Buzz
An exclusive Members Only guide to mastering the bold and extravagant styles of the 1980s.
1. Off-the-Shoulder Sweatshirts
The effortlessly chic slouchy sweatshirt trend, famously showcased by Jennifer Beals in the 1983 hit Flashdance (top), required no special skills to pull off. This versatile look appealed to fashion lovers of all ages and remains a timeless style today (try DIY-ing your own at home).
2. Members Only Jackets
Photo courtesy of Filmyr
Gaining entry into the exclusive club of kids sporting these sleek, minimalist jackets—emblazoned with the iconic Members Only logo—cost just a few dollars. Launched in the U.S. in 1980, these jackets came in a range of hues and fabrics (with leather being the ultimate luxury) and were marketed with the tagline, 'When you put it on, something happens.'
3. Hawaiian Shirts
Photo courtesy of Among Men
Tom Selleck, who portrayed Hawaii's most charming private investigator, Thomas Magnum, in Magnum P.I. from 1980 to 1988, became a style icon for both young boys and older men. While his iconic Ferrari was a dream for most, two of Magnum's signature looks were affordable and easy to replicate: his legendary mustache (follow these tips to grow your own) and vibrant red Hawaiian shirts. The show's popularity sent sales of these tropical shirts soaring, with Magnum's original “Jungle Bird” Aloha Shirt becoming the ultimate collector's item for fans.
4. Big Shoulders
Photo courtesy of Sophie Grumble
The fashion world shifted from bare shoulders to bold, exaggerated ones! TV shows like Dallas and Dynasty showcased women whose influence was symbolized by the size of their shoulder pads. The rule was simple: the larger, the better. Icons like Joan Collins and Linda Evans from Dynasty epitomized this trend, which dominated both school hallways and corporate offices. Many padded blouses and jackets featured Velcro strips inside the shoulders, allowing wearers to adjust the pad size for different events or moods.
5. Popped Collars
Photo courtesy of DVDActive
During the 1980s, flipping up your collar was the ultimate style move, especially for preppy polo shirt enthusiasts. Bold stripes, particularly in vibrant candy colors, were all the rage, and sporting an Izod alligator logo was the height of sophistication—so much so that it earned a mention in Lisa Birnbach’s iconic The Official Preppy Handbook.
6. Baracuta Jackets
Photo courtesy of J. Crew
Sharp-eyed fans of the 'Popped Collars' image (a snapshot from 1983’s Valley Girl) might have noticed Baracuta, the top rival to Members Only in the '80s. Originating from England, the Baracuta G9 jacket featured sleek solid exteriors hiding vibrant plaid linings. It gained fame when Elvis Presley wore it in King Creole in the late 1950s. The jacket also appeared on Ryan O’Neal in Peyton Place and Christopher Reeve in Superman, while icons like Steve McQueen, Frank Sinatra, and '80s preppies embraced it. Recently, Baracuta launched a new website celebrating the jacket’s legacy, complete with purchasing options.
7. Exercise Gear
Photo courtesy of Wendi Aarons
Jennifer Beals and Olivia Newton-John weren’t the only icons transforming workout wear into everyday fashion in the '80s. Stylish women everywhere began adopting aerobics and dance class attire for school, shopping, and even office settings. Key pieces included headbands, leg warmers, spandex, slouchy socks, and leotards paired with glossy tights—the shinier, the better.
8. Guess Jeans
The designer jean craze, still thriving today, traces its roots to the 1980s, when brands like Calvin Klein, Gloria Vanderbilt, and Jordache dominated the denim scene. However, no emblem captured 1983 better than the iconic Guess triangle, prominently stitched onto the back right pocket. (And yes, this often included stone-washed denim for that extra '80s flair.)
9. Parachute Pants
Photo courtesy of Regalo.com
Breakdancing in the ’80s? You likely found your backspins and windmills smoother and more dynamic in a pair of parachute pants. Distinct from the later M.C. Hammer-style balloon pants, the earlier version was crafted from nylon (ripstop nylon was a favorite), often in vivid hues and adorned with an array of zippers.
10. Jellies
Photo courtesy of Pip Pip Hooray
If you spot a pair of jelly shoes in your closet today, don’t be surprised—they’ve staged a major comeback in recent years. (Even BuzzFeed confirms it.) These PVC shoes, available in a kaleidoscope of colors and intricate cutout designs, some with heels or glitter accents, were a staple of ’80s fashion. Remarkably, many sold for $1 or less. (Yes, you read that right—just one dollar!)
11. Lace With an Edge
Photo courtesy of Mirror80
Madonna’s influence on ’80s fashion is undeniable, with trends like crop tops, oversized ribbon hairbands, mesh tops, and lace gloves becoming iconic after her 1983 hits “Holiday” and “Lucky Star.” Thankfully, her infamous Boy Toy belt buckle didn’t emerge until later.
12. Swatches
Photo courtesy of Swatch
Swiss watches embraced vibrant colors and a playful vibe when Swatch launched its plastic watch collection in 1983. The name Swatch, a shortened form of “second watch,” hinted at their affordable, almost disposable appeal. Their quirky designs and budget-friendly prices inspired fans to stack multiple watches on their wrists.
13. Ray-Ban Sunglasses
Photo courtesy of TomCruise.com
Ray-Ban’s popularity soared thanks to Tom Cruise, who turned their Wayfarers into a must-have accessory for aspiring cool kids after 1983’s Risky Business. Two years later, his Aviator sunglasses in Top Gun boosted sales by an impressive 40 percent.
14. Calvin Klein Underwear
Photo courtesy of Esquire
For over three decades, Calvin Klein has dominated the men’s underwear market, thanks to his groundbreaking approach of making men care about what they wore under their clothes. His bold advertising campaigns, like the iconic billboards, captured attention and cemented the brand’s reputation. Even now, men’s underwear remains a significant part of the company’s revenue.
15. Kangol Hats
Photo courtesy of The Fashion Bomb
A hallmark of hip-hop fashion, Kangol hats are closely linked to icons like Run-D.M.C., LL Cool J, and The Notorious B.I.G. However, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five were among the first to embrace the brand, as seen on the cover of their iconic single, “The Message.”
