If you loved 1980s style, you may want to give a nod to the decade but add your own distinctive, modern flair. You won’t be alone, as nostalgia for the bold fashion choices of the 80s is dominating in high fashion and daily wear in 2025. The 80s was a time when everything was big and bold. Clothing would exaggerate proportions in a stylish, dramatic way. Today, oversized pieces are once again delivering comfort and streetwise cool. Part of the appeal of 80’s fashion is its joyfulness and fun - something that still resonates today.

Power suits : Reimagining Feminine Strength

In women’s 80s fashion, well-tailored power suits with shoulder pads embodied a shift in gender roles. Many women were entering male-dominated workplaces and wore these suits as a statement. The power suit is back and brands like St. Laurent are re-imagining it. Today these suits are sleeker and more minimalist. Women aren’t just wearing them to the office anymore. They are even being seen on the red carpet this year. If you want a style that blends nostalgia with a modern twist, you can wear a blazer with a cinched waist and wide-leg trousers in a bold colour.

High-Waisted Jeans

The low-rise jeans that were popular for so long have fallen out of favour. Women across the world are embracing the return of high-waisted jeans. They were a very popular part of everyday 80s fashion because they were so practical and flattering. Women felt liberated when wearing them. In later years they were referred to as ‘mom jeans.’

Now they’re back in shapes that suit all body types. A modern way for you to wear them is to pair them with a crop top or an oversized sweater. Acid-washed jeans with a white tee and an oversized leather jacket will give a vintage yet modern look.

It’s interesting to look back at the origins of our favorite clothing items. Just like tech lovers check the first iPad release date to see how the gadget transformed over time, it’s nice to look at pictures from the 80s. Today’s high-waisted jeans are inspired by that fashion, but they feel more modern.

Lacy Pieces

Lacy pieces were a part of 80’s fashion and are making a comeback in a modern way. Lace was added to blouses, evening dresses, and lingerie for feminine, elegant appeal. Now it is being completely re-imagined, including layering together with other items for a more modern edge.

A way for you to interpret this is to layer a lace garment over another garment or to wear a lace camisole with an oversized jacket.

Statement Accessories

Accessories in the 80s weren’t exactly subtle. Giant hoop earrings were popular as they went perfectly with the big hair and colourful eyeshadow. Other popular accessories included:

● Stacks of bangles and bracelets

● Colorful plastic rings

● Big sunglasses

● Headbands in bold colors

● Fingerless gloves

Large earrings and statement necklaces are fashionable again today. Wear a simple dress with a large necklace or choose a feathered accessory or even one in leopard print for in-trend style.

For an 80s theme outfit that doesn’t take itself too seriously, adding some jelly shoes could be fun. These transparent, glittery shoes were a childhood favorite of many kids in the 80s and are available today in adult sizes and styles.

Neon Colors and Bold Prints

Neon colors and bold prints were staples of 80’s fashion. Graphic prints were popular, particularly geometric shapes. Today, neon and graphic prints are having a moment again.

You may want to interpret neon a little more subtly today. Choose a bag in bold, lime green or shoes in pink to add pizzazz without overwhelming your outfit. Embracing colour and going for bold prints will help you to put together an 80s outfit today.

Roots of The Athleisure Movement

Jane Fonda’s workout videos made leg warmers and leotards part of mainstream fashion in the 80s. These pieces were confined to fitness classes but planted the seed for the athleisure movement of today. Fashion brands are reimagining leisure wear and using performance fabrics to suit a new generation. Wearing leg warmers, biker shorts, bodysuits, or crop tops are all nods to 80s fitness fashion.

A Final Word

1980s outfits were about more than loud colours and oversized everything. It was a time when people felt they could be bold and express their personalities. The styles were fun and vibrant, in contrast to the minimalism and neutrals that often dominate today. It doesn’t hurt to incorporate some of this into your outfits today, but make sure you give them your own modern take so you don’t look as though you belong in the 1980s.

Bringing Back Forgotten 1980s Fashion Trends