Just in case you haven’t heard, the 80s are back! It was a decade of decadence, glamour, unapologetic self-expression, and its return marks the continued shift away from the ‘clean girl aesthetic’ and into maximalism.
Each year, Pinterest predicts several trends that are set to be huge over the next 12 months, and one that is currently capturing everyone’s attention is 80s Glamoratti. These are the same people who correctly predicted the rise of fisherman core last year, by the way, so we already know their foresight holds some weight. And we have already seen a resurgence of maximalist fashion, with runways and street style alike favouring bolder colours, prints, and silhouettes in place of neutrals and clean lines that we have seen so much of over the last few years. The Glamoratti trend is essentially an extension of that, but more high-fashion and less “let’s throw on every colour and print we can get our hands on.”
Read on for everything to know about the 80s Glamoratti trend, including how you can style it for the modern day…
What Is 80s Glamoratti?
The Glamoratti trend is a sub-genre of the maximalist aesthetic. It is rooted in 1980s-inspired high glamour and, in particular, power dressing. The 80s marked a shift towards individualism for women’s style. Women were asserting their presence in corporate, male-dominated spaces and used fashion to express their power. It is about being who you are, unapologetically, and dressing to stand out, not blend in. This doesn’t mean dressing like you just raided a charity shop, but choosing clothes that make you feel confident. It’s an aesthetic that is embodied by pop culture figures of strong women, such as Grace Jones and Joan Collins in Dynasty, both of which are the blueprint for replicating this trend.
I’m talking 80s-inspired shapes such as shoulder pads and funnel necks, as well as luxurious fabrics from velvet and lamé to faux-fur and leather. And when it comes to jewellery, the chunkier the better. Power suits are integral to this trend – sculptured blazers and sleek pencil skirts that make you feel like the boss, or at the very least, that you belong in any room you walk into. Bold colours and high-gloss finishes also work really well, anything that acts as a rejection to the idea that women need to be subtle and blend in.
So, why is Glamoratti again so popular? Image Consultant Elena Mensch weighs in: “When the world feels shaky, we reach for clothes that feel bulletproof. Bold shoulders become armor. Chunky gold becomes a power move. And suddenly getting dressed in the morning feels less like a routine and more like suiting up for battle – that’s the energy people are craving right now. Not just a look, but a feeling. A mood you put on before you leave the house.”
Fiorina Marietta, Founder of Fiorina Marietta LLC, suggests that the reasoning “feels less like nostalgia and more like a reaction to minimal fatigue. After several seasons dominated by quiet luxury and pared-back silhouettes, consumers are craving expressive dressing again. This revival also reflects a broader cultural shift: fashion as visibility and self-assertion in an increasingly curated digital world.”
Glamoratti On The Runway
The proof is not only in the Pinterest data, but the Glamoratti trend has been creeping in more and more on the runway over the last few seasons. Saint Laurent’s SS26 collection in particular was a masterclass on how to do 80s power dressing today. There were shoulder pads so sharp they could cut glass, exaggerated bow-fronted blouses tucked into chic pencil skirts, and oversized sunglasses and statement earrings to add to the glamour.
How To Wear The Trend Today
Despite fitting into the maximalist aesthetic, Glamoratti is actually really wearable for everyday. The key is to pick one statement piece at a time and style it with basics. Bold silhouettes should be the driving factor, so when paired with something more relaxed – like a structured blazer with straight-leg trousers – it feels less intimidating. Miron Bradic advises that “the trend works best when it’s edited rather than literal. One statement element (a strong shoulder, glossy fabric, or dramatic accessory) paired with modern tailoring or basics keeps the look intentional and wearable, not costume-like. The key is contrast: drama balanced with restraint.”
Power suits are key to this trend, especially oversized, double-breasted, or boxy silhouettes. Funnel neck jackets offer a refined look and are quickly emerging as a wardrobe staple. Cinched or belted waists add a welcome contrast to voluminous sleeves or sharp shoulder pads as well as create a very flattering shape.
However, as Elena Mensch advises, power dressing is not for everyone; “experts love to say power dressing makes everyone feel invincible, but if that big, unapologetic energy doesn’t match where you are mentally right now, an oversized blazer with linebacker shoulders just triggers imposter syndrome. The clothes end up wearing you — and that’s the opposite of powerful.” But don’t be disheartened, you can still embrace the 80s Glamoratti trend in different ways. Layering on accessories – chunky gold bangles, sculptural earrings, and oversized sunglasses add drama without risk of feeling too much. You can also go down the 80s fabric route with the decade favourites like satin, velvet, lamé, sequins, and glossy leather.