Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Oversized Blazers
TBH, I can’t remember the last time I wore a fitted blazer. Although the ’80s were a time full of boldness and color, oversized blazers were one of the more luxe trends. However, one could dress it down with bike shorts or a pair of jeans à la Sarah Jessica Parker. The versatile trend is here to stay, so when sporting one for your ensemble, remember: the bigger, the better.
How the Runway Did It
Lately, blazers have been getting more and more oversized on the runways. Valentino showed the boxy style as part of its ready-to-wear fall 2023 collection, which showcased a new way to style it: with tailored shorts.
Djerf Avenue Forever Blazer
Djerf Avenue Forever Blazer
How to wear it in 2023: Offering sizes up to 3XL, everyone can recreate this trend with Djerf Avenue’s viral blazer. Whether it’s paired with a casual T-shirt for the office or a sparkly mini dress for a night out, the Forever Blazer gives off the effortless cool girl look we can’t help but fawn over.
Hooded Dresses
This photo of Grace Jones walking the Azzedine Alaia spring/summer 1986 couture show may or may not be the reason why our love for hooded dresses is so strong. They are sleek, regal, and leave much to the imagination, what more could you need?
How the Runway Did It
Designers featured hooded dresses across the board in recent seasons. Proven at the Bevza spring/summer 2023 show, the style has certainly ensured its spot on the 1980s comeback roster.
RTA Cowl Hood Maxi Dress
How to wear it in 2023: Who says you have to wait until the colder months to try out this trend? RTA’s take on the trend is made using slinky jersey fabric and features a back vent.
Denim Everything
It’s no secret designers recycle denim trends of the past. We’ve seen the return of low-rise boot-cut jeans from the early 2000s to ultra-long, ultra-baggy skater jeans of the ’90s. Why not. the’80s, too? Anything goes, really.
How the Runway Did It
For 2023, Canadian tuxedos, a.k.a. head-to-toe denim, has made their way back onto the runway. There are so many ways to wear this fashion-forward, all-denim look. Case in point: this Givenchy look from its spring/summer 2023 collection.
Showpo Aelicia Dress – Button Through Denim Mini Dress
Showpo Aelicia Dress – Button Through Denim Mini Dress
How to wear it in 2023: Invest in a full-on ensemble à la Dolly Parton. Or, for a more modernized take, opt for a mini denim dress.
Parachute Pants
Have parachute pants ever really fallen out of style? Originally known as “hammer pants” (made famous by rapper MC Hammer), parachute pants served as one of the more functional and comfortable pieces of clothing in this era.
How the Runway Did It
This season, the oversized pants appeared to be fashion’s favorite. As seen in Versace’s spring/summer 2023 show, models contrasted the baggy bottoms with a tighter top.
Local European Le Parachute Pant
Local European Le Parachute Pant
How to wear it in 2023: For the perfect ’80s model-off-duty look, style your pants with a simple crop top or baby tee.
Neon
Though today’s celebs have been diving into the neon trend, we can’t forget that designers of the ’80s were notoriously famous for their use of bright colors. Take this iconic photo of Iman Abdulmajid strutting down the runway for the Claude Montana spring/summer 1986 show as an example.
How the Runway Did It
Today, we can turn to designers like Fendi for bold, showstopping hues calling back to their ’80s predecessors. Electric colors such as bright Tiffany Blue were a mainstay in the brand’s spring/summer 2023 show.
Skims Summer Mesh Lace Deep Plunge Dress
Skims Summer Mesh Lace Deep Plunge Dress
How to wear it in 2023: In case you haven’t heard, highlighter green is the color of the moment. Just look at this dress—that sheer mesh, plunging neckline, and high side slit? I mean, things can’t get any sexier.
Colored Tights
Colored tights from the ’80s have made a remarkable comeback, reclaiming their place as a bold and trendy fashion statement. Inspired by the vibrant and energetic spirit of the era, fashion enthusiasts are embracing these eye-catching legwear options once again.
How the Runway Did It
Colored tights have undeniably made a bold and captivating appearance on the fashion runways in recent years. This once underutilized accessory has now taken center stage—at the Gucci spring/summer 2023 show, for example—transforming the way we perceive and style our legs. As pictured, bright patterned tights peeked out of the models’ ruffled midis and knee-high boots for a brilliant take on duality.
Los Angeles Apparel Denier Classic Opaque Tights
Los Angeles Apparel Denier Classic Opaque Tights
How to wear it in 2023: Give your outfit a little oomph in mere seconds with a pair of these colored tights. These are affordable and come in 15 different colors to choose from. When styling, dare to experiment with zesty prints or go for an all-monochrome look.
Lace
In the ’80s, the more lace, the better. Pop stars of the time popularized the material, which then caught on with younger generations. Lace was found from headbands down to socks during the iconic decade. Since then, the trend has stayed true to form, only with a few modern-day alterations, of course.
How the Runway Did It
Runways are seeing a lot of textures and prints nowadays, including lace. Maryam Nassir Zadeh fused the old with the new in its spring/summer 2023 collection, and we’re loving the juxtaposition of it all.
Fashion Assistant – Freelance
Emma is a Freelance Fashion Assistant at ELLE Magazine. She thinks listening to electronic music, wearing all black, and stopping for something sweet are always good ideas.
Amanda Le is a contributing writer at Hearst Magazines, where she covers fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and entertainment. In her free time, you can find her thrifting her next outfit, traveling to new cities, crushing a boxing class, or eating her way through NYC!
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
