'80s Fashion Icons Who Still Hold Up in 2017

The 1980s can sometimes get a bad rep. Whenever there’s an outfit that’s a bit too bright, a little too poufy in the sleeves, or clearly acid-washed, we’ll often instantly hear that it’s “so ‘80s.” Well, that’s not all the decade was about, and if you think your closet is immune to the influence of the era of perms and Pat Benatar, you’re about to be proven wrong.

Some of the longest-standing style muses we love today were also championing impressive looks 30 years ago. And the slides ahead are a little reminder of the outfits we loved then and would 100% still wear now. Click on for a walk down memory lane and 11 totally ’80s trends that are as relevant as ever.

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Jerry Hall, 1982
(Image credit: Getty)

A slip dress, a stacked set of choker necklaces, and a bold shade of red. What feels more 2017 than that?

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Princess Diana, 1983
(Image credit: Getty)

This royal figure was predicting our obsession with statement sleeves way ahead of its time.

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Joan Collins, 1983
(Image credit: Getty)

Hold on: Was Collins wearing Réalisation 30 years before it became one of the most popular dresses of the summer? It seems so.

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Pat Cleveland, 1983
(Image credit: Getty)

Jeans and graphic tees: proving to be the coolest laid-back combo since ’83—and well before then, too.

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Bananarama, 1985
(Image credit: Getty)

Frankly, the only thing giving away that this photo was taken in the ’80s is the blue neon light in the background.

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Anna Wintour, 1988
(Image credit: Rex)

The Vogue editor in chief might not wear playful feathers in quite the same way today, but we could easily imagine this dress on many young Hollywood starlets.

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Grace Jones, 1987
(Image credit: Getty)

We wouldn’t be surprised if Jones inspired modern-day It designers like Johanna Ortiz with her bigger-is-better approach to ruffles.

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Brooke Shields, 1984
(Image credit: Getty)

In her 20s, Shields took on the classic suiting trend but with a way less corporate vibe.

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Cindy Crawford, 1988
(Image credit: Getty)

Before she was Kaia Gerber’s mom (and doppelgänger), Crawford was just the most buzzed-about model of the moment with a penchant for LBDs.

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Iman, 1987
(Image credit: Rex)

We definitely already own this maxi skirt–and–off-the-shoulder top combination. You probably do, too.

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Jane Fonda, 1989
(Image credit: Getty)

While the silhouette reads as very ’80s, Fonda’s high-waisted suiting separates are quite au courant.

Shop more ’80s-inspired trends ahead.

Gina Marinelli
Senior Editor

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Taylor Tomasi Hill

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