The 80s were a unique time for music, movies, and fashion. Out of all the fashion trends to come out of the 80s, there are certainly some worth leaving behind. However, there are also fashion trends from the 80s that we think should make a comeback. What better way to add some extra fun and color to your life than with neon headbands and leg warmers?
To create this list of fashion trends from the 80s that should come back, 24/7 Tempo consulted several lifestyle and fashion publications including Forbes, Cosmopolitan, and InStyle. Here are some 80s fashion trends that are worth bringing back. (Check Out The Biggest Fads From the Last 100 Years.)
Leg Warmers
A woman modelling a red leotard over a white t-shirt with light grey leggings and red leg warmers, holding an exercise pose against a white background, in a studio shot, United States, circa 1983. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Leg warmers were the pinnacle of women’s fashion trends in the 80s. Although they may make you think of 80s workout videos, they were also something that many women wore simply as a fashion statement. Leg warmers were first created for dancers as a way to stay warm during practice, but they soon became a fashion trend for women everywhere.
Headbands
Headbands, especially large and boldly colored ones, were big in the 80s as a necessary part of the 80s style for women. Although headbands haven’t gone out of style entirely, you don’t see as many bold and colorful headbands as you did back then. The type of headbands that were popular in the 80s are a great way to make a fashion statement while also keeping your hair out of your face.
Denim
American actor David Mason Daniels wearing a Levis denim jacket, United States, circa 1983. (Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images)
It may seem like a fashion faux pas nowadays to wear a denim top with a denim bottom, but there was no problem with denim on denim in the 80s. Whether you’re looking at 80s fashion for men or women, wearing a denim jacket with jeans was stylish in the 1980s. If you’re trying to achieve the perfect 80s look, you can wear denim from head to toe–even better if it’s acid-washed.
Acid-Washed Clothing
Speaking of acid-washed denim, acid-washed clothing is an 80s trend that carried on through the 90s. Whether it was acid-washed jeans or an acid-washed jacket, this style was a unique way to make your regular denim stand out. You can swap your ripped jeans for acid-washed jeans if you’re ready to bring this trend back.
Sneakers
Although there were plenty of popular shoes in the 80s, sneakers of all kinds were one of the most popular fashion trends. Whether you were kicking it with your favorite pairs of chucks or vans, there was no shame in wearing sneakers with any outfit, no matter where you were headed.
Neon Clothing
Neon fashion is out of style.
Neon, along with other bold and bright colors, has to be one of the signature fashion trends of the 80s. There was no limit to what part of your outfit could be neon. From neon blazers to neon tights, bolder was better in the 80s. While we don’t see neon and other incredibly vibrant colors in fashion as much anymore, these bright colors are a sure way to make your outfit pop.
Sequins
What could be more bright, fun, and colorful than an outfit decked out in sequins? Sequins were another big part of 80s style, but you didn’t have to be wearing a sequin skirt or dress to show off your fun side. 80s fashion for men sometimes included sequins as well, especially when it came to popular performers. Back in the 80s, you would catch artists like Michael Jackson sporting a sequin jacket on stage.
Polka Dots
One woman models a red top with white polka trim and a white skirt with red polka dots sitting on a red table with her feet on a red chair in a studio Summer 89 fashion shoot, United States, 1989. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Polka dots are another fun style that aren’t as popular anymore, but they’re a bold way to make a statement with your outfit. Whether the polka dots on your outfit are small and subtle or bright and colorful, there are plenty of ways to show off your 80s style with polka dots. When it comes to female fashion trends from the 80s, the best way to wear this style is with a bright and bold polka dot dress.
High-Waisted Jeans
You might know them as mom jeans, but high-waisted jeans were at their prime in the 80s. This comfortable style has made a comeback at certain times although some claim they still look dorky. While in the 90s and early 2000s, this type of jean was considered a trend for older women, it’s easy to see why some prefer high-waisted jeans to low-waisted jeans, which was the trend in the early 2000s.
Graphic Tees
Graphic tees never went out of style according to some people, but they were incredibly common in the 1980s. Not only did they make you look cool, but they also allowed you to rock the merch from your favorite band. Graphic tees and other band merchandise are a classic way to display your music preferences while also keeping your outfit comfortable and casual. All you need is your favorite band tee, sneakers, and neon headband to perfect the 80s style. (Learn more about the 80s with The 25 Biggest Hits of the 80s, According to Data.)