The 1980s were a decade of maximalism: bigger was better, and brighter was bolder. Clashing patterns, eye-catching accessories, and perms that seemed to defy gravity ruled the era and created some unforgettable style moments.
But while plenty of trends, like high-waisted jeans and scrunchies, have made a comeback among younger generations, not everything from the '80s deserves a revival. Here are some looks that are better left in the past.
Scroll to see all the outdated '80s fashion trends that should definitely stay in the past...
Etsy
1. Bulky Shoulder Pads
There's no fashion trend that screams '80s quite like big shoulder pads. These boxy additions (as pictured in the above shirt) found their way into blazers and dresses, creating a look that was arguably equally as impractical as it was bold.
Nonetheless, this style was popularized by the rise of power dressing and meant to project confidence and authority, particularly for women who were breaking down barriers in the workplace.
The intention behind shoulder pads was empowering, but today, many would agree the result leans more toward comically oversized than chic.
Anthropologie
2. Animal Print Blazers
Another loud and unapologetic staple of this decade was animal print blazers. Whether leopard, zebra, or even tiger-striped, these statement pieces definitely turned heads and were sometimes even paired with metallic fabrics, taking an already bold outfit and pushing it over the edge.
Nowadays, a touch of animal print can add flair to an outfit. But the extreme blazers of this era are best remembered as a relic of fashion's past.
Amazon
3. Nylon In Neon
You probably wouldn't bust out a nylon tracksuit to run errands today. Yet, back in the '80s, this look was considered the height of fashion. People would rock them in blinding shades of hot pink, neon green, and electric blue just to hit the mall or visit the grocery store.
Even though the flashy fit definitely stood out, nylon wasn't exactly the most flattering choice and kind of made people look like highlighters. Not to mention, the synthetic fabric wasn't exactly breathable since it trapped heat.
Kohl's
4. Acid-Wash Denim
Acid-wash denim was synonymous with looking "cool," but for older generations, the trend was ridiculous. They couldn't understand why anyone would intentionally wear jeans that looked as if they'd been dunked in bleach.
Regardless, anything from jeans to jackets and full-on denim looks got the acid-wash treatment, creating outfits that seemed more like laundry accidents than a fashion statement.
Target
5. Oversized Collars
Thanks to Princess Diana, oversized collars became a go-to style choice. In hindsight, these exaggerated pieces of fabric were more comical than chic.
Sure, they theoretically could be styled thoughtfully and add a vintage touch of elegance. But more often than not, they wound up looking more like unflattering bibs and can stay behind in the history books.
6. Side Ponytails
Why wear your hair in the center when you could sweep it to the side? That was the thought process behind this popular hairdo in the 1980s.
Side ponytails were hiked up high, volumized, and usually paired with teased bangs. At the time, teens considered the look effortlessly cool. In 2025, the era of "slick back" buns and lower ponies, it's more just quirky.
Target
7. Hammer Pants
M.C. Hammer and his iconic dance moves gave us one of the craziest fashion statements of the '80s: harem or "hammer" pants. These oversized pants might've been comfortable, but their ultra-low sag up top and billowing legs made them nearly impossible to style in a way that didn't feel like a costume.
Certain variations of hammer pants in more modern forms have stuck around, but the exaggerated and parachute-like proportions of this era are outdated now.
8. Patterns On Patterns
Finally, everyone laughs at the early 2000s for the layering of so many physical garments, like long sleeves under T-shirts under tank tops. Layering was also "in" during the '80s, just in a different way.
This decade saw the unashamed mixing of all kinds of patterns, like stripes with florals or plaid with polka dots. It resulted in outfits that clashed and looked chaotic.
Today, some thoughtful print mixing is considered a chic way to make a statement. However, the 1980s lacked the balance needed to really pull it off.
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