11 Looks From The ’80s That Will Go Down In Fashion History

Before heralding a more provocative style era in the ’90s, Madonna was already pushing boundaries in the decade prior. A year after she released her eponymous debut album, she performed “Like A Virgin” at the first-ever MTV VMAs in 1984 in one of her most memorable ‘fits of all time. Emerging from a wedding cake, the pop icon wore an all-white ensemble featuring a white bustier, a tulle skirt blanketed in hearts, fingerless lace opera gloves, and a massive belt spelling out “BOY TOY.”

Carrie Bradshaw would never be caught dead wearing a scrunchie, but Sarah Jessica Parker made the hair accessory look cool in 1987 when she paired the satin pink ponytail holder with an oversize blazer and bedazzled sunglasses. (Plus, peep her rosette broach that gave big Carrie energy.)

Exposed undies? Sheer? Opera gloves? Grace Jones was already rocking all of today’s buzzy trends back in the ’80s. Just look at the statement-making ensemble she wore on for a night out: an utterly see-through corset cage dress that fully flaunted her underwear.

It wasn’t just spicy styles she was ahead of either. Remember the hooded dresses Hollywood seems to love? Jones did it first.

Even before Princess Diana’s revenge dress (which she debuted in 1994), the late royal was always stylish. This casual ensemble was one of her more famous looks, comprised of a sweatshirt, jeans tucked into riding boots, and a boxy blazer reminiscent of the decade.

While Whitney Houston donned a host of glitzy gowns throughout her career, she peppered the ’80s with fun dresses, tiered ruffles, padded shoulders, and a rainbow of colors. At the 1988 American Music Awards, she wore a bold ensemble that felt quintessential of the era.

Dua Lipa, Kendall Jenner, and Emily Ratajkowski are the reigning queens of spicy ‘fits this decade, Cher, however, dominated the risqué genre 40+ years ago. Case in point: her fully bedazzled look at the 1986 Oscars. The singer donned a harness-inspired bra top and an ultra-low-rise skirt with a zig-zag waistband. So good.

Before the likes of Cher Horowitz and Elle Woods, there was first Andie Walsh. In 1986, Molly Ringwald played the stylish student in the film Pretty in Pink. Her character helped usher in the thrifted, eclectic aesthetic that featured doily collars and printed vests.

In 1989, Janet Jackson released her fourth studio album Rhythm Nation 1814 and debuted the military-inspired look that would seal her status as a fashion icon. The sartorial moment would be referenced for decades to come and has since been worn by the likes of Beyoncé. NBD.

Though she technically debuted her aerobics look in the late ’70s, Jane Fonda’s fitness videos blew up the decade after. The bodysuit, tights, and leg warmers ensemble quickly became her ’80s uniform, which led to the style’s massive popularity. Today, the look is practically synonymous with Fonda’s name.

Per Dolly Parton, the first time she ever felt “fashionable” was when she rocked an all-pink ensemble to the premiere of 9 to 5. She even enlisted the help of the film’s costume designer Ann Roth. In a 2020 interview with Vogue, she recalled, “I remember feeling really pretty.”

Throughout the ’80s, Donna Summer rocked some big, sequined ‘fits. One of her most memorable looks, however, was a more casual ensemble photographed at her home in 1980. She made harem pants look so chic in a sky blue ensemble that she paired with espadrilles. An icon.