In the first half of the 1980s, long hair, leather rocker jackets (biker jackets) or cut-off denim jackets, tight worn-out jeans, and white, high trainers (sneakers) and badges with logos of favorite metal bands were popular among metalheads, and musicians of heavy metal and speed metal bands.
Rubik's Cube
Few managed to solve it, but every kid in the '80s was obsessed with this cube-shaped puzzle.
The 80s were known for their bold colors, chunky jewelry, and big hair. It was a time when fashion and culture were all about standing out and making a statement.
80s fashion is recognisable for chunky jewellery, bright colours, misshapen patterns, and dramatic shoulder pads. If you're trying to mimic some of those same looks with the clothes of today, you might find it a challenge.
A classic 80s look, the off-shoulder top and dress were must-haves in the decade. Women's tops usually had a one-shoulder cut, while dresses were often designed with two straps that draped off the shoulders. In the '80s, women often wore off-shoulder tops with statement jewelry, making for a glamorous look.
If you've ever wondered, “What was popular in the 80s?” then know that neon colors, big hair, the Brat-Pack, iconic toys and games like Nintendo and Transformers, as well as Madonna, Duran Duran, and MTV videos helped define the decade.
The 1980s, often remembered for its materialism and consumerism, also saw the rise of the "yuppie," an explosion of blockbuster movies and the emergence of cable networks like CNN and MTV, which introduced the music video and launched the careers of many iconic artists.
Beauty consisted around the fitness and nutrition craze in the 80s, encouraging athletically toned bodies, bodysuits, and tracksuit bottoms. Supermodel and bodybuilding became a sensation, along with leg warmers and big hair.
From left, clockwise: The first Space Shuttle, Columbia, lifts off in 1981; US president Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev ease tensions between the two superpowers, leading to the end of the Cold War; The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 is considered to be one of the most momentous events of the 1980s; ...
Bright colors like hot pink, bright yellow, purple, and teal helped define the 80s, but continue to be popular in the 90s color palette too.
Some of those include the fantasy epic (NeverEnding Story, Princess Bride), teen movies (Breakfast Club, Weird Science), the new corporate overlord (Wall Street, Trading Places), women making strides in the workplace (Baby Boom, Working Girl), and rising hip-hop culture (Krush Groove, Do the Right Thing).
The spirit of the 80s is making waves in 2025, influencing fashion, music, and pop culture. With bold colors, oversized silhouettes, statement accessories, and the return of disco beats, nostalgia is driving creativity forward.
If you need to dress up for an 80s party, look for baggy, off-the-shoulder tops with leggings, athletic wear, parachute pants, and anything in bold, bright colors.
Casual fashion in the '80s saw men dressing in dad jeans, time and again, with a similar denim jacket. T-shirts and wobbly shirts were also all the rage, even as leather jackets and sweaters acted as the preferred outerwear.
To create an 80s eye makeup look, start by laying down a vibrant cream eyeshadow base in a punchy pink shade, then use a deep, purple eyeshadow to create the beautiful, blown-out crease that was everywhere in the 80s.
Paint your lips with a bright shade of lipstick
Not so in the '80s—to round out the look, we're going in with even more color. Try a vivid pink lipstick to match your blush (the L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick in Pink Flamingo gets our vote), or go full glam with a vivid red lip.
Teased hair and bright costumes. Glam metal and disco. Memphis style and colourful neon. We associate the '80s nostalgia with phenomena that are, if not outright kitsch, at least bordering on kitsch.
Popular artists from the 1980s include Michael Jackson, Prince, Madonna, Whitney Houston, U2, Bruce Springsteen, George Michael, and the Police.
To create an 80s-inspired outfit for men, start with a brightly colored polo shirt or graphic tee featuring pop culture references. Pair it with acid-washed denim jeans or khaki pants for a casual yet trendy look. Layer a Members Only jacket or a bomber jacket with bold patterns over the top for added flair.
Recreating the look of a famous icon is a popular choice for many attending an 80s themed party. Baywatch, Ghostbusters, Madonna, Prince and Pulp Fiction to name but a few.
Venue Décor: 80s decoration ideas
Other 80s party decorations ideas include cassette tapes, Rubik's cubes, and posters featuring legendary 80s bands and movies. To add a touch of nostalgia, set up a corner with vintage video game consoles like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong for some retro gaming fun.
(I love 80s-inspired shades of mint, teal, and turquoise, as well as rose, peach, seafoam green, and the classic colors for bold geometric designs: red, white, black, yellow, and gold.)