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.
-60%
St. John
Sheath Dress Black
$479.99
$1,195.00
Rue La La
-30%
Versace Jeans Couture
Dress With Shimmering Glitter, Womens, Black
$391.30
$559.00
Vitkac
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.
SIMKHAI
Colby Plaid Jacket Brown
$695.00
Bergdorf Goodman
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.
-60%
Sword 6.6.44
Beige biker jacket in suede leather
$222.36
$555.91
TheDoubleF
-53%
Cole Haan
Wing Collar Leather Jacket Red
$249.99
$528.00
Rue La La
-34%
Cole Haan
Wing Collar Leather Jacket in Dark Espresso at Nordstrom, Size Large Brown
$329.99
$500.00
Nordstrom
-30%
AllSaints
Womens Leather Billie Oversized Biker Jacket, Black, Size: M
$503.30
$719.00
AllSaints
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.
Moncler
Nelles Sequin-embroidered Velvet Short Down Jacket Black Size 0
$4,030.00
Moncler
-28%
Pierre-Louis Mascia
Womens Coats Beige
$1,095.00
$1,515.00
LUX LAIR
Chloé
Spencer Embroidered-Belt Velvet Crop Jacket Black
$5,890.00
Bergdorf Goodman
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.
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Citizens Of Humanity
White denim jeans
$127.06
$317.66
TheDoubleF
Ganni
Wide-leg brown jeans
$275.62
TheDoubleF
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.
Max Mara
Suez Blazer, Womens, Cream White
$1,099.00
Vitkac
-30%
Nordstrom
The Liv Textured Boyfriend Blazer in Brown Ivory Twill at Nordstrom, Size Xx-Small
$139.29
$199.00
Nordstrom
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.
Goldbergh
Marna fringed down ski jacket Beige
$980.00
Mytheresa
Kobi Halperin
Hana Beaded Fringe-Trim Tweed Jacket Black
$998.00
Bergdorf Goodman
-56%
DKNY
Dkny Fringe Jacket Black
$69.99
$159.00
Rue La La
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.
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Madewell
Double-Gauze Oversized Shirt White
$44.99
$108.00
Rue La La
SIMKHAI
Gemma 3/4-Sleeve Poplin Button-Front Shirt White
$325.00
Bergdorf Goodman
-70%
Dries Van Noten
White popeline turtleneck shirt
$119.12
$397.08
TheDoubleF