Acceptable in the 80s

Photographs: Carl David Jones and REX Features | Styling: Chicara Bruseke

Everywhere you turn, there are signs that the 80s have made their way back into the fashion spotlight, whether it’s in the popularity of polkadots, fanny packs, high-waisted mom jeans, oversized blazers or metallic shades.

These are our 80s icons, and our favourite looks for now.

Show Your Metal

The look: metallics

Our 80s go-to: Grace Jones

Grace Jones’ sense of style has always been full-on. Who could forget the array of metallic body and jumpsuits she used to don during the 80s, often complete with a built-in headscarf?

This woman was fearless in both her personality and sense of style, and she stands as a reminder to always have fun with fashion. While this season’s metallics are a little softer, who’s to say you can’t combine the skirt here with some metallic boots and retro reflective sunglasses?

Waisted opportunities

The look: belted trenches

Our 80s go-to: Melanie Griffith in Working Girl

Melanie’s character was all about volume, whether it came to her hair or coats.

In the absence of overly exaggerated silhouettes, you can still create some dramatic definition by belting your waist, just as Melanie did in the iconic scene with Harrison Ford where she’s clad in her Reeboks, trench and briefcase.

Up to your neck

The look: polonecks

Our 80s go-to: Sade

Throughout the 80s, style queen Sade rocked a poloneck both on and off stage, and we wouldn’t change a thing about her sleek look three decades on.

Don’t forget to add statement gold earrings to your ensemble and layer with either a leather jacket or oversized blazer. Cat-eye sunglasses optional.

Stroke the furry wall

The look: faux fur

Our 80s go-to: Bianca Jagger

We might not condone Bianca Jagger’s previous penchant for real fur (the activist has since changed her ways), but we still can’t get enough of some of her Studio 54 looks from the 80s.

Grab yourself something shaggy and team it up with your favourite party looks for a dash of after-dark luxury.

Shoulder to shoulder

The look: Blazer-style coats + high-waisted pants

Our 80s go-to: Sarah Jessica Parker

Style-wise, there’s no decade that Sarah hasn’t been able to dominate. Her outfits may have been incredibly stylised, but many of them are still as wearable now as they were then. 

When combining the blazer-style coat and high-waisted pants, make sure the pants are streamlined and only go slightly oversized on the top half – there are shoulder pads, and then there are shoulder pads.