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.
Aidan Mattox
Strapless Crystal-Embellished Column Gown Black
$350.00
Neiman Marcus
Diane Von Fürstenberg
Iris Glass-Embellished Empire Silk Midi Dress Black
$658.00
Bergdorf Goodman
Aidan Mattox
Buckle-Embellished Mikado Midi Sheath Dress Black
$295.00
Neiman Marcus
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
-40%
SIMKHAI
Colby Plaid Jacket Brown
$417.00
$695.00
Neiman Marcus
PJ Salvage
Cozy Plaid Jacket Green
$54.00
Rue La La
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.
A.L.C.
Lee Leopard Print Leather Jacket Size XS
$363.34
HEWI
Cole Haan
Womens Wing Collar Leather Jacket - Black Size Medium
$498.00
Cole Haan
endless rose
Oversized Jacket Brown
$85.00
Rue La La
Pilcro
Rumi Shrunken Faux Leather Moto Jacket by Pilcro Brown
$158.00
Anthropologie
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.
Emporio Armani
Single-Button Leather Jacket
$1,595.00
Neiman Marcus
-33%
Sporty & Rich
Sweatshirts Blue
$357.00
$533.00
Yoox.com
-40%
Sergio Tacchini
Nuvola Velour Track Jacket in Agave Green at Nordstrom, Size Xx-Large
$108.00
$180.00
Nordstrom
-82%
Alice Archer
Jackets Red
$305.00
$1,732.00
Yoox.com
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.
L'agence
Cody High-Rise Rodeo Jeans
$350.00
Bergdorf Goodman
Pistola Denim
Cassie High Rise Straight Leg Jeans Gray
$208.00
Anthropologie
-39%
Acht
Black High Waist Skinny Cropped Cotton Capri Womens Pant
$175.00
$287.00
LUX LAIR
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.
Theory
Oversized Straight Linen-Blend Blazer White
$129.99
Rue La La
Maeve
Rue Oversized Blazer by Maeve Jacket White
$168.00
Anthropologie
Nicholas
Ayla Double-Breasted Linen Blazer White
$118.99
Rue La La
BHLDN
Satin Oversized Blazer Jacket White
$248.00
Anthropologie
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.
L.k. Bennett
Allegra Jacket Black
$179.99
Rue La La
Kobi Halperin
Lando Fringe-Trim Boucle Jacket White
$698.00
Bergdorf Goodman
A.L.C.
Judd Linen-Blend Jacket Beige
$179.99
Rue La La
SIMKHAI
Virginia Cable-Knit Fringe Cropped Cardigan Beige
$495.00
Bergdorf Goodman
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.
James Perse
Oversized Shirt White
$79.99
Rue La La
Toteme
Logo-embroidered silk shirt White
$790.00
Mytheresa
Pilcro
Cotton Poncho Tee White
$58.00
Anthropologie
-30%
Joseph
Congo oversized cotton poplin shirt White
$283.00
$405.00
Mytheresa