen in sharply tailored suits, structured blazers, and stylish trench coats. His Let’s Dance period brought with it a polished, pop-rock star image—still artistic, but more accessible to a broader audience.
Bowie played with color and silhouette, often wearing bold hues, exaggerated shoulders, or crisp white shirts with high-waisted trousers. He wasn’t afraid to blur gender lines, though his ’80s style leaned more into androgynous elegance than full-on theatrical costume. Whether he was walking a red carpet or starring in a music video, there was always an intentional blend of masculinity and softness in the way he dressed. His icy blonde hair, intense gaze, and magnetic stage presence only amplified the visual power of his outfits.
Beyond his own wardrobe, Bowie’s influence extended into the fashion world at large. Designers looked to him for inspiration, and he had a lasting impact on how musicians and entertainers approached personal style. He proved that fashion wasn’t just about clothes—it was about identity, transformation, and storytelling. In the image-obsessed 1980s, Bowie stood out not because he followed trends, but because he shaped them. He remained unpredictable, fearless, and endlessly creative, cementing his status as a fashion icon who could never be duplicated.
Eddie Murphy- Eddie Murphy was not only one of the biggest stars of the 1980s—he was also one of the era’s most memorable fashion icons. As he rose to fame through Saturday Night Live, his groundbreaking stand-up specials, and box-office hits like 48 Hrs., Trading Places, and Beverly Hills Cop, Murphy brought with him a bold and unapologetic sense of style that stood out just as much as his comedy and acting chops. His look was loud, confident, and full of swagger, mirroring his larger-than-life persona. He became especially famous for his love of leather—tight, shiny, brightly colored leather suits, to be exact. The red leather ensemble from his Delirious special became instantly iconic, symbolizing his fearless approach to both fashion and comedy.
But Eddie’s style wasn’t just about flash—it was about presence. He knew how to command attention, whether he was on stage, on screen, or walking into a room. He often paired his signature leather looks with gold chains, statement belts, aviator sunglasses, and designer sneakers, fusing street style with high-end flair. His fashion sense pushed the boundaries of what was expected from male celebrities at the time. He embraced bold colors, form-fitting cuts, and eye-catching details that reflected his confidence and charisma.
Murphy’s influence on ’80s fashion, particularly in Black pop culture, was huge. He offered a new vision of masculinity—one that was stylish, expressive, and completely self-assured. His fashion choices inspired fans and fellow entertainers alike to take risks, dress boldly, and lean into personal style. In a decade full of excess and experimentation, Eddie Murphy fit right in—and stood out—making his mark not just as a comedic legend, but as a trendsetter and style icon in his own right.
