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Jun 23, 2023

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

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

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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'.

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.

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