What Are the Most Iconic '80s Jewelry Trends That Are Making a Comeback?
The 1980s was a decade known for its bold fashion choices, and this included the jewelry people wore. Now, in the present day, some of those iconic styles are back in style.
Nostalgic yet modern, these pieces are popping up everywhere. Think big gold chains or earrings in neon colors. They can be seen in both those who love everything vintage and people who like to start trends rather than follow them.
We will take a closer look at top jewelry styles from that era, which have found their way back into our accessory collections. Apparently, good taste never goes out of fashion. Get ready to fall in love with colorful, unforgettable statement pieces all over again!
What Is 80's Jewelry?
The 1980s was a period of extreme fashion, extravagant tastes, and daring clothing. And nowhere is this better exemplified than in the jewelry worn at the time.
Jewelry from the 80s stands out for its boldness and eclecticism. It was designed to make an impact, with wearers leaving a lasting impression wherever they went. Come with us now as we take a deep dive into the world of 80s jewelry.
Bold and Eclectic Styles
Fierce ‘80s were a decade of self-expression, and the jewelry of that era epitomized this perfectly. Large gold chains and big hoop earrings were essential in every person's collection.
Bold colours and geometric shapes were also featured heavily. Often, they were matched with neon shades and angular designs incorporated into pieces. These styles weren't just accessories. They were about personality as well as attitude, demanding both attention and appreciation.
Standout pieces such as large brooches, cocktail rings, and cuff bracelets were popular choices, too. They often featured rhinestones, pearls, or other dazzling decorations.
As a general rule, go big or go home! Jewellery wasn't there to blend in. It was there to be noticed, appreciated – perhaps even coveted by others.
Fashion Icons and Their Influence on '80s Jewelry
Influential fashion figures from the 1980s had a major influence on jewelry styles at the time. One such figure was Madonna. She helped popularize crucifix necklaces worn with multiple chains and armfuls of bangles. Her punk-inspired look encouraged many people to be more adventurous with their accessories.
Princess Diana was another style icon whose choices have had a lasting impact. The late royal favored pearl chokers, big earrings, and sapphire rings. These pieces brought both glamour and gravitas to any outfit they adorned.
Cyndi Lauper is famous for her unique and fun-loving fashion sense. She was wearing different earrings or adorning herself with offbeat brooches. These choices soon went mainstream.
It wasn't just Lauper. Other trendsetters of the time helped redefine jewelry from mere add-on to must-have personal style item. Their bold, funky designs remain influential today –– proof positive that killer style is eternal.
What Jewelry Was Popular in the 80s?
The 1980s were a bright and lively decade. This period was characterized by daring fashion choices, vivid hues, and an unabashed love for all things maximalist. Jewelry wasn't an afterthought during the '80s. In many outfits, it was the focal point—meant to be noticed and remarked upon:
Chunky Gold Chains
In the 1980s, if you wanted to look cool and powerful, you had to wear thick gold chains. Both guys and girls sported these big necklaces — sometimes more than one at once.
Chunky gold chains came from hip-hop but soon spread. Everyone loved them because they showed that you had money and knew what was fashionable. And the bigger or fancier your chain (possibly!), the bolder you were being. Lots of people liked making statements with their jewelry.
Oversized Hoop Earrings
If you wanted to wear hoop earrings in the 1980s, they had to be big. Sometimes so big they would graze your shoulder. That's how you made a statement with jewelry.
Whether made from gold, silver, or even plastic, massive hoops were an essential extra for anyone who was into fashion at the time. Madonna and Janet Jackson were just two stars who were often photographed wearing them. So, no wonder oversized hoops became synonymous with this era.
Bangle Bracelets
You'll never guess what else was totally tubular about the 1980s: bangle bracelets! People would sport a bunch at once, stacking them up past their knuckles.
Bangles could be made from plastic, metal, or even wood—and you could find them in every color under the neon rainbow. Whenever you moved your arm, there'd be this jingly sound… because more = merrier (Sonny and Cher would've agreed).
These bracelets added fun energy to any clothing combo. That's why lots of folks considered them an outfit's best buddy!
Statement Brooches
In the 1980s, brooches became fashionable again after being seen as old-fashioned. These brooches were bigger than before and covered in shiny fake jewels, pearls, and other ornaments.
People wore them on all sorts of clothes – not just jackets but also dresses and hats – to make themselves look fancier. If you put one in the right spot, said fashionistas at the time, it can transform an outfit like magic.
One person who helped boost the trend was Princess Diana. Lots of photos show her wearing a brooch or two (sometimes more) with everything from evening gowns to power suits. And she was always looking amazing!
Pearls with a Twist
Although pearls have always symbolized timeless beauty, they took on a fresh, new attitude in the 1980s. Instead of being reserved for simple styles, they were given daring makeovers. They were matched with gold chains, colorful beads, and other materials.
