'80s Rom-Com Outfits To Recreate For The Perfect Main Character Moment

The 1980s were definitely an era many remember for its unapologetic films and colorful, daring fashion. Romantic comedies combined both of those particularly well, as the female leads in them often rocked unexpected silhouettes, bold shades, and layered pieces, whether they were heading to a high school class or to a busy news office. And while we already covered outfits from the most iconic rom-coms of all time, today's focus is solely on the silver screen masterpieces the '80s gave us.

Stars like Molly Ringwald, Cher, and Kim Cattrall have worn these looks with ease, and four decades later, we still can't get over them. Whether you copy the outfits in their entirety or simply draw inspiration from them to style pieces you already own, paying homage to these '80s rom-com looks will help you achieve your very own main character fashion moment.

One of the most classic '80s teen rom-com fashion moments is undoubtedly the prom scene in "Pretty in Pink." In the 1986 film, Andie Walsh creates her own prom night look by DIYing a pink satin dress with a lace halter neckline. Portrayed by Molly Ringwald, whose own quirky style is worth mentioning, Andie's prom dress is the best kind of nostalgic. Any pink dress can pay homage to this style, but one with cold shoulders is key to recreating this look.

When it comes to nostalgic style moments from '80s movies that give you fall feels, the red sweater that Sally Albright wears in "When Harry Met Sally..." instantly comes to mind. Meg Ryan portrays the fashionable character in the 1989 rom-com, and while she gave us plenty of cold-weather style, this combination of a chunky red sweater and black skirt just screams main character. Paired with black tights and boots, this outfit is also a very comfortable way to look chic during the chillier months.

Pop star and actor Cher is one of the reasons why the 1987 rom-com "Moonstruck" is so memorable, and her outfits in the film are absolutely stunning. Shoulder pads were one of those things people actually found attractive in the '80s, and though they can sometimes overwhelm a look, Cher's character, Loretta Castorini, pulls them off with ease in this dramatic black maxi coat. While a black coat like this works for anyone, it does look particularly stunning on those whose hair (like Cher's) matches the color.

Layering fashion is always a great way to add your own spin to pieces, and combining textures and patterns can create unique fashion moments. In the 1984 teen rom-com, Samantha Baker, portrayed by Molly Ringwald, layered a sleeveless floral dress over a red tank top and pink off-the-shoulder tee for a fun, personalized look. Apart from the fact that it's a great homage to the '80s classic, layering sleeveless dresses over short- or long-sleeved tops is a quirky and versatile way to rock them throughout the year.

Granted, in the 1988 rom-com "Working Girl," Tess McGill, portrayed by Melanie Griffith, changes from her comfy sneakers into fancy heels once she gets to work, but we'd argue that her combination of casual footwear and a structured blazer is the best way to recreate this look. In fact, paired with white socks worn over her semi-sheer black polka-dot tights, the shoes add a chunky element that helps balance the structured width of the blazer's shoulders.

In the 1983 rom-com "Valley Girl," Deborah Foreman portrays Julie Richman, whose colorful style is the epitome of '80s trends. If there's one item we'd love to steal from the character's closet, it would be her pink-and-blue windbreaker jacket, which serves as the perfect fun-yet-casual everyday piece. A jacket like this not only brings a major retro vibe to your style, but it can instantly elevate bland outfits with a bright pop of color.

The 1987 fantasy rom-com "Mannequin" gave us a plethora of incredible outfits worn by Kim Cattrall, who played Ema Hesire. However, the one look that's indelibly imprinted in our minds is this monochromatic pink outfit with a matching wide-brimmed hat. Cattrall looked absolutely stunning, and it's no wonder she went on to become a fashion icon in "Sex and the City." If you want to recreate the look but are a bit intimidated by the size of a hat like this, never fear, we have a few tips for styling a wide-brimmed hat without looking like Freddy Krueger.

In the 1985 rom-com "The Sure Thing," Daphne Zuniga plays Alison Bradbury, whose preppy fashion is all about layering timeless clothes. In fact, her capsule wardrobe includes quite a few stunning pieces that would look chic and current even four decades after the film premiered. One of them is the combination of a navy-blue grandpa cardigan worn over a light-blue button-up shirt, a look that perfectly encapsulated Bradbury's sophisticated aesthetic throughout the film.

Fringe jackets are a bold fashion choice, one that high schooler Cindy Mancini wasn't afraid to make. Played by Amanda Peterson in the 1987 teen rom-com "Can't Buy Me Love", Mancini's statement pieces make the film a great choice for '80s fashion inspiration. In particular, this cropped white jacket with fringe along the sleeves is a look that's sure to give anyone main character energy. Mancini paired it with a matching skirt and bralette top for a monochromatic '80s look.

Annette O'Toole plays Kathy in the 1987 rom-com "Cross My Heart," and the character's outfit certainly foreshadowed the direction trends were about to take in the early '90s. In the film, which takes place during a date, Kathy wears a green cardigan and a black choker, an accessory that became hugely popular in the following decade. The unexpected addition helps make the cardigan look cooler and less preppy, and it's an easy way to give the basic wardrobe staple new life.