8 Celeb Outfits From The '80s That Look Even Cooler Today

When it comes to fashion, the 1980s has quite the reputation. Trends were maximalist in color and texture, and the influx of diverse and maximalist fabrics meant that no style was too huge. It wasn't uncommon to see women wearing oversized suit jackets or reimagining classic materials with acid-washed jeans. Shoulder pads were big, too, but hair was even bigger — and heavily styled with hairspray and curlers. If that weren't enough, accessories were never overlooked, with chunky bracelets and statement belts being all the rage. Sadly, a number of recognizable staples from the '80s have since become outdated, but a few have managed to stand the test of time and become evergreen. 

Of course, before social media and influencers, the public depended on actors, pop stars, and other famous figures to be their fashion inspirations. When you think of Madonna, for example, popular looks from her hit '80s music videos surely come to mind. And while '80s fashion certainly felt singular, a number of vintage red-carpet looks would still be favorable now. In fact, many were ahead of their time, as they feel much more aligned with current trends. As such, we're taking a look back at '80s fashion moments that were pleasing back then and would still create a stunning moment today. 

Singer Whitney Houston was used to stunning people with her immaculate vocals, but when she attended the Grammy Awards in 1988, her gorgeous and elegant outfit was what grabbed everyone's attention. She wore a gown that fit her like a glove and was made of a tasteful textured material. The silver detailing allowed for a hint of sparkle that would still look trendy in the 2020s. Oh, and the bodice was a work of art, including trefoil designs that made the dress feel luxurious and sophisticated. 

In 1989, Demi Moore walked the red carpet at the Oscars as if it were the fashion event of the year: the Met Gala. She took a risk by including a stunning reveal, something that's more commonly found today. At first glance, Moore's outfit appeared to be a fitted black romper with long sleeves and hints of lace, but the skirt is where Moore's fashion sense really shined, touting riveting gold and floral details. The floral fabric peeked out and worked as a chic bustier, and Moore carried it beautifully. 

When performing for a crowd in Central Park in New York City in 1983, Diana Ross wasn't playing around with her wardrobe. She wore stunning gowns while singing ballads and pivoted to a fun bodysuit for upbeat songs. The bodysuit showed off her killer legs and figure while also making her look feminine in white lace — the trendy detail we'll be adding to our outfits ASAP. It wouldn't be surprising if Taylor Swift drew inspiration from this look for the opening outfit of the Eras Tour. 

Actor Julia Roberts showed off her petite frame by wearing a sexy and short black suit jacket at the premiere of "Steel Magnolias" in 1989. This look was an all-around win, combining elements of menswear with feminine features like a touch of leopard print on the neckline and cuffs. You can see by Roberts' reserved body language that the miniskirt may have felt too risqué, which could be why she became the queen of oversized suits shortly afterward. Today, we could see many stars wear this timeless ensemble to show off their legs and look flawless.

Decades before the "Barbie" movie took the world by storm, Princess Diana proved why pink is such a stunning color choice. At the Italian opera house La Scala in 1985, she wore a tasteful pink layered A-line gown that flared out from the waist. The scoop neck reminds us of today's popular bridal gowns with bows that add dimension as an irresistible example of girlcore. Complete with a chic clutch purse (and a tiara, of course), Princess Diana looked graceful rather than juvenile — just as a princess always should. 

Donna Summer was the undisputed queen of disco, and she may have been paying homage to her roots with this dress in 1983. The floor-length gown exudes elegance and highlights her tall stature, but it's the visual that makes this dress really pop. The dainty polka dots are whimsical and even one of the classic trends that staged a comeback in 2025. When the light shined on the fabric, Summer was illuminated in sparkles — something that's undoubtedly just as beloved today as it was in the '80s. 

Sarah Jessica Parker took a risk wearing this outfit back in 1991. Admittedly, it looks unusual at first, but its myriad elements actually work well when you break them down individually. The gold bra is posh, while the orange trousers are fun and fit her well. The shrug is what really stands out thanks to its artistry. Its precise beading and vibrant colors make it impossible to look away. We could easily see streetwear TikTokers modeling this in the streets of NYC today.

Drew Barrymore was just barely a teenager when she wore this casual dress to an AIDS benefit in 1989. This is a great example of how young stars can dip their toes into the world of fashion with grace and without going overboard. The classic black-and-white color combo is well balanced here with an off-the-shoulder black top and a white knee-length skirt with black stripes. How sweet would this look during an outing with friends? Her understated necklace and side-parted curly hair feel effortless but still stylish for an outfit that works equally well during the day or night.