80s Women’s Fashion Trends & Style Icons
The 80s Fashion Trends & Style Icons That Defined the Decade
Forget "zeitgeist" or any other vague academic terms! The 1980s wasn't just a date on the calendar—it was pure, unadulterated personality. It was brazen. It was bold. It was a pure explosion of attitude! Picture it: streets glowing with neon lights, boardrooms brimming with suits that meant business, and dance floors packed with sequins and shoulder pads that screamed, "Look at me!" Every outfit was a declaration; subtlety simply wasn't invited to the party back then.
Still feeling that magnetic pull towards some unapologetic 80s flair? Good. You're not alone. Whether it's Madonna's "I dare you to define me" rebellious glam or Diana's "effortlessly chic but utterly calculated" cool, we've got the key trends and icons that made the decade utterly unforgettable. Stop hesitating. Pick your favorite looks—or, like a true style renegade,
Power Suits: No More Pretending, You Want to Rule the World!
First up? The power suit. And no, this wasn't just another outfit. This was your armor! Think sharp shoulder pads, sleek tailoring, and colors that practically roared, "Watch me conquer the world!" This wasn't just about looking good; it was about feeling like you could run the show, no apologies necessary, and no questions asked!
Giorgio Armani, among others, basically redefined office fashion, delivering suits that felt fierce yet undeniably feminine. But it was Joan Collins as Alexis Carrington in Dynasty who truly cemented this look's legendary status. She paired hers with luxurious silk blouses and bold, take-no-prisoners earrings that meant you couldn't ignore her, even if you tried.
White Round Neck Long Sleeve Top
Aerobic-Inspired Activewear
Icon: Jane Fonda
Long before everyone lived in leggings, Jane Fonda made workout wear the thing to be seen in. Pastel spandex bodysuits, neon sweatbands, and leg warmers in so many shades they practically had their own rainbow—all part of the look.
What started as gym wear turned into an everyday statement. Designers caught on fast, making it a permanent part of fashion history.
Acid Wash Denim
Icon: Brooke Shields
Ah, acid wash. High-contrast, high-drama, and super cool. Denim jackets, jeans, and mini skirts all got the acid treatment in the early 80s.
Brooke Shields’ Calvin Klein ads made acid wash jeans iconic. The vibe? Effortlessly rebellious, with just the right amount of polish.
Statement Accessories
Icon: Madonna
No one layered jewelry like Madonna in her heyday. Lace gloves, crucifix necklaces, stacks of rubber bangles—it was a lot, and that was the point.
Accessories weren’t an afterthought in the 80s. They were the main event, all about attitude and making sure no outfit went unnoticed.
The Coffee Lapel Houndstooth Button Blazer
Oversized Blazers
Icon: Princess Diana
Diana knew how to rock an oversized blazer like no one else. Worn with bike shorts or jeans, it was casual but polished, slouchy yet sharp.
Modern versions owe everything to Diana’s relaxed yet chic vibe. It’s the perfect mix of masculine and feminine, and it’s as popular now as it was back then.
Leather Jackets
Icon: Debbie Harry
Forget Michael Jackson—if we’re talking women's fashion, Debbie Harry deserves the spotlight. Her punk-rock leather jackets set trends in both music and fashion.
Studs, zippers, and a don’t-mess-with-me attitude made leather jackets a wardrobe staple for the decade and beyond.
Mini Skirts
Icon: Cyndi Lauper
Short, sassy, and totally unapologetic—mini skirts were everywhere in the 80s. From vinyl to sequins to ripped denim, it was all about showing off those legs.
Cyndi Lauper made minis feel punk and playful all at once. Bonus points for pairing them with fishnets and sky-high heels.
Puffy Sleeves
Icon: Lady Diana Spencer
Diana’s royal wedding dress kicked off a puffy sleeve craze that took over the world. Blouses, dresses, even casual tops—if it had volume at the shoulders, it was in.
At Rihoas, we keep the puffy sleeve love alive with easy-to-wear takes that don’t feel costume-y. Think linen and cotton instead of satin and tulle.
Neon Colors: Want to Be Subtle? The 80s Said, "Absolutely Not!"
If the 80s had a single color story, it was neon. Electric pinks, vibrant greens, scorching yellows—you name it, it glowed! These audacious hues reflected the decade's unapologetic optimism and insatiable desire for attention.
Lisa Bonet wore neon like a pro: oversized jackets, stacked jewelry, and big, voluminous hair to match. Neon wasn’t just for clothes either—it popped up in makeup, nail polish, and even home décor, literally blinding you with its brilliance!
Sequin Dresses: Hit the Dance Floor, You Are the Disco Queen!
Sequins absolutely ruled the 80s club scene and red carpets. Whitney Houston’s shimmering gowns lit up stages around the world, proving that sequins weren't just for disco anymore; they were for pop, for soul, and for everything in between.
From dazzling mini dresses that commanded the dance floor to full-length showstoppers, sequin looks added unparalleled drama and shine to any event. Slip into one, and you are, without a doubt, the most luminous star in the room. Period.
Shop Rihoas' 80s-Inspired Styles
Oversized blazers, puff-sleeve blouses, and everything in between—we’re all about that 80s mood at Rihoas, but with a modern twist. No mom’s closet required. Check out our latest drops and find something that channels your inner icon.
A portion of every sale goes toward supporting youth art programs, helping the next generation get creative. Bold looks, good cause—what’s not to love?