I’m calling it: we’re going to see some fun 1980s inspired trends in 2025. Don’t worry, we won’t be wearing neon off-the-shoulder tops with black lace gloves and teased hair. But it does mean that we’ll be seeing “maximalism”, brighter colors, and bolder styles than we did during our “quiet luxury” and “clean girl” eras. In this post, we’ll explore seven 1980s inspired trends that I’m seeing in fashion right now…
1.Bright Colors & Pastels
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What colors were popular in the 1980s? Bold colors, cool pastels, and neons defined the 80s (and often they were mixed together into graphic prints). In 2025 we’ll soften these colors with the neutrals we’ve collected over the past couple of years. If you don’t already have some bright colors and pastels in your closet, here are some options:
Electric/Royal Blue
This Brushed Cashmere T-shirt comes in Regal Blue. Wear it with neutral (black, gray, tan, etc) trousers and loafers for work, or with a satin midi skirt for dinner.
For warm weather options, take a look at this Open-back Midi and this Shirtdress in Cape Blue. Wear them with your tan, black, or white sandals.
Looking for comfortable, chic shoes? Try these Royalty Blue Slingback Pumps to brighten up your little black dress.
Bright / Lime Green
This Bright Lime Green Sweater and this Tie Waist Midi dress look chic when paired with dark denim.
You may also like this Cashmere Sweater in Grass.
Hot Pink / Fuchsia
Lululemon’s Passionate is a bright, dark pink and comes in tops like their Scuba Half-Zip sweatshirt, and bottoms like their dance studio pants. Wear these with your favorite black athleisure pieces.
Athleta’s one-piece swimsuit comes in Pop Pink.
Icy Pink
Cool, icy pinks from the 80s pastel trend, are replacing the soft and muted “millennial pink” we have been wearing recently. Take a look at this V-Neck Popover Blouse, this V-Neck Top, and this Cable Mock Neck Sweater at Ann Taylor (they call it Pink Ribbon).
This Cashmere Shrunken Crew Neck Sweater in Icy Pink will brighten up a gloomy winter or rainy spring.
I’m wearing Lululemon’s Scuba Sweatshirt Strawberry Milkshake (this one is similar, but please note that it’s final sale).
Light / Butter Yellow
Light yellow was a part of the 80s pastel trend. In 2024 it came back as a muted butter yellow, and this year we’ll still see this softer yellow in fashion.
This comfy, cozy sweatshirt and matching joggers from the GAP are perfect for a weekend at home. Or try this Cozy Ribbed Cardigan in Banana Crepe for a relaxed but polished look.
You might also like these cropped wide leg pants in Buttermilk Yellow. Wear it with your favorite white t-shirt and denim jacket for a casual, chic look.
2.Denim On Denim
In the 1980s we wore denim vests with denim skirts, acid-wash jeans with denim jackets, and heavily distressed denim. In 2025, we’re mixing and matching our “clean” (distress-free) denim.
For a casual look, try pairing this Classic Denim Shirt with Baggy Jeans. Tuck the shirt in or wear it as a third piece over a white T-shirt.
This 1980s inspired Western Yoke Midi Skirt would look chic with a cropped denim jacket.
If you’re looking for a new denim jacket, try these 1980s inspired trends: Free People’s Smocked Cropped Jacket, Able’s Relaxed Boyfriend Jacke, or GAP’s elastic waist Bomber Jacket.
3.Puff Sleeved Dresses And Tops
Are you picturing big puff-sleeved dresses with ruffles from the 80s? Don’t worry, in 2025, we’re seeing subtle, more tasteful puff-sleeved dresses and tops
Take a look at this Ruffled Button Down shirt, and this Linen Puff Sleeved Blouse for summer.
If you prefer a dress, take a look at this Tiered Midi Dress with puff sleeves.
4.Polo/Rugby Shirts
In the 80s we wore textured polo shirts (with the collars up). Today, polo shirts are soft and luxurious.
Take a look at this Ribbed Polo available in stripes or color-blocked options. For a warmer option, try this Cashmere Polo.
Prefer long sleeves? Try this Long Sleeve Rugby Polo Shirt or this buttonless Rugby Top. If you are looking for a solid color, take a look at this organic cotton Collared Polo Sweatshirt in pink. J.Crew factory Cotton Polo is affordable and comes in 8 colors.
I’m wearing this Cashmere Rugby Sweater Polo, Ribbed Merino Polo, and this soft Long Sleeve Polo.
5.Black Leather Jackets
In the 80s, we wore our studded black leather jackets with white T-shirts and distressed jeans. This year, we’ll be wearing smooth leather bombers and moto jackets with jeans or tailored pants.
If you’re looking for a black leather jacket, take a look at this cropped Washed Leather Motorcycle Jacket or this Oversized Leather Bomber.
Looking for a more affordable option to leather? Take a look at Clara Sunwoo’s Liquid Leather™ Collection. I have the Signature Jacket in Merlot and the Biker Jacket in Colablt (both #gifted by the brand).
6.Power Suits
In the 80s our power suits were blazers with sharp shoulders and wide pants, or Lady jackets with pencil skirts. In 2025, we’ve started to see power suits on the fashion runways and at celebrity events.
For the rest of us, I’m predicting polished but comfortable power suits like Banana Republic’s Cropped Ponte Blazer and Ponte Pants. (You’ll find more affordable versions at Banana Republic Factory).
If you don’t already have a crisp blazer, take a look at this Captain’s Blazer and this Vivienne Blazer.
7.Asymmetry
In the 80s we wore our slouchy sweatshirts off one shoulder with side ponytails. Today, we’re seeing asymmetry in more polished ways.
Take a look at this Asymmetric Cotton Shirt and this Collared Wrap Shirt.
8.Bubble Hems
The bubble hem mini-skirts of the 80s have been reinterpreted into softer bubble hem skirts, tops, and sleeves.
Take a look a Lululemon’s Relaxed Define Jacket which has a drawstring hem that you can cinch into a bubble hem.
Not a fan of the mini skirt? Try Anthropologie’s Bubble Hem Midi skirt with a fitted T-shirt or tie-front button-down skirt.
For dinner or date-night, wear this bubble hem chiffon top with jeans, a pencil skirt, or wide leg pants.
9.Leopard Print
Leopard print was the symbol of opulence and glamor in the 80s. Animal prints never really go out of style, but at the end of 2024 we started seeing more of it. And in 2025, it’s still going strong.
Try this Leopard Print Midi Skirt with a black cashmere sweater or a chiffon top for dinner or a party.
A skinny leopard print belt is an easy way to add a touch of leopard print to your outfit.
Or cozy up in this Leopard Print Pajama Set.
Here are a few more options in leopard print:
1980s Inspired Trends That I’m Skipping
There are a few 1980s inspired trends that I probably won’t be wearing this year mostly because they aren’t flattering for my style: leopard print near my face (the color just doesn’t work for me) and bubble mini skirts. I’m excited to add more 80s inspired colors, puff sleeves, bubble hem tops, and possibly a black leather jacket to my closet.
What I am glad we left behind in the 1980s? Punk looks, mini skirts with capris leggings, tulle mini skirts, and big hair! how about you? Any 80s styles you love or don’t love?! Let’s talk…
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