Allow These Iconic 1980s Fashion Moments to Be Your Style Inspo

best '80s fashion photos
Allow These '80s Fashion Moments to Be Your InspoGetty Images
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Oh, the 1980s...when broad shoulder pads and big sleeves had an unbreakable grip on closets everywhere. While many of the go-to looks from this decade have been put to bed, there are still quite a few iconic trends we lean on that spawned during this era. That statement belt you have? Or those everyday biker shorts? Or that puff-sleeve dress? All of them are *extremely* '80s. So in order to pay our respects to the pioneers, we've rounded up some unforgettable and defining style moments from the decade, from Princess Di's blazer and jeans combo to Diana Ross' glitzy red dress. Here, 38 '80s fashion photos that'll bring you back to the days of perms and leg warmers and sequins.

1981

Decked out in striped leg warmers and a lycra bodysuit, Heather Locklear looked like the poster girl for the decade.

heather locklear portrait session

1981

Supermodel Iman accompanied Calvin Klein to the Met Gala wearing a shimmering gold gown he designed.

metropolitan museum gala 1981
Rose Hartman - Getty Images

1981

At her iconic wedding, Princess Diana wore a dress valued at more than $100,000. It was made with 10,000 pearls, and reportedly weighed 20 lbs!

princess of wales
Fox Photos - Getty Images

1981

A pair of models happily strutted the Paris streets wearing André Courrèges’ 1981 Fall/Winter collection. They definitely leaned into rhinestones and sequins for their looks.

two models of french fashion designer
STAFF - Getty Images

1982

The models Jerry Hall and Marie Helvin looked like they walked straight off the set of Dallas at the Royal Ascot.

ascot models
Hulton Archive - Getty Images

1983

Goldie Hawn absolutely owned this leopard print blouse during a night out in NYC. (Shoutout to Kurt Russell in the back!)

goldie hawn and kurt russell leave the carlyle hotel for a night out in new york city
Ron Galella - Getty Images

1983

Grace Jones is known for her bold fashion looks, and this eye-catching hat and plunging silhouette she wore to the Grammy Awards was just that.

music file photos 1980s
Chris Walter - Getty Images

1983

Janet Jackson was radiant at the 10th Annual American Music Awards, where she wore this tiered red strapless gown.

10th annual american music awards press room
Ron Galella - Getty Images

1983

For this photoshoot, Cyndi Lauper took to the streets of London in a dress with an entire art palette of colors.

cyndi lauper press shoot
Terry Lott - Getty Images

1984

For this performance, the singer Sade styled her oversized polka-dotted shirt with a waist-cinching black belt.

sade
Rob Verhorst - Getty Images

1984

Presenting none other than Jane Fonda wearing the standard aerobics gear she sported throughout this decade. Her workouts were beyond popular!

jane fonda portrait session
Harry Langdon - Getty Images

1985

If there's one fact about Madonna in the '80s it's that she loved to layer her necklaces. This ensemble she wore to the American Music Awards is the perfect example.

12th annual american music awards
Ron Galella - Getty Images

1985

Has anyone looked better in a giant sweater dress than Jamie Lee Cutis? I think not.

jamie lee curtis portrait session
Harry Langdon - Getty Images

1985

The model Jerry Hall looked captivating at this charity fashion show, where she actually popped up on the runway in a gift-wrapped box!

jerry hall
Georges De Keerle - Getty Images

1985

The iconic rockstar Joan Jett wore this very patriotic ensemble for a 4th of July concert.

joan jett
Ebet Roberts - Getty Images

1986

Brooke Shields rang in her 21st birthday wearing this bright green dress with extra puffy sleeves.

brooke shields' 21st birthday party
Ron Galella, Ltd. - Getty Images

1986

Here, the actress Joan Collins was spotted on the set of Dynasty as her character Alexis Carrington. Isn't this what most people wear to the airport?

actress joan collins during filming of tv series dynasty at van nuys airport, california in june 1986
eddie sanderson - Getty Images

1986

Madonna rocked a pixie cut and a head-to-toe black outfit on the set of the "Papa Don't Preach" music video.

madonna on set of the video for
Terry McGinnis - Getty Images

1987

Lisa Bonet channeled her inner rockstar at the MTV Video Music Awards wearing a large leather jacket over a fringe bralette.

