What Goes Around Comes Around
Some fashion trends vanish so completely you can barely find them in thrift stores. Others doggedly hang on to the cultural ethos decades after the fact. They simply morph, adapt, and sneak their way into modern wardrobes so subtly that you may not even realize you’ve been wearing retro all week. The thing is, the 80s never really left us; they simply learned how to disguise themselves by toning down the neon, trimming the shoulder pads, and swapping the perm for a messy bun. But if you walk down the street right now, you’ll see more than a few ghosts of 1985. Here are 20 items from that neon, synthesizer-soaked decade that are still hanging on:
1. Denim Jackets
It’s hard to imagine a decade without the denim jacket. Oversized, often acid-washed, and sometimes adorned with pins or patches, the 80s took this fashion staple to another level. Today’s denim jackets are sleeker but owe a lot to those bold 80s predecessors.
2. High-Waisted Jeans
Baggy? Yes. Tight? Also yes. But those high-waisted jeans with a mom-fit silhouette remain a classic. They scream 80s, but they’re also everywhere now, mixed with crop tops or tucked-in tees. The revival in recent years is a powerful reminder that some fashion staples really are timeless.
3. Graphic Tees
With its pop culture references, massive band logos, and neon slogans, the graphic tee was a walking billboard in the 80s. Graphic tees may have mellowed into vintage-style prints, but they still hold onto that bold spirit. And who hasn’t grabbed one at a concert or festival?
4. Leggings
Before yoga pants made their way into everyday casual wear, leggings were the 80s go-to for casual comfort and workout gear. Bright colors, geometric patterns, or plain black, they fully embodied the perfect combo of stretch and style. Now, leggings have become a wardrobe staple, and even the neon ones are making a comeback.
5. Scrunchies
Ah, the humble scrunchie. Once dismissed as a relic, it’s staged a massive comeback. This simple woman’s staple doubles as a practical means of keeping hair out of your face and a major fashion statement, often playing double duty as a wrist accessory.
6. Shoulder Pads
Probably the most iconic (and most dreaded) 80s fashion element on our list. Big, bold, and unapologetically assertive, shoulder pads redefined the silhouette for women’s jackets and dresses. These days, you’ll find subtle versions in blazers and coats for both men and women, offering the subtlest callback to that bold office statement.
7. Acid-Wash Jeans
The faded, almost tie-dye effect of acid-wash jeans is back and has been for a while. Once seen as rebellious and wild, it’s now all but commonplace—even mundane. Paired with a simple tee or a leather jacket, acid wash is a quick way to add some retro flair to your outfit.
8. Leather Jackets
If we’re talking durable, classic pieces with 80s flair, leather jackets definitely qualify. Think studded, cropped, or biker styles. They’ve been a staple for decades but owe much of their street cred to the punk and rock scenes of the 80s.
9. Neon Colors
If you’re discussing the 80s, there’s no way to avoid mentioning neon. Lime green, hot pink, electric blue—the colors that practically glowed under black lights. Neon never truly died; it merely reduced its fashion footprint for a while, popping up in sneakers, accessories, and even makeup.
10. Parachute Pants
Remember those shiny, baggy pants with zippered pockets? Not everyone loved them back then, but parachute pants have become a quirky retro favorite. They show up in music videos and streetwear with a nod to their bold origins.
11. Fingerless Gloves
Originally functional for musicians and bikers, fingerless gloves became an edgy accessory, adding a healthy dose of attitude to any outfit. Today, they’re back in select fashion circles, especially during colder months, for those who want to keep their hands warm while maintaining some dexterity.
12. Wrap Dresses
Made famous by designers like Diane von Fürstenberg in the 70s and becoming iconic throughout the 80s, the wrap dress never completely left fashion culture. It’s flattering, cute, and surprisingly versatile, making it an enduring classic and summer staple.
13. Leg Warmers
Thanks to aerobics and dance culture, leg warmers were once ubiquitous. Woolly, colorful, and often layered over tights or jeans, they’ve slipped back into style, especially in retro-inspired workout wear.
14. Oversized Sweaters
These chunky knits with bold patterns or simple solid colors seem to swallow you whole, and that’s exactly the point. They’re perfect for lounging or layering and are still as cozy and stylish today as they were back in the 80s.
15. Tracksuits
Constructed of durable velour or nylon, tracksuits were both functional athletic wear and bold fashion statements. The matching top and bottom combo screamed casual cool. Nowadays, athleisure owes a lot to this 80s trend.
16. Pleated Skirts
From schoolgirl chic to rebellious punk, pleated skirts were once a woman’s fashion staple across all ages and demographics. The 80s added length variations and bold patterns, and modern fashion continues to revisit this pleated style, mixing and matching it with unexpected shirts and shoes.
17. Turtlenecks
Sleek and practical, turtlenecks could be polished or understated and were often layered under dresses or blazers. They offered a polished look without fuss and doubled as a warm go-to for your weekend ski trip. Their comeback in minimalist wardrobes proves their lasting appeal.
18. Graphic Sweatshirts
Oversized and cozy, graphic sweatshirts with logos, cartoons, or slogans were once everywhere. Today, they’re a mainstay in casual streetwear and are often paired with sneakers or layered under jackets for a fresh, timeless look.
19. Bucket Hats
Once seen as purely functional, bucket hats inexplicably turned into a trendy accessory with 80s hip-hop and skate culture. Once considered outmoded by a modern audience, they’ve recently resurfaced as an unironic must-have for sunny days and casual urban wear.
20. Converse Sneakers
Finally, the classic Chuck Taylors. Immortalized in the 80s by teenagers, the straightlaced, and rebels alike, Converse sneakers are still going strong, with passionate supporters from every walk of life. Whether worn high-topped or low, they’re a symbol of effortless cool.
