10 Popular 80s Fashion Women Trends | Fashion in 80’s
It’s time to whip out your favourite 80s fashion women trends and get ready for a trip down memory lane. We’re talking about the era of big hair, platform shoes, neon clothes, and even more neon accessories — a look you’ll still catch echoes of in Melbourne’s laneway vintage stores and Sydney’s Newtown op shops.
And we know you’re thinking: “What is so great about this decade?” Well, we’ll tell you!
First of all, let’s talk about hair. The best part about this era was the fact that almost every woman wanted to have long hair. It was so popular that most women had their hair cut short by the end of 1980.
The 80s were an era of great music, fashion, and style. Here’s a look at some of the biggest trends of the decade.
- 1980s rock fashion
- Graphic T-shirts
- Mini Skirts
- Animal Print Dresses
- Leg Warmers
- Acid wash jeans
- Power suits
- Lace Dresses
- Denim Overalls
- Polka dots
Leather Jacket
Shop Similar Products: Moto Jacket | Blazer | Hooded Jacket
The 1980s rock aesthetic relied heavily on statement outerwear. A classic women's leather jacket was an absolute essential in any wardrobe, easily styled over graphic tees or lace dresses for an edgy, sophisticated look.
The jackets were usually made of leather or suede, but they could also be made out of fur and other textiles. Leather was a popular choice because it was durable and could be worn across the seasons — from Melbourne’s July chill through to Sydney’s cool spring evenings.
80s women fashion was all about being edgy and sophisticated and what better way to achieve that than having a leather jacket by your side?
The leather jacket is a timeless outerwear and can still be worn for a refined and urbane look.
80’s T-Shirts
Who doesn’t love a good t-shirt with 1980s slogans? Whether you’re planning a night out in a Fitzroy bar, or just looking to add some fun to your wardrobe, we’ve got you covered.
The 1980s were a time of change and rebellion. They were also a time of big hair and big t-shirts, which is why we’re celebrating the decade with a collection of statement tees for your bodacious wardrobe.
These shirts are made from soft, comfortable materials in a variety of styles. They’re designed to be worn casually or dressed up for an occasion.
These types of T-shirts were the real hype as 80s fashion for women and they are surely coming back to style your current outfits.
Mini Skirts
The 80s were a time of great change, and the fashion industry was no exception. We’re talking about the mini skirt: a short, tight-fitting garment that was a staple of women’s wardrobes in the 1980s.
The mini skirt’s popularity was due to a number of factors, including the fact that it was more comfortable than other fashions of the time, like leggings or tights. It also made women feel more confident and sexy than wearing long dresses or skirts.
These days we might not wear miniskirts as often, but they’re still around and we think they’re still pretty awesome!
The reason could be that they truly capture the 80s fashion women outfit sense and can be paired with absolutely almost anything — perfect for Australia’s long festival summers (December–February).
Animal Print Dresses
Animal print dresses have been a popular look for women in the 80s.
Dresses with animal print designs are very popular. They are also known as leopard print.
The animal print dresses were very popular in the 80s as they had a retro look to them. Animal print dresses also came in different shapes and sizes which made them more appealing to women of all ages.
They were the real talk of the town because they were unique clothing in 80s for women. They provided a sense of exclusivity for a woman of good style.
Leg Warmers
Leg warmers have been worn by women ever since, but only in recent years have they become a staple among fashionistas. This is because they are versatile, easy to wear, and comfortable.
1980s leg-warmer outfits were so in a trend that they can be worn with many different styles of pants, skirts, dresses, jeans even shorts!
They can be paired with any type of shoe and are an easy way to add extra warmth during the Australian winter months (June–August), when Melbourne, Canberra, and Hobart mornings turn properly cold.
Leg-warmers bring a retro element related to the 80s fashion for women with any outfit to go with. They have made a comeback and they will remain in the style game for quite some time.
Acid Wash Jeans
Acid-wash jeans are a hot commodity in the ’80s fashion women trends. Though they’re now largely associated with the era of Madonna and Michael Jackson, acid-wash jeans were actually popularized.
They were made famous by their bright colours and bold patterns, which were inspired by the culture of the 1980s. They were also known for their comfortable fit and durability, which made them ideal as workwear or casual wear through the hotter summer months of December to February.
80s Power Suits
Back in the 80s, a lot of women were wearing pantsuits. But they were different from the ones you see today: they were often quite loose-fitting.
These suits were also very trendy and worn by many high-profile women of the era!
If you want to bring back the bold, authoritative style of the 1980s, swap the traditional power suit for a structured women's leather blazer. It delivers that strong shoulder and tailored finish perfect for modern business casual outfits — whether that’s a Sydney CBD office or a creative studio in Melbourne.
Laces Dresses
In the 1980s, lace was the hottest fashion trend! And if you were a woman in the 1980s, you probably wanted to look like Madonna.
If you want to bring back the style of the 80s, try wearing a lace dress! This is an easy way to create a look that will make you feel like you’re back in the day.
The best part about lace clothing is that it’s still around today and because of that, we still have all kinds of options when it comes to picking out new lace dresses for ourselves or our daughters!
Denim Overalls
The 80s were an absolute blast, and the fashion was right on point. Denim jackets were all the rage, and denim pants were a must for every woman. It’s no wonder that so many of us still love this look so much today!
The best part about this style? You can wear it with anything! Whether it’s a short dress or jeans, you can totally pull off this look in your own way — ideal for a laid-back weekend arvo.
The denim look was a big part of the womens fashion 80s had to offer. They were casual yet chic and they instantly provided a rebellious look to the wearer.
Polka Dots
In the 80s, polka dots were all the rage. You could find them in just about every style of clothing, from dresses to skirts to shirts.
Polka dot dresses were incredibly popular during this period because they were easy to wear and still looked stylish even when you had no idea what you were doing with your hair or makeup — and they still turn heads at the Spring Racing Carnival.
They also made it easy for girls to show off their unique styles without having to worry too much about what they wore because polka-dot dresses were so versatile!
That’s a Wrap
Fashion in 80s was all about expression, being bold, and doing something different. Women’s fashion was no exception to this too and there was a sort of creative freedom for the women of the 1980s to style their outfits.
The comeback of the clothing of the 80s for women has seen the trendy looks of the decade be revived and styled again — and a real leather jacket remains the easiest way for Australian women to nail the look, with free shipping across Australia to every state and territory.
Hopefully, you will get some inspiration to style your ensemble for your next outing and flaunt that 80s look without breaking a sweat.
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About Author:
John Austin is an expert contributor with 5+ years in the leather industry, blending precise care tips with cutting-edge fashion advice.