1987 mtv video music awards
Ron Galella - Getty Images

1987

Joan Collins looked like a springtime dream at this English golf tournament. The bright yellow look really came together with her neutral accessories.

joan collins
Georges De Keerle - Getty Images

1987

Dolly Parton hosted a variety show in the most Dolly Parton-ish sparkly white gown possible.

the dolly show
ABC Photo Archives - Getty Images

1987

Whitney Houston and her mother, Cissy, both dressed to impress for this Mother's Day television special.

abc special superstars and their moms
ABC Photo Archives - Getty Images

1987

A young Alyssa Milano looked sporty-chic in a pair of black-and-white biker shorts and a scoop neck tank.

hollywood all star baseball game august 29, 1987
Ron Galella - Getty Images

1987

Here, Princess Diana wore an Escada coat with a Phillip Somerville hat in Berlin. I mean, this woman literally ran '80s fashion. Sorry, I don't make the rules ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.

diana in escada
Princess Diana Archive - Getty Images

1987

Diana Ross exuded pure superstar energy in this sparkly red column gown.

diana ross portrait session
Harry Langdon - Getty Images

1988

For the 60th annual Academy Awards, Cher wore this absolutely legendary transparent Bob Mackie gown.

cher's oscar
Darlene Hammond - Getty Images

1988

Princess Diana kept it casual in jeans, a blazer, boots, and baseball cap during this outing.

prince william with his mother diana, princess of wales at g
Tim Graham - Getty Images

1988

Before Carrie Bradshaw even existed, Sarah Jessica Parker was already churning out bold red carpet looks. She was giving real flower power at this Amnesty International benefit concert.

amnesty international presents human rights now concert
Ron Galella, Ltd. - Getty Images

1988

Paula Abdul dominated the dance floor wearing hoops and a flashy blue vest in the "Forever Your Girl" music video.

<span class="photo-credit">Michael Ochs Archives - Getty Images</span>
Michael Ochs Archives - Getty Images

1988

Here, Naomi Campbell walked the YSL catwalk in this black mini blazer dress.

ready to wear fall winter 1988 1989 show
Daniel SIMON - Getty Images

1988

Goldie Hawn went for chic vacation vibes in this sleek white outfit and ultra-cool sunglasses with a bold brow.

12th annual women in film crystal awards
Ron Galella, Ltd. - Getty Images

1988

What is '80s fashion if not extreme neon tones? This look on the Dior Fall/Winter runway embraced every color possible, with an orange corset, an emerald green skirt, and a hot pink satin jacket.

a model displays a satin ensemble of rose three qu
PIERRE GUILLAUD - Getty Images

1988

This unidentified diva caught everyone's eyes at a Harlem drag ball, wearing elbow-length gloves and a strapless bodycon dress.

harlem drag ball
Catherine McGann - Getty Images

1989

Julia Roberts pulled up to a movie premiere in an oversized white sweater and killer thigh-high boots.

great balls of fire los angeles premiere
Steve.Granitz/INACTIVE - Getty Images

1989

Princess Di had countless iconic fashion moments. This contrasting Catherine Walker suit she wore in Dubai is just quintessentially '80s.

princess diana in dubai
Georges De Keerle - Getty Images

1989

This photo of Linda Evangelista at a Calvin Klein fashion show has got to be on one of Harry Styles' inspiration boards.

calvin klein fashion show
Images Press - Getty Images

1989

Here, a model wears a structured yellow and orange jacket by Thierry Mugler. I can totally see Kim K donning this same piece today, just sayin'.

thierry mugler spring 1989
Images Press - Getty Images

1989

And last but not least, Iman wore this draped brown Yves Saint Laurent number for the 1989 collection, working the runway as only Iman can.

1989
Daniel SIMON - Getty Images

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