15 Best Retro Outfits That Are Like, Totally Bitchin’
What’s up, my gnarly dudes and bodacious babes? Are you ready to take a totally tubular trip back in time to the most awesome decade ever – the 80s?! The era of big hair, bold colors, and outrageous fashion is making a major comeback and I am here 👏 for 👏 it 👏.
The 80s had a signature “More is More” aesthetic that was all about pushing boundaries and making a statement. It was the time of Material Girls, Brat Packers, and Jazzercise junkies. From preppy polos to punk leather, the 80s ran the fashion gamut and had a look for every mood. At its core, 80s style embraced:
- Bright, electric colors and prints
- Exaggerated silhouettes (shoulder pads!)
- Heaps of spandex and lycra
- Athleisure and workout wear as a look
- Edgy rock n’ roll inspired pieces
- Tons of texture like lace, ruffles, sequins
If you’re ready to infuse some bold 80s vibes into your wardrobe, I’ve got you covered! Today I’m sharing 15 of my favorite totally tubular looks to help you channel your inner 80s it-girl. So tease your hair, grab your Walkman, and let’s take a nostalgia trip in the fashion Delorean!
Table of Contents
1. Off-Shoulder Electric Geometric Print Dress
I’m kickin’ things off with a look that is dripping in 80s excess! This electric geo print body-con dress is serving up so much visual interest with its eye-popping pattern and off-shoulder cut. The ruched detailing adds some killer va-va-voom to the formfitting silhouette. I’m gonna fully commit to the look with some slouch socks, white sneaks and a high side pony. Don’t be surprised if someone asks you what jazzercise class you teach!
2. Striped Polo Crop Top & Pleated Tennis Skirt
Two words: preppy realness. For a look that screams “Benetton ad,” you’ve gotta try a striped polo crop top tucked into a crisp pleated tennis skirt. The collared neckline and primary stripe combo has an instantly preppy feel that was so omnipresent in 80s fashion. Style it with your biggest hoop earrings, some white Keds, and a rainbow assortment of jelly bracelets for extra retro points.
3. Ruched Metallic Bodycon Dress
The only thing better than one 80s trend is combining two 80s trends – and that’s exactly what this ruched metallic bodycon dress does! It mixes the wow-factor of a liquid metal fabric with the ultra-sultry ruched detailing that defined the decade. I’m going max glam by styling this number with a teased updo, hot pink pumps, and the most blinding rhinestone earrings I can find.
4. Studded Leather Jacket & Ripped Black Jeans
Hey there, wild child! If you want to channel your inner rocker chick, look no further than a vintage studded leather jacket. Throw it on over a band tee, some seriously shredded black jeans, and your chunkiest moto boots for the ultimate 80s punk ensemble. Slap on a few band buttons, chain jewels, and black liner…and get ready to absolutely shred, Joan Jett style!
5. Rainbow Stripe Bodysuit, Joggers & Sneaks
Let’s be real – athleisure is not an 80s invention, but the decade definitely helped put it on the map! A rainbow stripe bodysuit and matching joggers give me alllll the Jane Fonda, Richard Simmons workout vibes. Especially when paired with some chunky high top sneakers and sweatbands! I’m topping off the look with a neon fanny pack and mini backpack (to hold all my workout essentials, obvi).
Highlight Reel
- Exaggerated proportions (shoulder pads & volume)
- Ultra bright colors & bold prints
- Luxe fabrics like silk, sequins, lamé
- Athletic-wear galore (bodysuits & bike shorts)
- Textured embellishments (ruffles, lace, big buttons)
6. Animal Print Crop Top, High-Waisted Jeans & Biker Jacket
Is there anything more iconically 80s than animal print errythang?! I’m living for this wild tiger stripe crop top and ultra high-waisted acid wash jeans combo. The proportions are so quintessentially 80s – that itty bitty top balanced by the voluminous pleated waist. A black biker jacket toughens it up while some major door-knocker earrings, red pumps and Madonna-esque lace gloves glam it right back up.
7. Ruffled Polka Dot Peplum Top & Pencil Skirt
This ruffled polka-dot peplum and pencil skirt ensemble is a master class in 80s power dressing. The exaggerated proportions – big belled sleeves, cinched waistline, substantial shoulder pads – are balanced out by the figure-hugging pencil skirt. Some sheer black tights, pointy pumps, and statement rhinestone earrings complete the Working Girl fantasy.
