80s Fashion Staples And Trends That Never Went Away

Did you know that some of the staple fashion trends of today were born in the 80s?!

With its trademark style seemingly everywhere in today’s pop culture, including shows like Stranger Things, Glow, Freaks and Scream Queens — it’s no wonder we want it all and we want it now!

And while 80s fashion was a fever dream of neons, geometric shapes and bold n’ big everything, none other than music legends trailblazed the path for us such as Boy George, Madonna and David Bowie.

So what pieces from this totally tubular decade survived into the year 2022? Read on to find out, duuuude.

Stonewash

High waisted is where it is at these days, especially stone washed jeans. Dress it up by pairing it with a bodysuit and pumps or keep it casual with a cropped tee or high waisted sweater. You can’t go wrong with this iconic and comfy look, especially if you have a scrunchie somewhere on your body!

RELATED: 10 Awesome ’80s TV Shows to Stream Right Now on Netflix, Hulu, and More

Sloan Ranger

If you adored Princess Diana than the Sloan Ranger style is for you. If you need a more descriptive visual, think “preppy.” Pair an 80s prairie-style lace-edged white blouse with your dark wash skinny jeans and throw a blue cardigan over your shoulders along with a pair of dark brown loafers to complete the look.

Jane Fonda-style

Ah, the iconic Jane Fonda look! Grab some 80s fashion Lycra leggings or a neon-bright body suit to your next work out to brighten the room. Or add a velour top with set of heels for a striking look out on the town. Striped leg warmers and a gaudy sweat band may not be in the cards this time around but your thighs will shine in all their Jane-Fonda-Glory!

Power suits

The 80s fashion power suit is hot, hot, hot and the combinations are endless. Go for a chic and drape-like look like Lady Gaga above or pick out your favorite skinny jeans, a white button down shirt and a blazer and BOOM! Casual chic. And if you’re looking to really turn heads, pick a power suit blazer in a bright color like red or Kelly green. You can thank 80s shows like Dynasty for introducing the sharp styling. And if you’re feeling extra 80s, throw in some shoulder pads to highlight and extreme silhouette. After all, they don’t call it a powersuit for nothin’.

RELATED: Calvin Klein: Who Is the Man Behind The Iconic Clothing Label?

Summer getup

This look has not only been in — it is here to stay. The highrise pant with a cropped tee is perfect for a date night, a casual night out with friends, brunch with the fam and running errands. Or if you’re Beyonce, getting stopped by paparazzi. Any oversized cropped tea over high waisted well anything is sure to turn heads. Oh, and don’t forget the platform heel.

DYI

The decade of DIY is back and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon. A great example of DIY is patches or pins (or flair as they used to say) to your classic denim jacket, jeans or vest. And the more, the better because it’s camp dahling.

Bodysuits

You can’t go wrong with a bodysuit! From Free People, to H&M to Target — whatever your budget, this piece can be easily paired with boyfriend jeans, a chunky sweater, a bomber jacket and more. If you’re feeling super ambitious, you could throw on a long chunky necklace and tube socks with keds.

RELATED: What Are Mom Jeans? Here Are 10 Stylish Pairs to Try

Textures and Layering

Everything was bigger and better in the 80s, as they say! With fashion welcoming layering with various textures, it wouldn’t surprise many to pair the look with hair that touched the heavens. And while the latter may not have made it into 2022, the layered look certainly has.

Androgyny in 80s

While individual styling and personal characters took the stage in the 80s such as pop icons such as Annie Lennox and Grace Jones – it was their masculine look with a feminine twist that captured fans attention. Suits, ties and cropped hair combined with a touch of glamour – red lips and corset style basque gave it a feminine touch against a sharp masculine style.

RELATED: Princess Diana Would Sing This 80s Song In The Car With Sons William And Harry To Ease Back-To-School Anxieties

Rock Star Influence

When you think of the 80s, if the word “rebellious” came to mind, then you are correct. Rock bands and iconic frontman turned into sex icons for their Ripped jeans, band tees, leather jackets were a massive hit with the younger generation. You can also thank Madonna (once again) for trend setting the provocative yet edgy look that has been mirrored by fans around the world.

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