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.
-55%
Ramy Brook
Martina Embellished Deep V-Neck Halter Gown Black
$357.74
$795.00
Neiman Marcus
-60%
La Petite Robe Di Chiara Boni
Renta Strapless Two-Tone Column Gown Black
$435.99
$1,090.00
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.
Pleats Please Issey Miyake
Sweater - Black
$557.08
Italist
Barbour
Louden Quilted Jacket Green
$290.00
Anthropologie
Favorite Daughter
The Cropped Charles Countryside Plaid Trench Coat
$348.00
Neiman Marcus
Barbour
Connie Showerproof Jacket Black
$325.00
Anthropologie
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.
Max Mara
Goatskin Suede Jacket - Brown
$599.18
Italist
-29%
Cole Haan
Womens Cross-Hatch Quilt Cropped Jacket - Green Size Medium
$139.95
$198.00
Cole Haan
Alo
| Socialite Shacket Jacket in Bone, Size: Medium White
$198.00
Alo Yoga
-29%
Cole Haan
Womens Cross-Hatch Quilt Cropped Jacket - Grey Size Medium Gray
$139.95
$198.00
Cole Haan
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.
Valentino
Embroidered Organza Jacket Wo Multi
$21,000.00
Valentino
-40%
Sergio Tacchini
Nuvola Velour Track Pant in Agave Green at Nordstrom, Size Xx-Large
$81.00
$135.00
Nordstrom
Barbour
Ainsdale quilted Jacket unisex 14 Red
$298.00
Base Blu
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.
A Gold E
Wide Leg Lyocell Jeans - Brown
$436.46
Italist
Veronica Beard
Taylor High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans Beige
$298.00
Bergdorf Goodman
Isabel Marant
Wide-Leg Cotton Jeans - Black
$484.69
Italist
Christophe Lemaire
High-Rise Cotton Jeans - White
$361.32
Italist
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.
L'agence
Emerly Belted Vest White
$550.00
Bergdorf Goodman
JLUXLABEL
LARA OVERSIZE BLAZER in Ivory at Nordstrom, Size Medium White
$120.00
Nordstrom
Nicholas
Ayla Double-Breasted Linen Blazer White
$118.99
Rue La La
-30%
Open Edit
Icon Twill Relaxed Blazer in Ivory at Nordstrom, Size X-Small White
$69.65
$99.50
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.
Isabel Marant
Coat - Black
$621.88
Italist
NVLT
Fringe Blazer Coatigan Jacket Brown
$178.00
Anthropologie
Self Portrait
Lace Long-Sleeve Blouse - Black
$431.58
Italist
Diane Von Fürstenberg
Maxime Hooded Fringe Sweater Black
$795.00
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.
Dries Van Noten
Heno T-Shirt - White
$224.93
Italist
Golden Goose
Pleated Cotton Shirt - White
$446.35
Italist
Golden Goose
Pleated Cotton Poplin Shirt - White
$491.78
Italist
Valentino Garavani
Chez T-shirt - White
$405.26
Italist