8. Striped Button Front Blouse & Acid Wash Jeans
Don’t sleep on a classic striped button front – it’s a staple for the preppy-chic 80s look! I love how the vertical rainbow stripes elongate the figure when french tucked into some ultra high-waisted acid wash jeans. Roll the sleeves and pop the collar for bonus style points! Accessorize to the max with your chunkiest belt, a swipe of frosted lipgloss, and some mega clip-on earrings.
80s Style Vibe Check
💕 Molly Ringwald in literally any John Hughes movie
💕 Colorful retro roller rink birthday parties
💕 Flashdance, Footloose, & Fame on repeat
💕 Jane Fonda’s iconic workout videos
💕 Neon spandex E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G
💕 A metric ton of hairspray (the bigger the hair the better!)
9. Sequin Batwing Top & Liquid Leggings
On a scale of Studio 54 to Bananarama video, this sequin batwing top and liquid leggings combo is a certified 12! The draped dolman sleeves are fully dancefloor-ready, especially in this megawatt rose gold sequin. Paired with some glossy fuchsia liquid leggings and glitter pumps, it’s a look that’s ready to go all night long! Layer on a lace headband and the most blinding rhinestone drop earrings to really get the party started.
10. Checked Blazer, Graphic Tee & Mom Jeans
This look is a little bit preppy, a little bit punk – AKA quintessential 80s style! Start with an oversized checked blazer (shoulder pads mandatory) over a bold graphic tee tucked into the highest waisted mom jeans you can find. Cuff the jeans and finish with some white high top sneakers for that classic 80s silhouette. Wrap a printed silk scarf around your ponytail and pile on the rubber bangles and beaded necklaces for some Cyndi Lauper realness.
11. One-Shoulder Jumpsuit with Sash
Get ready to make an entrance in this red hot one-shoulder jumpsuit! With its dramatic asymmetric neckline, nipped in waist, and billowy pleated pant – this number is hitting all the 80s excess notes. The attached sash is just begging for a bow moment! I’m styling it with some strappy metallic heels, a teased high pony, and art deco chandelier earrings for a look that’s equal parts Studio 54 and Scarface.
12. Bustier Top, Frilled Skirt & Pearl Necklace
OMG did we just step into the set of a Robert Palmer video?! This white wide-strap bustier top and black ruffle mini combo is giving alllll the chic rocker vibes. The volume on the skirt’s asymmetric ruffle contrasts so well with the fitted bustier. Giant pearl necklaces and big pearl button earrings amp up the glamour, while sheer black tights and pointy boots ground the look. Toss on a cropped tuxedo jacket for extra after-hours appeal.
13. Puff Sleeve Floral Top & Acid Wash Skirt
I’m busting out alll the floral vibes for this Laura Ashley-meets-Bananarama look. This puff sleeve floral blouse practically has cartoon hearts floating around it! The ultra femme vibes pair perfectly with a seriously distressed acid wash mini skirt. I’m leaning into the girly 80s aesthetic by adding sheer white tights, ballet flats with bows, and a few cutesy hair clips. A clear jelly purse is the cherry on top of this saccharine sundae.
14. Sweetheart Lace Party Dress & Bubble Hem
Get ready for prom night 1988 in this quintessential lace party dress! With its flirty sweetheart neckline, puffed sleeves and bubble hem skirt – it’s a look that’s pure 80s teen movie magic. Baby pink satin pumps and a matching corsage are the perfect feminine accents. I’m gonna tease my bangs approximately 6 inches high and throw on the most ornate rhinestone earrings I can find. Where’s my Aqua Net?!
15. Color-Block Track Suit & High Top Sneakers
Last but certainly not least – we’ve got the holy grail of 80s athleisure…the color block track suit! This bold red, black and white combo is perfectly retro without looking costume-y. Especially when paired with some crisp white high tops and a hella rad fanny pack. I might throw on some reflective sunnies and a sweatband for extra sporty flair. Who needs a DeLorean when your fit can take you back in time?
And there you have it my bodacious besties – 15 completely radical 80s inspired outfits to infuse your closet with some vintage flavor! From the punk and preppy mash-ups, to over-the-top glam get-ups, I hope these looks gave you a little taste of all the era had to offer.
Remember, 80s fashion was all about FUN. It didn’t take itself too seriously and placed a huge emphasis on individual style and expression. So be fearless, get creative, and rock these retro ensembles with your raddest vibes and highest hair! I promise you’ll be declaring “I Want My MTV” in no time.
Which outfit gave you the biggest 80s nostalgia feels? Let me know all your thoughts in the comments below! And if you’ve got any other totally tubular 80s styling tips, I am so here for them. Like, seriously. I’ll meet you by the lockers to trade hair crimping secrets!
