15 Best ’80s Fashion Trends You’ll Actually Want to Wear in 2023

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Shoulder pads, parachute pants, Full House, scrunchies, and metal lunch boxes. What do all of those things have in common? The ’80s. And in the fashion world, the iconic decade has returned to the surface of modern-day trends yet again. With such trends constantly recycling and evolving, it can be hard to keep up. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t pick and choose the best ’80s trends to don in our 21st-century lives—because the more-is-more decade is alive and (very) well.

As you already know, what goes around comes around. Within the last couple of years, the decade famous for opulence and excess has slowly worked its way back into our hearts in the form of simple ’80s-inspired outfits, thanks to the popularity of trends like biker shorts and oversized blazers. If you’re curious to see which trends have made it back onto the runway or are simply here for some nostalgia, we’ve gathered 15 of the best ’80s fashion trends in 2023, how the runway brought it back, how you can wear it IRL, along with some shopping to go with it (because wouldn’t that be rad?).

Oversized Blazers

TBH, I can’t remember the last time I wore a fitted blazer. Although the ’80s were a time full of boldness and color, oversized blazers were one of the more luxe trends. However, one could dress it down with bike shorts or a pair of jeans à la Sarah Jessica Parker. The versatile trend is here to stay, so when sporting one for your ensemble, remember: the bigger, the better.

How the Runway Did It

Lately, blazers have been getting more and more oversized on the runways. Valentino showed the boxy style as part of its ready-to-wear fall 2023 collection, which showcased a new way to style it: with tailored shorts.

Forever Blazer

How to wear it in 2023: Offering sizes up to 3XL, everyone can recreate this trend with Djerf Avenue’s viral blazer. Whether it’s paired with a casual T-shirt for the office or a sparkly mini dress for a night out, the Forever Blazer gives off the effortless cool girl look we can’t help but fawn over.

Hooded Dresses

This photo of Grace Jones walking the Azzedine Alaia spring/summer 1986 couture show may or may not be the reason why our love for hooded dresses is so strong. They are sleek, regal, and leave much to the imagination, what more could you need?

How the Runway Did It

Designers featured hooded dresses across the board in recent seasons. Proven at the Bevza spring/summer 2023 show, the style has certainly ensured its spot on the 1980s comeback roster.

Cowl Hood Maxi Dress

How to wear it in 2023: Who says you have to wait until the colder months to try out this trend? RTA’s take on the trend is made using slinky jersey fabric and features a back vent.

Denim Everything

It’s no secret designers recycle denim trends of the past. We’ve seen the return of low-rise boot-cut jeans from the early 2000s to ultra-long, ultra-baggy skater jeans of the ’90s. Why not. the’80s, too? Anything goes, really.

How the Runway Did It

For 2023, Canadian tuxedos, a.k.a. head-to-toe denim, has made their way back onto the runway. There are so many ways to wear this fashion-forward, all-denim look. Case in point: this Givenchy look from its spring/summer 2023 collection.

Aelicia Dress - Button Through Denim Mini Dress

How to wear it in 2023: Invest in a full-on ensemble à la Dolly Parton. Or, for a more modernized take, opt for a mini denim dress.

Parachute Pants

Have parachute pants ever really fallen out of style? Originally known as “hammer pants” (made famous by rapper MC Hammer), parachute pants served as one of the more functional and comfortable pieces of clothing in this era.

How the Runway Did It

This season, the oversized pants appeared to be fashion’s favorite. As seen in Versace’s spring/summer 2023 show, models contrasted the baggy bottoms with a tighter top.

Le Parachute Pant

How to wear it in 2023: For the perfect ’80s model-off-duty look, style your pants with a simple crop top or baby tee.

Neon

Though today’s celebs have been diving into the neon trend, we can’t forget that designers of the ’80s were notoriously famous for their use of bright colors. Take this iconic photo of Iman Abdulmajid strutting down the runway for the Claude Montana spring/summer 1986 show as an example.

How the Runway Did It

Today, we can turn to designers like Fendi for bold, showstopping hues calling back to their ’80s predecessors. Electric colors such as bright Tiffany Blue were a mainstay in the brand’s spring/summer 2023 show.

Summer Mesh Lace Deep Plunge Dress

How to wear it in 2023: In case you haven’t heard, highlighter green is the color of the moment. Just look at this dress—that sheer mesh, plunging neckline, and high side slit? I mean, things can’t get any sexier.

Colored Tights

Colored tights from the ’80s have made a remarkable comeback, reclaiming their place as a bold and trendy fashion statement. Inspired by the vibrant and energetic spirit of the era, fashion enthusiasts are embracing these eye-catching legwear options once again.

How the Runway Did It

Colored tights have undeniably made a bold and captivating appearance on the fashion runways in recent years. This once underutilized accessory has now taken center stage—at the Gucci spring/summer 2023 show, for example—transforming the way we perceive and style our legs. As pictured, bright patterned tights peeked out of the models’ ruffled midis and knee-high boots for a brilliant take on duality.

Denier Classic Opaque Tights

How to wear it in 2023: Give your outfit a little oomph in mere seconds with a pair of these colored tights. These are affordable and come in 15 different colors to choose from. When styling, dare to experiment with zesty prints or go for an all-monochrome look.

Lace

In the ’80s, the more lace, the better. Pop stars of the time popularized the material, which then caught on with younger generations. Lace was found from headbands down to socks during the iconic decade. Since then, the trend has stayed true to form, only with a few modern-day alterations, of course.

