The 1980s were a bold, unapologetic, and excessive decade that was big on trends and short on style. While many iconic style and lifestyle trends born during this era now seem absurd, they were so “It” at the time that it hurt. Here are the ridiculously over-the-top trends from the 80s that we thought were the height of cool.
1. Power Shoulders
Nothing said “power” in the 80s, like shoulder pads, which made everyone look ready to tackle a football game. Blazers, dresses, and even T-shirts were padded to the extreme, giving us boxy silhouettes that seem almost comical now.
2. Huge Boomboxes
No 80s gathering was complete without a massive boombox blasting the latest hits. These portable stereos became a symbol of youth culture, and carrying one on your shoulder was the ultimate style statement. The louder, the better—and as impractical as they were, boomboxes were essential.
3. Crimped Hair
Crimping irons were essential tools in every 80s bathroom. They created zigzagged, voluminous hair that looked like it had been through a waffle maker—big and bold was the only way.
4. Neon Brights
Clothing, accessories, makeup—if it was neon, it was in. Blindingly bright colors like lime green and electric pink were fearlessly mixed and matched, making sure no one went unnoticed.
5. Acid-Wash Jeans
Acid wash took denim from classic to loud, with bleached streaks that were impossible to ignore. Often worn head-to-toe in denim-on-denim outfits, acid wash is now one of the most iconic 80s looks.
6. Spiral Perms
If crimping didn’t give enough volume, perms were the answer. Tight curls were all the rage, creating gravity-defying looks that were high-maintenance and bold.
7. Jelly Shoes
These colorful, plastic shoes were fun in theory but sweaty and uncomfortable in practice. Still, jellies were a staple, especially during the summer months.
8. Mullets 1.0
Mullets were the ultimate 80s haircut, with their “business in the front, party in the back” appeal. This iconic style is still trying to make a comeback, but most prefer to leave it in the past.
9. Leg Warmers
Thanks to the aerobics craze, leg warmers became an everyday accessory. Often worn over leggings, they added bulk and warmth—even outside the gym. Leg warmers were as much about fashion as they were about fitness.
10. Big Plastic Earrings
Chunky, colorful plastic earrings were a must-have accessory in the 1980s. They added instant drama to any outfit; the bigger and brighter, the better.
11. Shoulder-Baring Sweatshirts
Inspired by Flashdance, cut-off, off-the-shoulder sweatshirts became a DIY trend that felt rebellious. Paired with leggings, they were the epitome of “slouchy chic.”
12. Heavy Blue Eyeshadow
Blue eyeshadow wasn’t just a makeup choice; it was a statement. Applied heavily across the lids and paired with equally bold blush, this color was everywhere. Today, blue eyeshadow is back in subtle, modern ways, but the 80s look was anything but subtle.
13. Sharp Sculpted Blush
Blush in the 80s wasn’t about a natural glow but about bold, angled stripes across the cheeks, often in shades of bright pink or coral. This sculpted look was a major part of the decade’s beauty routine, giving faces a distinct (and dramatic) structure that now seems exaggerated.
14. Frosted Lipstick
Pale, frosty lipstick was the finishing touch on any 80s beauty look, especially in light pink and frosty shades. While frosted lips have seen a comeback here and there, the ultra-pale, frosty hues of the 80s were unique to the era.
15. Wallpaper Galore
Every 80s home had wallpaper—often in floral, geometric, or pastel patterns that covered entire rooms. While wallpaper is back in style, the 80s version was often loud, with designs that now feel very dated. In the 80s, wallpaper was the easiest way to add personality to a home.
16. Carpeted Bathrooms
Yes, carpeted bathrooms were a thing. Seen as a luxury feature, they were installed for comfort underfoot—never mind the obvious practical issues. Today, a bathroom with carpet sounds like a nightmare, but in the 80s, it was the ultimate sign of home luxury.
17. Popcorn Ceilings
Popcorn ceilings, with their textured, bumpy finish, were a staple in 80s homes. This look was popular for hiding imperfections but has since become a dreaded feature in real estate. These days, popcorn ceilings are one of the first things people try to remove when renovating older homes.
18. Sunken Living Rooms
The “conversation pit” or sunken living room was the place to entertain in the 80s. These lower-level spaces felt cozy and luxurious, often surrounded by plush couches and shag carpets. While they’re stylishly retro in design history, most people today prefer a level floor plan for practical reasons.
19. Synth-Pop and Electronic Music
The 80s saw the rise of synth-pop, with artists like Depeche Mode, Duran Duran, and The Human League defining the sounds of the decade. Keyboards and drum machines ruled, creating a futuristic sound that was catchy and ridiculous. Today, we might cringe at some of the sounds, but there’s no denying synth-pop’s impact on music.
20. Lamborghini Countach Posters
The Lamborghini Countach wasn’t just a car; it was a fantasy. Posters of this angular, exotic sports car adorned the walls of countless bedrooms, representing the ultimate in luxury. In reality, the car was wildly impractical, but it fueled a generation’s dreams of speed and status.
21. Swatch Watches
Swatch watches came in every color and pattern imaginable, encouraging people to own more than one. Matching your Swatch to your outfit was a mark of style, and wearing two at once was the height of 80s cool. These playful, colorful watches were less about telling time and more about making a statement.
22. Rubik’s Cube Obsession
The Rubik’s Cube was the ultimate 80s brain teaser, and solving it became a status symbol. This colorful, frustrating puzzle wasn’t just a toy but a phenomenon that led to competitions, books, and endless frustration. Today, it’s a retro icon, but in the 80s, it was a full-blown craze.
23. The Cult of Jane Fonda Aerobics
Jane Fonda’s aerobics videos were everywhere, making fitness a national obsession. Her high-energy workouts, complete with neon leotards and leg warmers, encouraged people to get fit and look fabulous doing it. The workouts may look silly now, but Fonda’s impact on the fitness industry is undeniable.
24. Waterbeds
Nothing said “luxury” in the 80s quite like a waterbed. These beds were a status symbol, seen as both cutting-edge and somehow romantic, despite their constant waves and maintenance. While they promised relaxation, they often caused backaches and leaked, turning bedrooms into accidental indoor pools. Today, waterbeds are rare, but they remain one of the quirkiest 80s trends that people embraced with enthusiasm.
25. Cabbage Patch Kids Craze
No toy captured the 80s spirit like Cabbage Patch Kids. These round-faced, soft-bodied dolls were so popular that people lined up for hours—and sometimes even fought each other—to get one. Parents scrambled to fulfill their kids’ holiday dreams, creating a frenzy still unmatched by today’s toy crazes. The dolls, complete with “birth certificates,” became an essential 80s cultural moment and a testament to the era’s consumer frenzy.
26. The Rise of “Self-Help” Cassettes and Tapes
Self-improvement was booming in the 80s, and self-help tapes became a staple for those seeking success, inner peace, or financial freedom. From motivational speeches to meditation guides, these cassettes filled glove compartments and living rooms, promising enlightenment or prosperity. Listening to “success mantras” on tape was part of the lifestyle.