There’s hardly a person on the planet who hasn’t heard about 80s fashion. It’s an era that left an everlasting mark on the runway. In fact, the influence of that bygone time is so strong that even today many people try to emulate the looks of their grandmothers and mothers from their younger years. As someone who didn’t live then, I was genuinely curious to find out what was fashionable back then and why everyone remembers that time so fondly. Two days ago I was looking through old photos of my mom and dad, and the clothes they wore caught my attention. At first I didn’t like my parents’ style when they were young, but I kept looking because I somehow started to like their outfits. By the end of this “historical tour,” I couldn’t explain why, but I already adored that period from the past. Then I realized why I’d fallen in love with those retro looks and what all the old photos had in common. The first words that come to mind are happiness, freedom, and comfort. That’s how I’d define 80s fashion. Let me explain better.
How to Recreate an 80s Look?
Creating a look characteristic of that period isn’t difficult. My parents won’t allow me to share one of their old photos, so first, search thoroughly in the family cabinet or the photo “safe” to see and feel the spirit of the 80s. Second… just keep reading below.
Volume Comes First.
Volume is a must when we talk about an 80s-style look. Hair and clothes absolutely have to be voluminous. Let’s start with the hair.
Hairstyles in 80s style are iconic for the decade. They’re voluminous and extravagant, recognizable by big curls and waves. The “mullet” was especially popular among men. It’s characterized by short bangs and longer hair in the back. Women loved the “big hair” style. This version creates unreal volume, as if you have a huge cotton cloud on your head. Don’t forget head accessories. From casual to formal looks, headbands and bandanas were an essential part of everyone’s style.
Clothes from the 80s also stand out for their extravagance—this is mostly about the materials. Just like the hair, clothing followed the rule “the more volume, the better.” Popular pieces were made from polyurethane and vinyl. They add so much shine that the clothes almost look plastic. For nightclubs and discos, lurex was a must. This fabric contains metallic threads that give a sparkling effect. There are materials, however, that have kept their fame to this day. Neoprene, for example, was used both for clothes and for shoulder pads because it was important for the shoulders to look lifted and large. Modern knitwear also boasts a rich history. Even before the 80s, people used such fabrics, often with metallic threads in the blend.
Colors. This is my favorite part! I’ve noticed that modern people have lost some of their boldness. What do I mean? Go back in time and see how daring our ancestors’ looks were. The 80s symbolize revolution and individuality, so let’s see which colors were most popular:
Neon colors. They reflect the “New Wave” style. Bands like Duran Duran and The Cure wore such clothes at their concerts, and this instantly became a huge hit. These were the favorite clothes back then and everyone kept them at the front of the wardrobe. My mom still keeps her bright pink blouse from that time. You could often see people in the streets dressed in bright green, orange, or blue. Clearly, shine and drawing attention were placed on a pedestal.
Jeans. Piercings and leather jackets were only part of the punk movement that became so popular a few decades ago. To these elements they added ripped jeans in various lengths. Skinny jeans were another must-have for both women and men and turned into an absolute fashion phenomenon of the time. Everyone loved them—but don’t imagine ordinary blue jeans. Nothing was ordinary back then. From blazing red or yellow to gold and silver jeans—you could see everything. If there were a time machine, you’d encounter high-waisted jeans with large pockets. Jeans with gathered hems, so popular today, also trace their origins to the 80s.
Colorful prints. Different geometric shapes and prints were nothing new for our predecessors. Clothes with colorful squares, circles, or triangles were just part of their fashion. Some of the most famous prints were summer models with palm leaves and nautical elements. In a sentence: the pre-80s style knew no boundaries. Of course, outfits were complemented by all kinds of accessories.
Signature 80s Makeup
The 80s were an era of bold blush and dramatic eyes. Feel the “pulse” of that generation with the examples below.
Key Elements
- Skin: almost full coverage, set with powder for a matte effect.
- Blush “draping”: blush from the apples of the cheeks toward the temples (pink, coral, fuchsia).
- Eyeshadows: neon/pastel (blue, purple, turquoise), often metallic.
- Eyeliner: graphic, elongated; the lower lash line often emphasized.
- Lashes & brows: volumizing mascara; brows defined, naturally full.
- Lips: lips should be bold. Typical shades are red, fuchsia, and coral. A pearly finish was very common.
- Highlight: pearly on the tops of the cheekbones for “disco” glow.
80s Color Palettes
Tip: combine 1–2 vivid tones with a neutral base.
Step by Step: 80s Makeup in 10 Minutes
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Base & coverage —
apply primer; medium/full-coverage foundation; set with powder.
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Blush “draping” —
place blush from the apples of the cheeks toward the temples; blend lightly.
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Shadows & liner —
choose blue/purple/turquoise; apply on the lid and define the lower line; winged, elongated eyeliner.
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Lashes & brows —
2–3 coats of volumizing mascara; fill in brows naturally, without very harsh edges.
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Lips & glow —
slightly overline the natural lip line; red/fuchsia/coral; add gloss if desired; highlight on the cheekbones.
Professional Tips
- Balance: if the eyes are super bold, keep the lips simpler (and vice versa).
- Longevity: set the blush with a thin layer of translucent powder, then add a second light layer.
- Modern take: swap neon for satin tones for an office-friendly version.
- Sensitive skin: choose fragrance-free products and always remove makeup thoroughly.
Popular accessories of the 1980s:
Wide belts. Old photos clearly show that about 40 years ago people adored wide belts with massive metal buckles. Whether with a dress, trousers, or a blazer — defining the waist was a must.
Large earrings. The next accessory found in every jewelry box. If they had bright elements — even better. The key was to shine and be big. Hoop designs were among the most popular.
Cut-out gloves. I even have a pair! The rebellious spirit of the 80s gave rise to fingerless gloves. They were usually made of mesh, while the more luxurious models — of genuine leather.
Oversized sunglasses. Rock culture drove this trend. Not just big — huge sunglasses were another essential part of every 80s rocker’s look. Add a leather jacket and a tee for a dramatic, mysterious vibe. AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses are considered the parents of this style in the 80s.
Bags.
These were perhaps the only accessories you’d see in normal sizes. I’d even say people often carried rather small bags for the time. Of course, they weren’t ordinary — they were bold, statement designs.
Shoes in the 80s.
Footwear from this period doesn’t differ much from today’s models. You could spot sneakers or chunky-sole trainers, heels and platforms. In everyday life, shoes with velcro straps were very popular. The rock aesthetic also ruled, and people most often wore knee-high boots.
Frequently Asked Questions about 80s Fashion
How can I recreate an 80s look today without it feeling like a costume?
Pick 1–2 signature elements: volume in the hair or shoulder pads, a neon accent, a wide belt and large earrings. Combine with basic clothes in neutral tones.
Which materials and cuts are typical of the 80s?
Lurex, vinyl, polyurethane and neoprene; silhouettes with volume and shoulder pads, pleats and “big hair” for balance.
Which colors and prints are emblematic?
Neon green, orange, pink and blue; geometric shapes and summer motifs like palm leaves and marine elements.
What jeans were worn in the 80s?
High-waisted, skinny or with gathered hems — still very trendy — often in bright, metallic or unconventional colors.
Which accessories and shoes complete the 80s style?
Wide belts with massive buckles, large hoops/earrings, fingerless gloves, huge sunglasses; shoes with velcro, sneakers, heels and knee-high boots.