Pearls that came in layered necklaces – ones you'd wear all at once – also shook things up. Women began mixing these pieces with other types of jewelry for an eclectic feel. If you had five necklaces on, only one would be pearls. The rest might be gold links or bright baubles.
Madonna loved this rebellion-through-fashion approach. She often wore pearls piled up with lots of fabric (like lace) or tough-girl extras such as leather bands. It was her way of saying, "Who says so?"
Neon Jewelry
Reflective of the 80s' lively color palette, neon jewelry was a lighthearted and dazzling fad. Radiant pink danglers? Chartreuse wristbands? You bet!
They supplied an instant shot of color to any ensemble. Typically crafted from plastic, these accessories boasted attention-demanding geometric shapes. Because subtlety just wasn't the vibe. Popular with young people, neon jewelry embodied the spirited optimism of the time period.
Geometric Shapes
Another popular trend from the 1980s was wearing jewelry with geometric shapes. This meant that people liked jewelry made from metals or plastics that had strong lines and angles, like circles, squares, or triangles.
The designs were often quite simple. But they still managed to be eye-catching because they came in bright colors. Perfect if you wanted to stand out on purpose!
Geometric jewelry could look good with lots of different outfits, too. So even though it was very modern, you could wear it with something more classic or funky if you felt like it.
Influence of '80s Jewelry on Contemporary Fashion
The bold and fearless attitude of '80s jewelry is having a colorful comeback in fashion right now. But its return has more oomph than just nostalgia. Today's trends are being shaped by yesteryear's looks, and we'll find out how come:
Revived '80s Styles in Current Fashion Trends
Embracing the bold and eclectic styles of the 80s, today's fashion puts a contemporary twist on classic looks. Chunky gold chains, oversized hoop earrings, and stacks of bangles are no longer throwbacks. They're integral parts of any modern outfit.
By resurrecting these styles, wearers can feel bold and confident. After all, your accessories say a lot about you. The emphasis on maximalism from this era still has fans among today's tastemakers. Many people want to stand out and show off their individuality through jewelry.
Role of Contemporary Designers and Influencers
Contemporary designers and influencers are essential in bringing back '80s jewelry. They incorporate elements from this decade into their collections or outfits—think Marc Jacobs and Gucci.
On Instagram and TikTok, influential individuals demonstrate how to wear such accessories. So that they appeal not only to older people but also to youth. They style them creatively.
By adding these fun accents to your wardrobe regularly, you can make any ensemble pop. Just check out what our favorite trendsetters have been posting lately!
Celebrities and Fashion Icons Embracing Vintage '80s Jewelry
From red carpets to city streets, Rihanna, Kendall Jenner, and Dua Lipa are sparking a revival in 80s jewelry - and we're all for it. Think big hoops, chunky layered necklaces, and statement brooches. These pieces instantly update any outfit (even jeans and a white tee).
So influential are these trendsetters that they've helped make old-school styles cool again. And it's not just among A-listers or fashion magazine cover stars but also among regular people. By wearing 80s jewelry with modern clothes, today's icons show there's something timeless. They can bring any look up-to-date in seconds flat!
Faqs About '80s Jewelry
Were hoop earrings worn in the '80s?
Yes, hoop earrings were a popular '80s trend – often worn big for maximum impact.
Did they wear bangle bracelets in the '80s?
Certainly! In the 1980s, it was very fashionable to wear many bangle bracelets at once, and they were often bright colors that would get people's attention.
Were pearl necklaces popular in the '80s?
Yes, the 1980s saw a surge in popularity for pearl necklaces. Layered designs and those featuring pearls alongside other striking pieces were particularly fashionable.
Was gold or silver more popular in the '80s?
Back in the 1980s, chunky gold jewelry such as earrings and necklaces was all the rage. People just couldn't get enough of it!
Conclusion
You don't have to be an '80s kid to appreciate the enduring coolness of jewelry trends from that era. There's something about the boldness of styles from back in the day that still feels fresh. They stand out rather than simply finishing off an outfit like a good necklace should.
Look at how easily those chunky gold chains or oversized hoop earrings dress up even the most casual t-shirt and jeans combo! That's why we're not surprised our favorite influencers and celebs are still rocking them.
Besides, designers keep finding ways to reinvent retro looks for runways and red carpets alike. When it comes to fashion, what goes around definitely comes back around. But with attitude.
3 Comment(s)
Hiii..I read your whole article, thabk you! I'm going to a Glam 80s' themed party, a bachelorette, and I'm excited, all the girls are sweet and creative, so we are dressing up for dinner ♡ but I don't know this decade so we'll, but I have lots of funky jewelry from over the years, and your article was helpful to get my ideas together. I'll try and send some photos !:) best wishes from Ontario, Canada! -SC
I love this. My mom still has all her jewelery from different time periods especially the 80's. She is now in her mid 70's. I remember playing dress up with her jewelery.
The clothing, colors and jewelry of the 1980s was awesome. Fun to see it trending
Leave a Comment