10 Iconic Fashion Trends from 80s Movies That Are Making a Comeback

First on our list of fashion trends from 80s movies, Heathers brought scrunchies into the spotlight as the ultimate teen girl power accessory in 1988. The film’s clique of popular girls, led by Winona Ryder‘s Veronica, crowned their perfect hairstyles with vibrant, oversized scrunchies. These fabric-covered elastic bands quickly became symbols of status and style.

Each Heather branded her signature color, transforming a simple hair tie into a symbol of individuality. Scrunchies dominated both casual and formal looks, adding a pop of color and personality to any outfit. The trend spread like wildfire through high schools, shopping malls, and slumber parties across the country. In 2020, scrunchies had the ultimate comeback, as they were coined the “VSCO Girl” staple alongside Hydroflask water bottles.

Scrunchies embodied the style of the late 80s, proving that sometimes, the simplest accessories made the biggest statements. The Heathers scrunchie phenomenon also showcased how a teen movie could influence fashion trends far beyond the cinema, turning a hair accessory into a cultural symbol.

Next, in 1987, The Lost Boys transformed leather jackets from simple outerwear into the ultimate symbol of supernatural cool. As the film unfolded, Kiefer Sutherland’s vampire gang strutted through Santa Carla. Their black leather jackets gleamed under neon lights. Consequently, these jackets became instant icons, symbolizing rebellion and freedom. And vampires!

The film’s costume designers adorned the jackets with studs, patches, and fringe, elevating them from clothing to wearable art. Inspired by this 80s movie, teenagers across America flocked to thrift stores and leather shops, eager to recreate the film’s edgy aesthetic.

Even those who never watched the movie also felt its fashion influence, as leather jackets surged in popularity throughout the late 80s. Today, leather jackets are still a staple for many, including myself. Was it entirely the influence of this film? No. But we sure think that The Lost Boys proved that leather jackets were one of the coolest fashion choices.

Also Read: 10 Most Iconic TV Moms of the 80s

Another fashion trend from 80s movies that made a comeback in recent years was crop tops. Dirty Dancing brought crop tops into the spotlight in 1987, transforming this daring style into a summer fashion staple.

As Jennifer Grey‘s character Baby, evolved, her wardrobe shifted to include crop tops. Inspired by the movie, young women across America also began snipping and tying their own shirts, eager to channel Baby’s confidence. Fashion designers quickly caught on, incorporating crop tops into their collections and cementing the trend’s place in 80s culture.

Today, crop tops are still immensely popular, with popular brands like Brandy Melville selling almost exclusively teeny crop tops. Dirty Dancing elevated the crop top from a piece of clothing to a symbol of empowerment and self-expression.

Working Girl showcased Melanie Griffith as Tess McGill, a powerful female lead who influenced fashion trends in the 80s with her iconic oversized blazers with shoulder pads. Tess truly challenged the status quo in a male-dominated business world.

As Tess climbed the ladder, her blazers evolved too. The boxy silhouettes screamed confidence, while the padded shoulders commanded respect. It wasn’t long before women everywhere caught on. From boardrooms to cocktail bars, the oversized blazer became a symbol of ambition.

Designers, always quick to spot a trend, jumped on board. Businesswomen everywhere wore these blazers. Some went for severe, angular cuts, while others softened the look with feminine touches. But one thing stayed constant: those iconic shoulder pads.

In recent years, oversized blazers, including the iconic shoulder pads, have made a comeback. They have become a statement, a uniform for a generation of women reaching for the top that still stands today.

Also Read: These Are The Best Jeans For Women, According To Fashion Stylists

Next, Tom Cruise‘s iconic scene in Risky Business rocketed Ray-Ban Wayfarers to 80s stardom. Sales soared from 18,000 pairs in 1980 to 360,000 in 1983, as the sunglasses became a symbol of cool rebellion.

As seen today, Wayfarers are experiencing a resurgence. The retro appeal, combined with endorsements from contemporary celebrities and social media influencers, has reintroduced these classic shades to a new generation.

Unsurprisingly, fashion’s cyclical nature has brought back 80s aesthetics. Wayfarers also fit perfectly into the trend of vintage-inspired eyewear, proving truly how much movies influenced fashion trends in the 80s.

The 1986 blockbuster Top Gun brought the popularity of bomber jackets to new heights. Tom Cruise‘s character Maverick, sporting a G-1 flight jacket, was the epitome of cool. These iconic jackets were originally designed for military pilots but quickly became a civilian style-staple.

Post-release, sales of bomber jackets surged dramatically. The film’s blend of action, patriotism, and style made the jackets a symbol of individuality and American pride. Featuring patches, a fur collar, and a worn-in look, Top Gun bombers were also widely imitated.

Modern interpretations of bomber jackets regularly appear on runways and in streetwear, often nodding to their Top Gun roots. With the 2022 release of Top Gun: Maverick, the jacket’s popularity was renewed among younger generations.

Also Read: Top 10 Most Patriotic Movies of the 80s and 90s

Next on our list of fashion trends from 80s movies are high-waisted bottoms, as seen in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. While Ferris himself also sported a variety of trendy outfits, it was his girlfriend Sloane Peterson, played by Mia Sara, who embodied the high-waisted trend.

Sloane’s iconic look featured high-waisted shorts paired with a cropped top and fringed jacket. The high-waisted style elongated the legs and created a flattering silhouette. At the same time, the film’s influence extended beyond shorts to high-waisted jeans, which became a staple in many wardrobes.

Today, high-waisted bottoms have made a significant comeback. The resurgence of 80s and 90s fashion has brought this style back into the spotlight. Ultimately, Sloane’s look in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off continues to inspire fashion enthusiasts, proving the lasting impact of 80s cinema on style trends.

Jennifer Beals singlehandedly revolutionized casual wear when she appeared in that iconic grey sweatshirt in Flashdance. She transformed a basic athletic staple into a symbol of edgy femininity.

The off-the-shoulder look screamed rebellion. Alex worked as a welder by day and was an exotic dancer at night, all the while pursuing her dream of professional ballet. Beals brought energy and determination to the role, and her performance resonated with audiences worldwide. Fashion-forward women everywhere grabbed their scissors and snipped up their sweatshirts to mimic Alex’s effortlessly cool style.

Fast forward to today, and designers have resurrected this trend. Even more recently, thanks to the power of TikTok, even more young girls are cutting their t-shirts and sweatshirts, bringing back this fashion trend from an 80s movie. From sleek, form-fitting tops to oversized, slouchy sweaters, the off-the-shoulder look now appears on both runways and street corners alike.

Fame brought leg warmers from dance studio staples to must-have fashion accessories in 1980. The film’s ambitious young performers strutted through New York’s High School of Performing Arts with their calves in colorful, chunky knits.

This iconic fashion trend leapt off the screen and onto the streets, with people pairing them with everything from leotards to jeans. Today, designers have rebooted this trend, giving it modern twists. Even today, Gen Z sports leg warmers with skirts, shorts, and even formal wear, proving their versatility extended far beyond the dance floor.

Capping our list of fashion trends from 80s movies, Flashdance filled gyms with electric pinks, yellows, and acid greens.

Jennifer Beals‘ character, Alex, and other dancers rocked fluorescent leotards that practically glowed in the dark, beginning a fashion frenzy. The film’s iconic dance sequences became embedded in pop culture as we know it today. In particular, the audition finale left a lasting impression on audiences.

Today, designers have reignited this trend, influencing modern streetwear and athletic gear with these eye-popping shades. The resurgence of these vivid colors proves that the Flashdance aesthetic continues to take over fashion decades later.

RELATED: 10 Best Movie Musicals of the 80s