Many eras of vintage fashion have gone through the fashion cycle in the past few years, with different decades’ iconic styles coming back in style. However, 1980s fashion trends have remained one of the most popular returning eras in the fashion industry, and summer fashion in 2024 will feature many of these iconic 80s must-have picks.
80s Fashion Trends
If you want to incorporate a bit of vintage chic into your wardrobe, here are some essential 80s fashion items you need to have in your closet!
Double Denim
One of the best returning 1980s fashion trends has got to be double denim. Although it has unfortunately been considered a huge fashion faux pas, like neon, it is coming back into style in 2024. Investing in some double denim outfits and co-ords is a great way to stay fashionable and on trend this summer, and you can get denim outfits in a lot of different colours so you can mix and match your looks all the time.
Although many people sport blue double denim fits, black double denim is also a great way to look stylish.
Printed Shirts
Printed, oversized shirts were incredibly popular throughout the 80s, and have been one of the largest throwback trends for women in recent years. The great thing about the printed shirts trend is that they can be styled for multiple different occasions, and are a great versatile fashion item to add to your wardrobe.
You can style a printed shirt blouse-style, with a pencil skirt and heels to make an interesting work outfit. You could also wear an oversized printed shirt over jeans or a denim skirt for a casual look. There are many different colours and prints to choose from when you’re looking for printed shirts, so you will always be able to find one that suits you.
Big Blazers
Everything was oversized throughout the 1980s, and blazers and workwear were no different. There were many ways you could make a blazer oversized throughout the 80s, however, shoulder pads were very popular.
Although shoulder pads are not too popular today, many people still wear large blazers that reach the top of the thigh. There are many ways you can style a large blazer to incorporate some 80s-style chic into your wardrobe – for example, you could style a blazer over cycling shorts for a sporty look. You could also style it with some straight-leg trousers for work.
Overalls
One of the biggest 80s trends that comes in and out of fashion has got to be denim or brightly covered overalls. Overalls are a great addition to a vintage-inspired wardrobe, as they are very comfortable and easy to style. Once you’ve invested in a pair of overalls, you will find that they are very easy to throw on and look instantly stylish.
There are many ways you can style overalls – for a casual look, you could wear denim overalls over a graphic t-shirt or an off-shoulder shirt. Many people also wear overalls over polo shirts for a more sports-retro look, if you prefer a sportier style.
Graphic Tee
This has got to be the number one most versatile vintage chic item you need to add to your wardrobe. Graphic tees are eternally classic, and almost never fall out of style. If you really want to make your outfits look 80s-inspired, you should choose t-shirts with 80s-specific designs, such as 80s bands and TV shows.
However, most graphic tees are great for adding some classic/vintage flair to your wardrobe. You can style graphic t-shirts with almost anything – tucked into denim jeans or a skirt, cycling shorts or leggings. Add an oversized leather jacket over the top to really complete the look.
Shellsuits
One of the most iconic styles of the 1980s has to be a full tracksuit. Invented in the 1930s but popularised in the 1960s, a variation of them called the ‘shellsuit’ dominated 1980s fashion trends. Shellsuits were made of polyester, making them shiny on the outside, and were popular on the dance scene of the era.
In the years since the decade, many people have worn tracksuit pieces separately instead of together. However, in 2024, it is popular to wear both sets of a tracksuit as an outfit. If you want to look iconic and 80s-inspired, you should definitely invest in a full tracksuit.
These are by far some of the best fashion trends from the 1980s that are incredibly popular right now – start investing in some of these pieces so you can always feel amazing wearing a vintage-inspired wardrobe!