Cute 80s Outfits

Some clothes from the 1980s are terrifying, but there is no end of cute 80s outfits as well, and they can be easily replicated by either browsing through thrift or vintage shops or, in some cases, looking in some trendy shops right now.

80s Fashion Pictures

It can be difficult to pinpoint a cute 80s outfit, because everyone's taste is so subjective, so what one person might think of as adorable, someone else will find atrocious. Things like ripped sweatshirts over leggings and legwarmers that were so big after the film Flashdance came out can be cute, but can also make you look like you have dancing pretensions. The brightly colored fluorescents that enjoyed a run in the mid-80s were considered blinding by some and charming by others. So cute is definitely arbitrary.

That said, there are certain looks that most people thought cute then and that still delight today. A short flouncy skirt paired with a boxy, slightly oversized men's jacket and worn over leggings with high-tops is very cute, especially when further accessorized with a round brimmed hat and a lot of bangles. It's a decidedly 80s look, but a few gentle tweaks - like keeping your hair simple and natural and toning down shoulder pads – will give it a more modern feel.

A lively and cute 80s outfit can be very easy to put together. Start by thinking about bright colors and put them together in an unusual, unexpected way. Your outfit should have two or three bold colors.

Off the shoulder tops were very big in the 80s. You can wear a bright tank top underneath a baggy shirt or sweatshirt so that the contrasting color of the strap is visible. Get a big belt in another contrasting color – possibly studded – and belt the shirt at the waist.

Leggings in another strong color or pattern (pink leopard, say) are an easy bottom with this outfit, but you can also go for skinny jeans (look for some with zippers at the ankles) or a flouncy or denim skirt. Any sort of tennis shoe or high-top will do and you can add leg warmers, sparkly or not, as you like.

If you're opting for a hat, you can tie a ribbon around the brim. If you want very identifiably 80s hair, you don't have to whip out the hair spray or start ratting. Yes, 80s hair was big, but some people opted for looks that were just fun, such as a few asymmetrical ponytails held in place with scrunchies, or long braids with ribbons woven in.

A lot of people think of Madonna when they think of 80s style setters, and she did have some notable outfits. But when it came to being really outrageous and different, no one did it better than Cyndi Lauper. She mixed punk and some 1950s stylings to make something uniquely her own. Her look was more funky than cute, but you can borrow aspects of it to create a wild and still cute 80s outfit that is perfect for clubbing today.

Start with a big skirt – you can puff it up with a crinoline, or even wear just the crinoline. Fishnets are the legwear of choice and you need bold shoes - either bright heels or shiny boots. For your top, you can wear a bustier – the more colors, the better, and trim is encouraged – and perhaps add a vintage-style cheerleader's jacket.

Then think jewelry! Bangles are a favorite way to go, and the more you have, the better. You can also add a necklace or two. Cyndi Lauper was all about dressing however felt right, so feel free to play.

The 80s allowed for a lot of mixing and matching, so it's one of the few eras where you can take just one piece and mix it in with your modern wardrobe to have just a bit of retro flair!

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