How the Runway Did It

Runways are seeing a lot of textures and prints nowadays, including lace. Maryam Nassir Zadeh fused the old with the new in its spring/summer 2023 collection, and we’re loving the juxtaposition of it all.

Mistress Rocks Black Lace Plunge Top

How to wear it in 2023: Save this one for your next girl’s night out. Add the brand’s matching skirt to complete the look too!

Biker Shorts

They’ve been making the rounds for seasons, and they’re going nowhere. Initially created for cyclists, the spandex shorts were synonymous with the ’80s and have made their way back into everyday fashion. Take it from Princess Diana; dress ’em up or down—they’re just too easy.

How the Runway Did It

A little high/low action on the Balmain fall 2023 runway! This resurgence of biker shorts on the catwalk called for more refreshing prints and bold colors—a refreshing sight, for sure.

Airweight High Waist Short

How to wear it in 2023: Add to cart and become an athleisure icon

Loafers

Nothing feels quite as classic as a pair of leather loafers, and thanks to brands like Gucci and Prada, loafers have garnered a new renaissance over the past decade.

How the Runway Did It

Loafers appeared in a number of spring 2023 collections, including that of Louis Vuitton. From formal ensembles to streetwear looks, the slipper adds a refined touch like no other.

Latika Lug Sole Loafer

How to wear it in 2023: This sleek and timeless shoe can be worn with so many pieces you already have. I like to pair mine with crew socks and a flowy dress.

Shoulder Pads

At the time, the purpose of shoulder pads was to create a more masculine shape. Today, they symbolize the rejection of our work-from-home loungewear. When it comes to shoulder pads, we say go big or go home.

How the Runway Did It

Many designers are implementing shoulder pads into their collections for a more dramatic feel. In case you want an example, consider this outfit from Luar’s spring 2023 show.

Rane Padded Shoulder Polo

How to wear it in 2023: Although I’d usually suggest channeling a true ’80s icon in a luxurious dress, you can also go for a more low-key look with this collared shirt from The Frankie Shop. The perfect way to subtly elevate (or bring the drama to) your office look.

Bodysuits

It seems like bodysuits seem to be everywhere we turn, but they also had a heyday in the ’80s. Also known as “leotards,” the onesie was typically paired with track pants, leg warmers, scrunchies, and headbands. Now, they’re often seen paired with trousers, jeans, on their own, and everything in between.

How the Runway Did It

Dolce & Gabbana and bodysuits went hand-in-hand on the runway for its spring 2023 collection. This corset-like bodysuit, along with several other pieces, truly emulated the distinguished yet gothic aesthetic.

Scuba Modern Tank Bodysuit

How to wear it in 2023: Those looking for a more casual approach can’t go wrong with Good American’s cult bodysuits. With several colors to choose from and hundreds of raving reviews, you can just trust us on this one.

Off-The-Shoulder Necklines

For a decade that was over the top in almost every way, the ’80s understood the power of being subtly sexy, which has been a breath of fresh air as we move away from the overt sexiness of Y2K fashion. A style we feel encapsulates that certain je ne sais quoi is the off-the-shoulder look that has been popping up everywhere lately.

How the Runway Did It

Off-the-shoulder dresses and romantic ensembles were spotted throughout the Christian Siriano spring 2023 collection (and each look featured equally stunning jewelry, too!).

Ezlynn Knit Top

How to wear it in 2023: The ruched detailing of this top just screams elegance. Get your cold-shoulder look on with this flattering top. Simply pair it with some jeans or a skirt and you’re ready to go!

Mini Skirts

As the years go by, skirts seem to get drastically shorter—and we’re here for it. Originally inspired by skirts worn by cheerleaders and dancers, the mini skirt gained its popularity in the 1980s with celebrities like Madonna wearing them for performances. And considering the OG influencers they were, mini skirts (unsurprisingly) became the next desired fashion trend.

How the Runway Did It

Feast your eyes on one of Miu Miu’s viral minis. A part of the spring 2023 collection, the luxury house paired the boxy skirt with a plastic clip buckle top.

MICRO MINI SKIRT

How to wear it in 2023: All the It girls are wearing Miaou, and you should, too. This mini is so flattering, and it’s the perfect go-to for those hot summer nights on the town.

Overalls

Overalls (or “dungarees”) were a playful choice then—and continue to be now. Style icon Lady Di in pastel overalls? Perfection.

How the Runway Did It

The workwear-turned-fashion trend made its way onto the Isabel Marant fall 2023 runway, which means you’ll be seeing it everywhere come fall. Various textures such as chunky knits layered underneath the onesie seem to be the move lately, and we’re not mad about it.

Women's Relaxed Fit Bib Overalls, White

How to wear it in 2023: Get yourself a pair from one of the best brands to take on the trend: Levi’s.

Fanny Packs

These zippered pouches were all the rage in the ’80s and we can totally see why. Convenient, hands-free, and an ideal size for all your belongings? Such a functional fad, if we do say so ourselves.

How the Runway Did It

From streetwear labels to Italian brands like Etro (which showed the style in its fall winter 2022 show)—fanny packs have become a mainstay on the runway. Whether nylon or leather, mini or oversized, there are endless styles the hands-free accessory takes form in today.

Commuter Fanny Pack

How to wear it in 2023: Made of lambskin leather and featuring an adjustable strap, this baby’s going to last you a lifetime. Keep your personal belongings close to your chest (or around your waist) without sacrificing your style.

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