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’80s Fashion Trends You Can Get Away with Wearing Today

Author Kayla Morgan

The fascination with the ’80s is still going strong among the younger generation. On social media platforms like TikTok, you’ll stumble upon some trends that highlight the fashion and trends of the decade. One trend I’ve been obsessed recently with is when kids ask parents to “dance like it’s the ’80s” in a new dance challenge. In the trend, kids play the 1984 track Smalltown Boy by the British pop band Bronski Beat and wait to see how their parents respond. Many parents have been serving up pure 80s nostalgia with their moves.

Another trend I’ve been seeing a lot of is the “What if we got married in the 1980s.” This trend involves a popular CapCut filter. You take an image of you and your significant other and let the platform AI filter ’80s-fy your photo with a wedding twist portrait twist.

Lately, I’ve been noticing many people embracing ’80s fashion trends, such as teased hair and bright costumes. Glam metal and disco. Of course, colorful neon and spandex. Much of ’80s inspiration can be found in music and entertainment from Katy Perry’s “Last Friday Night” and Dua Lipa’s Future Nostalgia album to Stranger Things, Totally Killer, and Lisa Frankenstein.

80s Fashion Trends You Can Get Away with Wearing Today

Mixing retro with modern is all the rage these days! It’s super easy to blend iconic ’80s pieces with today’s fashion for a complete look. The best part? You might already have something in your wardrobe that screams ’80s.

It may look a bit different now, but skirt suits and oversized blazers are making their way back into mainstream fashion. Don’t worry shoulder pads are completely optional with this look.

Can you ever have too much denim? Not in the 80s. High-waisted silhouettes ruled the decade. Nowadays, they’re called Mom jeans. While low-rise options are on the rise, high-rise jeans remain a trendy denim staple. Acid-wash jeans are also making a fun comeback.

InStyle tells us that aerobics instructor Gilda Marx kicked off the Spandex craze while outfitting her A-list clientele in LA. These days, you’ll see people sporting bright spandex beyond the gym, pairing leotards and bodysuits with cute shoes or jeans.

Can’t forget about hair scrunchies. I’m thrilled to see the return of hair scrunchies, now upgraded with silk to promote healthy hair. For hair, ’80s styles are making a big splash today with mullets, wolf cuts, bold blowouts, crimped hair, and side ponytails all making a fierce comeback. Some people have even tried and failed at DIY attempts to get some of these ’80s hair looks.

Accessories like metallic studs, spikes, chains, buckles, fishnets, and big earrings are making a splash, adding an extra pop to any outfit.

At festivals and concerts, belt bags and fanny packs are everywhere—convenient, fashionable, and oh-so-’80s. The trend has evolved into an across-the-body look rather than the classic fanny style.

These are just a few ’80s trends you can totally pull off or sneak into a more modern look today.

Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it. She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel. A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community. She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.

6 Nostalgic Fashion Trends Gracing Your Closet Again

Fashion is a fascinating, ever-evolving phenomenon that embraces both innovation and nostalgia. It’s interesting how certain styles from past decades tend to resurface and find their way back into contemporary fashion. Many fashion trends we once believed were gone for good have made a surprising comeback, proving us wrong and demonstrating their relevance in today’s world.

The minimalistic fashion of the 1990s has experienced a revival in recent years. Clean lines, neutral colors, and simple silhouettes have become prominent in modern wardrobes. Timeless pieces like slip dresses, trench coats, and tailored suits evoke a sense of refined sophistication that continues to resonate with contemporary fashion enthusiasts. Celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Emily Ratajkowski, and Laura Harrier have embraced a clean and minimalistic style, often opting for tube tops and strapless dresses as part of their fashion choices.

Nostalgic fashion trends

Also, making a comeback is the tailoring and polished looks of the 1950s. Midi skirts, high-waisted trousers, and tailored blouses have become staples in many wardrobes, offering a classic and versatile approach to dressing. Numerous celebrities, supermodels, and even royalty have traded their reliable wardrobes for a more polished looks.

The fashion of the 1940s has influenced modern designs, emphasizing practicality and functionality. Cargo pants, boiler suits, and workwear-inspired pieces have found their place in contemporary fashion, celebrating the beauty of simplicity and comfort. Forbes even wrote a piece on how to style cargo pants because they’re the look of choice for 2023.

The resurgence of styles from past decades is a testament to fashion’s ability to draw inspiration from history while embracing the spirit of modernity. As fashion continues to evolve, we can expect to witness more of these delightful comebacks, creating a blend of nostalgia and innovation that defines the essence of contemporary style.

Check out these six nostalgic fashion trends that have made a stylish comeback and are finding their way into the closets of fashion enthusiasts.

  • Chunky Shoes

    During the 1980s, sneakers took center stage as the go-to footwear choice, according to Complex magazine. They are often paired with Levi’s jeans or a fun skirt. Today, this trend has experienced a remarkable resurgence, with prominent designer brands like Yeezy and Gucci introducing some of the chunkiest and most fashionable shoes to date. Olivia Rodrigo seems to appreciate the trend’s return.

  • White Boots

    According to Harper’s Bazaar, some key styles to keep an eye on include the timeless ankle boot, a modern take on the classic cowboy boot, lace-up designs, and versatile platform boots. These fashion-forward options come in various shades of white, vanilla, and cream, perfect for everyday dressing. You’ll even spot celebs like Rihanna rocking a pair of white boots while scrolling social media.

  • Cargo Pants

    Gone are the cargo pants and shorts from the ’90s that might have caused some embarrassment. Instead, the revamped cargo pants of today are sleek, form-fitting, and exude an edgy vibe. Embracing a slim-fit design, these cargo pants can be effortlessly paired with stylish sneakers and graphic tees. It’s a “nostalgia for the styles from back in the early 2000s that Gen Z tends to be gravitating towards,” Liz Teich, a New York-based stylist, told The Post.

  • Scrunchies

    The tight, elastic hair bands of the past are gradually being replaced by a gentler and more delicate option – scrunchies! The resurgence of scrunchies has gained popularity among both celebrities and the general public. Not only are these hair ties a fashion hit, but they also prove to be much healthier for your hair compared to traditional elastic bands. Scrunchies minimize hair friction and breakage while avoiding unsightly bends in your hair after being tied up. This revival has garnered support from celebrities like Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, and Khushi Kapoor, who have been spotted sporting this trendy accessory.

    Silk elastic bands on woman's arm. Luxury colors.

  • Pleated Skirts

    Pleated skirts have made a significant comeback, becoming a major trend in the fashion world. Whether it’s pleated cargo skirts, denim minis, or classic black pleated skirts, these versatile pieces are taking center stage. To create different looks, you can pair them with crop tops, socks, and loafers for a chic denim or chino style, or opt for tank tops and strappy heels to rock the leather versions. Embrace a preppy, glamorous, or retro aesthetic to perfectly complement these stylish skirts.

  • Belly Chains

    Belly chains have become the latest social media sensation, catching fashion enthusiasts’ attention. Past stars like Christina Aguilera and Aaliyah were known for flaunting these shimmering accent pieces, pairing them with corset tops and cropped tanks. The appeal of body jewelry lies in its ability to elevate any outfit, making a bold statement. Whether you opt for harnesses or waist chains, the options are boundless, allowing you to express your unique style in countless ways.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Co4mSses3nB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

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Author Kayla Morgan
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