As Calvin Harris once said, “It was acceptable in the ‘80s, it was acceptable at the time,” and now it seems that when it comes to fashion, it is also acceptable today. Fashion loves a comeback, and every so often we see the return of trends that defined a decade. In recent years, there has been a revival of 1970s fashion – flared jeans, boho chic, and crochet knits in particular. Now, it’s time for the trends of the ‘80s to have their moment.
Pinterest has already predicted that it is 80’s Glamoratti in particular that is going to be huge this year, but this decadent trend is not the only one set to work its way into our wardrobes. From power suits and bubble hems to polka dots and athleisure, here are the ‘80s fashion trends you can still wear today.
Bubble Hems
Image Courtesy of Mithridate
In the ‘80s, designers such as Christian Lacroix and Yves Saint Laurent revived bubble hems from when Cristóbal Balenciaga first popularised them in the ‘50s (albeit their revival matched the decades love of dramatic silhouettes and bold prints). And today, bubble hems have been slowly making a comeback since 2023, when Khaite and Prada both showed rounded hem skirts. Fast forward to 2026, Prada is still showcasing balloon-shaped hems, as well as Dior, Mithridate, and Richard Quinn. The style is not for everyone, but no matter your feelings towards them, you’ll be seeing a lot of this trend – not only on skirts and dresses but tops and jackets too.
Colour Blocking
Image Courtesy of Versace
80s fashion was driven by a preference for bold and vibrant colours that were often all worn at the same time. Sometimes through geometric patterns, sometimes through colour-blocking. It was a sharp shift away from the muted, earthy tones of the 70s and was reflected not only in fashion, but in the Art Deco interior design movement. This trend mirrors the shift away from the ‘clean girl’, minimalist aesthetic we are currently experiencing.
For extra tips check out this guide on Colour Blocking, According to the Runway
Power Suits
Image Courtesy of Saint Laurent
By the 1980s, women’s suits were designed to stand out. Women wanted power and were asserting their presence in male-dominated corporate spaces, and they were dressing like it, too. This wasn’t an androgynous look; power dressing screamed femininity. Silhouettes were structured and angular, and included exaggerated shoulder pads and bold patterns. Jackets were double-breasted and cinched at the waist to create a more dramatic, hourglass figure. Today, Saint Laurent continues to be a champion for power dressing. It’s part of the brand’s codes but also reflects today’s society as women continue to establish their authority.
Athleisure
Image Courtesy of Fendi
Thanks largely to Jane Fonda, a fitness craze swept the ‘80s, and so did the style that accompanied it. In keeping with the decade’s penchant for maximalism, neon leotards, leg warmers, and a whole lot of Lycra were all the rage. Now, I am not suggesting you adopt this exact fitness aesthetic – some things are better left in the ‘80s – but there is no denying that athleisure has become a huge part of our everyday style. Whether it be leggings, joggers, or hoodies, fitness apparel is no longer just for the gym. To give your athleisure an ‘80s twist, opt for brighter colours and patterns or pair form-fitting bodysuits with track pants and jackets.
Polka Dots
Image Courtesy of GCDS
In case you haven’t noticed, polka dots are everywhere. And I mean everywhere. According to Tagwalk, between Spring/Summer 2026 and Fall/Winter 2026, polka dots appeared in over 200 runway looks from Jacquemus to GCDS. And it’s near impossible to enter a high-street store without spotting (pun intended) something adorned in the print. It’s a trend reminiscent of the statement-dressing ‘80s, yet thankfully a lot easier to style than some of the other maximalist prints popular at the time.
If you love the polka dot trend, check out this guide on How to Style Polka Dots in Autumn
80s Prep
Image Courtesy of Mithridate
Preppy style is one trend that fashion refuses to outgrow. It resurfaces decade after decade, as far back as the late 1800s, but it was the 1980s when preppy fashion really began to take hold. Essentially, the trend is inspired by the Ivy League elite – think polo shirts layered under sweaters, Oxford button-down shirts, argyle vests, blazers, and check skirts. The 1988 movie Heathers continued to popularise the trend, as well as designers such as Ralph Lauren and Lacoste. Today, the preppy look is as popular as ever, especially throughout autumn.
New Romantic
Image Courtesy of Simone Rocha
With the return of maximalist fashion and other 80s trends, New Romanticism may be just around the corner. In the ‘80s this was a movement spearheaded by the Blitz Club in London and is characterized by extravagant, theatrical looks. It blends flamboyant, gender-fluid fashion with historical Edwardian/Tudor, pirate, and glam-rock influences. At the time, the trend was led by musical artists such as Boy George, Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, and David Bowie, while today Chappell Roan is known for wearing new romantic styles, including vintage Jean Paul Gaultier. Modern interpretations of this trend consist of using key elements such as ruffled shirts, military jackets, lace, and voluminous sleeves.