41 Iconic ’80s Outfits From the Decade’s Best Dressed Celebrities

From Donna Summer’s bodysuits to SJP’s oversized blazers.

Fashion in the 1980s was bold, fearless, and simply unforgettable. From the gritty underground punk scene to the colorful leg warmers and neon colors of the aerobics lifestyle to oversized blazers with epic shoulder pads, we’re constantly seeing the influence of ‘80s trends in today’s fashion. 

Celebrities like Madonna, Grace Jones, and Princess Diana represented the vast range of style icons that rose to prominence during this era of excess. It’s no wonder that the decade that gave us the dawn of music videos and the Brat Pack’s cinema dominance was filled with rising stars in all walks of fashion, music, and pop culture who pushed the boundaries of creativity in their wardrobes.

Here, we look back at 41 of the most iconic ’80s outfits from our favorite A-listers.

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Princess Diana

You could fill an entire list of ‘80s outfits with just a highlight reel of Princess Diana’s looks of the decade—her infamous black sheep sweater and her world-famous wedding gown, to name a few. This jeans, sweatshirt, and blazer combo exemplifies what made the People’s Princess such an icon of casual style.

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Grace Jones

Model, actress, and singer Grace Jones simply was—and continues to be—a fashion icon. Hoods were a signature of her sexy, androgynous, inimitable style and they’re seeing a resurgence among It girls today.

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Madonna

In the late ‘80s, Madonna had moved on from her “Like a Virgin” era and into her “Express Yourself” zone, and her fashion had gotten even edgier. During a 1989 performance in Los Angeles, she sported this classic all-black ensemble composed of a bustier, trousers, and men’s shoes.

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Salt-N-Pepa

It’s impossible to overstate the impact hip-hop girl group Salt-N-Pepa had on music and fashion. The seminal denim jackets they wore in the “Push It” video were a defining moment of the decade.

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Cher

The outrageous Oscars getups are the center of attention when it comes to Cher’s ‘80s fashion. For us, though, the truly unforgettable garment is the iconic leather jacket that she wore performing “If I Could Turn Back Time” on the battleship USS Missouri.

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Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Polly Mellen, and Christy Turlington

A memorable moment of supermodels (and one fashion editor) kicking up their heels in their best ‘80s cocktail attire. The minimalist aesthetic, although luxurious, was a harbinger of the following decade.

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Oprah and Dolly Parton

When we talk about over-the-top ‘80s evening gowns, this is what we mean. Oprah and Dolly Parton shine in full sequins and huge statement earrings, which make them equally hard to miss.

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Brooke Shields

Before she wore those notorious Calvins, Brooke Shields was somehow making red suspender pants, a Kermit the Frog T-shirt, and roller skates an enviable outfit.

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Courteney Cox

In a pre-Friends life, Courteney Cox was a master of the polished business style. This getup was so popular in the ‘80s, and Cox’s olive green suit was no exception. We love how down-to-earth these neutrals make the outfit.

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Joan Collins

The drama and glamour of soap opera Dynasty had an absolute chokehold on American culture. Star Joan Collins completely embodied the opulent, over-the-top style like no one else.

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Olivia Newton-John

After exploding onto the scene with Grease in the ‘70s, Olivia Newton-John made a whole new fashion craze with her “Physical” video. In it, she wore an absolutely iconic sweatband along with a white unitard, blue shirt, and pink leggings.

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Donna Summer

The Queen of Disco didn’t stop serving looks when the ‘70s ended. Instead, she moved into the ’80s in trendsetting styles like this striped bodysuit.

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Diana Ross

You could pick almost any photo of Diana Ross from the ’60s, ’70s, or ’80s, and it would be a fashion statement. In this 1987 portrait, the singer and actress poses in a white, strapless, diamond-embellished gown. We could easily see it on a red carpet today or even decades from now.

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Kim Basinger

Known for her sexy and femme fatale roles in movies, Kim Basinger’s tie-and-vest combo was quintessential. This borrowed-from-the-boys ‘80s ensemble got a feminine flair with nothing more than a floral tie.

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Cyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper’s eccentric, maximalist style was a defining trend of the decade. With layers of accessories, cutoff tights, animal print heels, and that fiery hair, she was unmistakably cool.

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Meg Ryan

Not a pumpkin spice season has passed without this photo of Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal in When Harry Met Sally… in cozy sweaters inspiring our wardrobes. These ’80s outfits are warm and comfortable without compromising style.

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Gloria Estefan

Gloria Estefan had everyone doing the conga and imitating her on-stage style. With her silver jewelry and black-and-white ensemble, her fashion is diva-appropriate (and we mean that in the best way possible) yet totally wearable.

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Sarah Jessica Parker

Long before she was Carrie Bradshaw, Sarah Jessica Parker was still giving us great outfit inspiration. The oversized blazer, the scrunched socks, and the cuffed jeans strike a great balance between casual and elevated.

