8 iconic 1980s celebrity outfits we would totally wear now
Ah, ’80s fashion. If you’re anything like us, you grew up with a mild case of second-hand embarrassment whenever your parents would show you photos of the oversized styles, neon prints, and dramatic shoulder pads of their youths. But alas, as the adage goes, everything old is new again, and the new again happens to be ’80s fashion.
Between Molly Ringwald’s LBD and Princess Diana’s tartan trench, these eight iconic 1980s celebrity outfits are still inspiring our wardrobes today. And who knows? One day you might be telling your kids, “I swear, this was really cool at the time.”
1. Molly Ringwald, 1987
What would an ‘80s appreciation post be without an appearance from Molly Ringwald? Between Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and Pretty in Pink, Molly’s Chanel dress has been inspiring our LBD’s since the first time Don’t You (Forget About Me) got stuck in our heads.
Nissa
glitter-dots flared midi dress - Black
£565.00
FARFETCH
Nissa
polka dot midi dress - Black
£492.00
FARFETCH
2. Princess Diana, 1981
Then 20-year-old Princess Diana and her 32-year-old husband Prince Charles on their honeymoon at Balmore, Scotland in 1981. Update the look by pairing Di’s tartan jacket with jeans and knee-high boots.
Barbour
Winter Jackets, female, Green, L, Jacket
£356.71
Miinto
-50%
AllSaints
Polyester/Wool Ormond Checked Sherpa Jacket, Size: XS Brown
£60.00
£119.00
AllSaints
Burberry
Check Label Cotton Zip Hoodie
£575.00
Burberry
-8%
Tommy Hilfiger
Winter Jackets, female, Black, S, Alaska Puffer Jacket
£273.97
£298.32
Miinto
3. Meg Ryan, 1989
No. 3 on this list but no.1 in our hearts, Meg Ryan, the ultimate rom-com queen, and then-boyfriend Dennis Quaid at the Los Angeles premiere of Great Balls of Fire! in 1989 in a cooler-than-cool leather jacket and circular sunnies.
Fat Face
FatFace Erin Olive Green Suede Jacket
£225.00
FatFace
AllSaints
Leather Clo Pleated Leather Jacket, Size: UK 12/US 8 Black
£349.00
AllSaints
-30%
Fat Face
FatFace Bethany Burgundy Red Quilted Biker Jacket
£139.00
£199.00
FatFace
Who says ’80s fashion automatically means neon colours and oversized fits? The Cosby Show’s Lisa Bonet is a boho bombshell in an embroidered velvet jacket, layered jewelry, and feminine blouse.
-50%
AllSaints
Womens Cotton Vinny Relaxed Fit Zip Up Velvet Hoodie, Size: XS Black
£64.00
£129.00
AllSaints
-31%
Roman
Floral Embroidered Velvet Trophy Jacket Black
£48.00
£70.00
Roman
5. Tina Turner, 1989
The one, the only, the Tina. An ode to the woman who makes us believe in the power of high-waisted jeans and with enough liquid confidence, who we aspire to be at any and every karaoke event.
Loewe
Anagram high-rise wide-leg jeans Blue
£875.00
Mytheresa
-30%
Levi's
Stay Loose Carpenter Jeans Blue
£60.29
£86.13
Miinto
-48%
Emporio Armani
BOTTOMWEAR - Jeans on YOOX.COM Blue
£74.00
£143.00
Yoox.com
Denham
Razor Lh 027 Blue
£189.00
Labels
6. Brooke Shields, 1982
What could possibly be more emblematic of the decade than Brooke Shields with her infamous curls in an oversized blazer? The Blue Lagoon actress was beyond her time in a bra top, matching separates, and a funky gold bag.
-27%
Victoria Beckham
Blazers, female, White, 2XS, Classic Tailored Jacket
£729.06
£1,000.50
Miinto
Elisabetta Franchi
Knit Jacket With Embroidery White
£426.30
Miinto
7. Sarah Jessica Parker, 1986
Honestly, what we would give to raid the closet of Sarah Jessica Parker. Pre-Sex and the City, SJP swapped her iconic naked dress for an oversized fringe jacket and her Manolo stilettos for cowboy boots. BTW – who else is thinking about the SATC episode where Carrie ventures to Aidan’s cabin for some R&R and Samantha hits on the hot neighbor farmer? No? You should be.
-33%
AllSaints
Cotton/Lyocell Marlene Embellished Fringe Denim Jacket, Size: UK 14/US 10 Black
£133.00
£199.00
AllSaints
-50%
AllSaints
Womens Leather Elias Astral Leather Tassel Gilet, Size: XS Black
£200.00
£399.00
AllSaints
-13%
Infinity Leather
Womens Black FRINGE TASSELED Biker Jacket - Seville - Size 12 UK
£104.99
£119.99
Secret Sales
We want to be everything Winona Ryder is in this photo. A girl with the ability to pull off an oversized white shirt, classic jeans, and a cooler-than-thou stare. Team ’80s Winona Ryder forever.
Burberry
Oversized Cotton Poplin Shirt White
£425.00
Burberry
AllSaints
Cotton Trace Oversized Textured Shirt, Size: XXL White
£89.00
AllSaints
-37%
Fat Face
FatFace Padstow White Chino Shorts
£25.00
£39.50
FatFace
AllSaints
Lyocell Carlyle Oversized Long Sleeve Shirt, Size: XXL White
£119.00
AllSaints
