These Classic '80s Accessories Are Making A Major Comeback
Like many of the trends in the '80s, this era's accessories were characterized by self-expression and a larger-than-life attitude. As fashion strays further from minimalism in 2026, opulent '80s accessories are among the retro trends that aren't outdated anymore. They're making a comeback, and we're here for it.
In the '80s, accessories took on new roles. Oversized earrings, layered necklaces, and chunky bangles became focal points, with outfits increasingly built around them. As new combinations of vibrant gemstones emerged, jewelry became more colorful, and collections grew increasingly expressive. Even the era's icons became recognized for their distinctive jewelry collections, from Madonna's crucifix pendants and chain necklaces to Cyndi Lauper's funky brooch assortment. Princess Diana also became a jewelry icon in the '80s, with the royal known for her statement pearl chokers, button earrings, and sapphires.
It's really no surprise that the era's jewelry trends helped redefine the industry, and in recent years, many of these iconic styles have made a comeback. Fashion has a way of reminding us that the unthinkable is possible. When supermodels Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber started to embrace chunky gold button earrings in 2025, few could have predicted a return to '80s accessories on this scale. The return to this decade's accessories highlights fashion's newfound love for maximalism. These designs have been reimagined as even bolder and more colorful pieces. Even brooches have been dominating runways in 2026. '80s accessories have proven that they remain timeless, but it's fashion's renewed embrace of them that shows they deserve to take center stage once again.
Statement necklaces have made a dramatic return, stacks, pendants, and all
Necklaces were made to stand out in the '80s. Chunky chains were often stacked on top of one and other and fashion enthusiasts embraced large pendants that showcased their personal style. A statement red carpet necklace was one of the high-fashion jewelry trends that dominated the 2026 Emmys. But bold necklaces aren't only trending on the red carpet, celebrities have been wearing them to interviews, too. In 2026, Anne Hathaway wore a bold Bulgari Serpenti necklace in gold and silver in an episode of "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon."
Chunky rings are making an even bigger impact
Chunky rings, also known as cocktail rings, were never intended to be practical in the '80s. They sure weren't designed to be subtle either. Fashion enthusiasts frequently wore large gemstones in vibrant hues. Yellow gold was particularly popular, and oversized silver pendant rings were also embraced. In recent years, chunky rings have maintained their standout impact, but modern designs have become more meaningful. Enter: chunky engagement rings. Inspired by Dua Lipa's engagement — shared by the singer herself on Instagram – this new style of '80s-inspired engagement ring has become a major trend.
Brooches are still being used to decorate every part of an outfit
As more women joined the workforce in the '80s and tailored fashion was at an all-time high, they started adding brooches to their power suits. Brooches came in distinctive shapes and sizes, and they were used to decorate almost any part of an outfit — including scarves and sweaters. In 2026, brooches were named the biggest catwalk jewelry trend. Fashion enthusiasts have not only been adding them to coats and jackets, but, reminiscent of '80s style, they have also been using them to elevate other garments, such as hats.
Bold cuffs and bangles are back and better
Dainty bracelets were replaced by bold bangles and statement cuffs in the '80s. While some were worn to make a statement, particularly metal cuffs that boasted a hefty gemstone at the center of the wrist, resin bangles took on a more bohemian appearance. What's more, some cuff collections also expanded to include neon plastic bangles. According to Vogue, resin bangles are back, and better than ever before. In recent years, styling chunky bangles has also been reimagined. Models have been wearing large stacks of bangles extending toward their elbows.
Large earrings have been transformed into louder accessories
As hairstyles reached new heights in the '80s, teased hairstyles drew attention upward, allowing statement earrings to become focal points of an outfit. While embellished oversized hoops became a staple, large, circular button earrings in vibrant hues also made their mark. In 2026, fashion designers returned to maximalism and revived the '80s statement earring. Luxury brands like Valentino, Saint Laurent, and Dior reimagined the bold earring design with louder adornments on the runway. As fashion continues to take a maximalist turn, it seems chunky earrings are the '80s-inspired jewelry trend we needed.
Scrunchies have had a lasting impact, but now fashion houses are obsessed
Fashion's obsession with scrunchies in the '80s has proven to be a timeless trend. While teased bouffants defined the decade, high ponytails were another popular hairstyle. As scrunchies came in different textures, hues, and patterns, they provided a bold finishing touch to these sky-high hairstyles. In recent years, scrunchies have been revived. In fact, in 2026, scrunchies even took center stage at Marc Jacobs' Fall/Winter show during New York Fashion Week. The hair accessory has been particularly favored because it adds an effortless, extra flair to outfits.
Pearl chokers have been reimagined as layered necklaces
While Princess Diana was known for her regal pearl jewelry collection in the '80s, celebrities like Madonna redefined this accessory by pushing boundaries and layering multiple strings of pearls on top of one another. Designers are reinventing pearl necklaces on runways in 2026. These more modern designs have become extremely popular for being layered necklaces that combine large pearls with vibrant stones. "This versatility is what makes it so fascinating. It has a rich history and strong identity, yet is incredibly adaptable," Nadine Kanso, the founder of jewelry brand Bil Arabi, told Vogue Arabia in September 2026.
Designers are hinting at a chain belt revival
Although chain belts originally made their mark on fashion in the '20s, it's safe to say the accessory was perfectly suited to the maximalism of the '80s. Since the accessory seamlessly blended statement jewelry with chunky belts — two major trends at the time — it helped pave the way for chain belts to grow in popularity. Chain belts are still often associated with '80s nostalgia, but the statement accessory has built a reputation for elevating outfits. In 2026, designers hinted that chain belts would make a major comeback by quietly reintroducing the accessory on their runways.