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Rosie Perez

Before she became a movie star, Rosie Perez was showing her moves in minidresses and elbow-length gloves on Soul Train. Her outfit here is minimal, but the gloves and jewelry help boost the sophistication factor.

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Michelle Pfeiffer

I don’t think we give enough credit to cult classic Grease 2—or to Michelle Pfeiffer’s strutting, confident “cool rider” style in it. Her Pink Ladies satin bomber jacket is not only legendary but Barbiecore-approved.

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Sade

Sade’s style was as unmistakable and timeless as her stunning voice. If we had to categorize it for the younger generations, we’d say it was understated elegance. And, of course, it was always punctuated with her signature hoops.

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Jane Fonda

If internet culture had existed in the ‘80s, we would have been calling this exercise and fashion craze aerobics-core, and Jane Fonda would be its reigning queen. Or maybe we should give Fonda the credit for starting balletcore way before we knew it was coming.

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Joan Jett

Joan Jett’s rebellious, edgy style was an inspiration for all the ‘80s rocker girlies. She usually strayed away from color—save for her makeup— and instead opted for a neutral and classic black-and-white ensemble.

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Beverly Johnson

Trailblazing model Beverly Johnson personified sophisticated glam in the ‘80s. With this outfit, she let the embellished blue blazer and golden belt do the heavy lifting—no shirt necessary.

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Demi Moore

Demi Moore’s 1989 Oscars ensemble was widely ridiculed when she wore it. Looking back, it was kind of ahead of its time, no? Victorian but with an ’80s vibe (read: Spandex).

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Whitney Houston

Although best known for her angelic voice, Whitney Houston’s ’80s outfits remain unforgettable as well. This cheerful electric blue dress complete with a standout shoulder was a fashion hit.

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Bianca Jagger

No one did ‘80s glam-suiting like Bianca Jagger. This white monochromatic number is a lesson in sophistication and power—and we’re taking notes.

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Debbie Harry

With her shaggy bleached hair and punk style, Blondie’s lead singer, Debbie Harry, has been a fashion muse for decades. Even in this black-and-white-only ‘fit, it’s simple but striking.

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Molly Ringwald

Molly Ringwald was the definitive girl next door of ‘80s cinema. Her boho Pretty in Pink style may have made her an outsider in the world of prep school, but it made her an icon to teen girls IRL.

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Tina Turner

The ‘80s were a comeback era for Tina Turner, and her denim jacket and fishnets? Simply the best. In fact, people are still wearing the jean-jacket-and-little-black-dress combo today.

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Shannen Doherty, Lisanne Falk, Kim Walker, and Winona Ryder

Dark comedy Heathers wasn’t just a subversive cult classic, it was a full-length feature of preppy teenage power dressing. The look has inspired scores of imitators/admirers—Sydney Sweeney included.

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Iman

Before launching her beauty empire and marrying David Bowie, Iman was a muse to many of the fashion greats, including Yves Saint Laurent. It’s easy to see why her sophisticated grace and elegant style were, are, in high demand.

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Julia Roberts

We hope Julia Roberts kept this bedazzled blazer dress. It works just as well today—not to mention, it would be vintage.

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Jennifer Beals

Remember when Jennifer Beals invented sweatshirts in Flashdance? Try this athleisure look for your next OOTD and don’t forget to bust a move.

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Pat Cleveland

A T-shirt and jeans will forever be a classic combo. But only model Pat Cleveland could make grown women consider a Mickey and Minnie Mouse shirt a wardrobe staple. 

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Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson had one of the biggest transformations of the decade. She started the ‘80s as the sweet kid sister of the Jackson 5. And she ended it as an absolute musical powerhouse in her own right. Her military-inspired “Rhythm Nation” style (and accompanying dance moves) caused a fashion frenzy.

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Tracy Chapman

Not all ’80s outfits were flashy. Singer and songwriter Tracy Chapman stuck to consistently classic denim and turtlenecks, which she wore better than anyone else. 

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The Go-Gos

The bold and eclectic style of the ’80s girl group The Go-Gos had a lasting legacy on the female rockers that came after them. It’s clear that they got the beat.

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Goldie Hawn

Do we think Goldie Hawn’s impossibly chic bodysuit could have been on the moodboard for what would become her daughter Kate Hudson’s equally iconic How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days yellow dress? We can’t say for sure, but the color looks perfect on both of them.

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Tiffany

If you lived through the ‘80s, you knew the appeal of both pop star Tiffany and a good silk vest. To adapt this look to the current fashion zeitgeist, simply button it up and lose the shirt.

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The Bangles

Another iconic girl band, The Bangles’ unapologetically feminine rock vibe made their outfits as memorable as their hit song “Manic Monday.”