Embrace the return of 80s fashion: Bold trends for winter 2024
From seemingly "kitsch" leopard print and lace to the business yuppie style, now known as "corporate core," 80s fashion is making a comeback. This winter, it will reign not only on the streets but also at New Year's Eve parties. We suggest how to wear it and what to pair it with to look and feel like a million dollars.
Reviving past trends is nothing new in the fashion world. Designers often draw inspiration from what has been fashionable before. This time is no different. During the 2024/2025 winter season, 80s trends will accompany us. Slightly wild and attention-grabbing, they are exactly what we need to liven up "boring" winter outfits.
80s fashion in 2024
We already knew last year that the maximalism from the 80s would be one of the strongest trends of 2024.
What 80s trends will be present in winter fashion in 2024 and 2025? Among the most important are oversized clothes, especially sweaters loved by the young Princess Diana, leopard prints and lace worn by Madonna at the time, and the business yuppie style, which is the classic "working girl" aesthetic making a comeback from the 80s.
The term "yuppie," an acronym for "young urban professional" or "young upwardly-mobile professional," appeared in the early 80s. Initially, it described talented young professionals from big cities, but it soon entered the fashion world, appearing on streets, runways, and in movies.
Yuppie is a kind of power dressing associated with the 80s. Young women dressed in suits with oversized shoulder pads and sheer stockings. Some believe certain elements should stay in that era and never return, but designers, past and present, have a different opinion on this matter.
The former yuppie trend is now known as "corporate core," which has appeared on runways in recent years, such as in the Saint Laurent Fall-Winter 2019/2020 collection. In 2024, it returns in a similar form but more closely referencing the 80s.
Add a fitted bodysuit or turtleneck, an oversized coat, and pointy-toed pumps or slingbacks to a two- or three-piece suit. This way, we create a look that fits current trends while nodding to 80s fashion.
This 80s trend is conquering stylish streets
We're talking about iconic "pyramid" pants loved by stars like Dakota Johnson, Katie Holmes, and Demi Moore. There's a good reason for this. Pyramids not only elongate legs and silhouettes beautifully but are also favoured by designers.
Example? The French number one among young talents, Jacquemus. Just a few months ago, he released a cult model with flared legs. He paired pyramid pants with fitted blazers in matching colours, creating monochromatic suits.
Pyramid pants, especially denim ones, are the perfect base for outfits with an original top, such as a jeweled top, one with cutouts or sheer parts. It's worth pairing them with classic stiletto boots or metallic ones, in silver or gold.
These types of pants are suitable for everyday, office, and date outfits. Simply pair them with a suit vest, a classic shirt and blazer, or a flowy blouse with flared sleeves, like those from Chloe's recent collections.
Oversize in Lady Di style
In the 80s (and 90s), Princess Diana was a true icon. As Diana Spencer, before marrying the heir to the British throne, Prince Charles, she was most often seen in woolen, oversized sweaters that are fashionable again today. In one interview back then, she admitted that in the early 80s, her wardrobe consisted exclusively of such sweaters, which she did not intend to change completely.
Oversize in Lady Di style is one of the hottest trends referencing the 80s. Woolen and "too big" sweaters can be paired with skirts, fully inspired by the princess, but also with the mentioned pyramid pants, creating a total 80s look.
Inspired by Princess Diana's style, we can go a step further. Everyone likely remembers her silk taffeta wedding dress with huge puffed sleeves, epitomizing 80s extravagance. It serves as another trend: puffed sleeves, perfect for New Year's festivities.
Like Diana, we can transform from shy "Di" into "Lady Diana," choosing models during this festive period that highlight our figure and visually enlarge and broaden shoulders (a very desirable combination). Following the princess, we can opt for a soft colour or an original one, inspired by another 80s icon, one of the main characters of the TV series "Dynasty," Alexis Colby.
Leopard print & lace
There is much to write about leopard print and lace. Some hate them, while others love them. The truth is, in the 80s, they were among the most important trends, worn by Madonna, for example, on stage and on the street.
Leopard print and lace played leading roles in mob wife-style outfits at the beginning of 2024, referencing looks from the 80s and 90s. And although we've moved away from "mob wife," these two trends have stayed with us.
However, she adds that we won't wear them together in winter 2024 (as in "mob wife" looks). Choose either leopard print or lace. Opt for faux fur coats, jackets, or midi satin skirts for leopard print if it's lace, select tops, blouses, dresses, and tube skirts that emphasize our figure.
Remember that these trends can quickly make an outfit "kitsch." Personally, I dislike this term because fashion is meant to be fun. However, I advise caution here, if only a little. Choose one or the other. If you're uncertain, start with one element, such as a leopard print handbag.
