The 1980s brought us many iconic moments that shaped the decade. With the launch of MTV in 1981, musicians like Madonna and Boy George directly influenced fashion trends through their music videos. Popular TV shows like Dynasty brought “power dressing” into the living rooms of millions, including sharp tailoring, bold colors and oversized shoulder pads. Women began climbing corporate ladders in droves and dressed to match their male counterparts in office settings. In the summer of 1981, 750 million television viewers around the world watched as Lady Diana Spencer walked down the aisle in her extravagant wedding dress to marry Prince Charles. These iconic moments set the stage for a decade of over-the-top fashion and an era of self-expression. If you’re hoping to learn more about 1980s jewelry trends and get inspired to purchase a few 80s-inspired pieces of your own, you’ve come to the right place.
Here are 10 jewelry trends sure to take your look back to the 80s.
#1: Large hoop earrings
Sometimes in glittering gold, other times in bubble gum pink, large hoop earrings were never in short supply in the 1980s. "Bigger is better” was often the rule to follow, as many strived to make their earrings the center of attention. These extravagant earrings came in a multitude of materials, including gold, silver, acrylic and sometimes even plastic. The ‘80s were all about thinking outside the box and pushing boundaries, leading some wearers to purchase hoop earrings of many varieties, including geometric shapes or embellishments.
Styling tip: Hoop earrings are versatile. They can dress up a casual outfit or pair nicely with a more formal look. Consider putting your hair up or back to let bold hoops get the attention they deserve.
#2: Mismatched jewelry
In today’s precisely curated world, it may feel like everything has to be perfectly styled and matched. But, if you’re seeking that “ditch-the-rulebook” aesthetic of the 1980s, mismatched jewelry may be the perfect trend for you. Mismatching jewelry reflected the 80s desire for creative self-expression was perhaps the epitome of coloring outside the lines.
Styling tip: Mix and match different shades of gold necklaces with silver for a dynamic look, or even add some pops of excitement with neon colors or other materials like beads or gemstones. If you’re feeling extra creative, consider moving beyond mismatched metals and experimenting with mismatched items, such as one pink earring paired with a gold one. And the mixing and matching doesn’t have to end there. Consider playing around with size, combining thin bracelets with large, chunky ones, or stacking earrings from different eras, bringing contemporary and vintage 80s pieces together for a bodacious creative clash.
Strive for balance in your overall look. Sometimes mixing and matching can bring a chaotic vibe, which isn’t necessarily bad! But if you add many jewelry pieces to your ensemble, you may want to tone down your outfit. Muted or neutral tones may be a good choice, especially if you’ve selected jewelry pieces that bring a variety of colors to the table.
#3: Giant gold
Gold jewelry (especially chunky gold jewelry) was everywhere in the 1980s, reflecting the glamor and extravagance of the decade. While white and rose gold also increased in popularity in the 80s, trends tended to lean toward bold, bright yellow gold. If you want to bring some 80s flair to your ensemble, consider layering gold necklaces in different styles. Large, gold door knocker earrings were a popular 80s trend, too. These chunky earrings, shaped like traditional door knockers with a large geometric design and a handle, are a great way to add vintage gold to your accessories.
Styling tip: Layering beautiful gold pieces with your outfits can be fun but try not to get carried away. Take fashion cues from 80s singer and actress Diana Ross. This delightful diva, often known as the Queen of Motown Records, often incorporated excessive amounts of gold jewelry into her fashion in the 1980s but achieved a balanced look, pairing her jewelry with simple, elegant clothing. (NOTE: It’s best to dial it back slightly so it stays elegant and not flashy or “campy”).
#4: Colorful bracelets, from jelly to gemstones
In the 1980s, you were hard-pressed to find a photo of Madonna's wrists, as they were overflowing with vibrant bracelets of every color and size. While neon colors were a staple of the 1980s, bracelets may have been the most significant contributor to the color trend. Jelly bracelets, made from a jelly-like rubber substance, came in every color of the rainbow and were massively popular during the 80s. Colorful bracelets were not limited to the jelly variety, though. Bracelets adorned with bright gemstones and even chunky plastic bangles splashed onto the scene during this “Era of Excess.”
Styling tip: Add enough bracelets to make the nod to the 80s apparent, but stop adding bracelets before it reaches the point of "80s Halloween Costume." Don't go too heavy on the plastic or rubber bracelets to prevent your accessories from straying into the "tacky" zone. If you want to stack, consider incorporating higher-quality pieces with colorful gemstones or neutral-colored bracelets, such as black, to fill in the gaps.
#5: Big button earrings
The 1980s sometimes have a reputation for being all-out, over-the-top fashion madness. But this wasn’t always the case. Yes, some pop artists were known for pushing the limits, but striking a balance between “woah” and elegance was often a key component. Big button earrings are a perfect example of this balancing act. The circular button shape provides an element of class and sophistication. But increase the diameter and add a pop of color, and you’ll be able to capture the vibrancy and energy of the 80s era. Big, bold color can be sophisticated, too!
Styling tip: Exaggerated silhouettes were a huge part of 80s fashion. Consider pairing your big button earrings with an oversized sweater, a blouse with puffy sleeves, or a tailored blazer with shoulder pads.
#6: Pearls
The association of pearls with sophistication, elegance and timelessness has existed for hundreds of years. However, this jewelry trend took a bit of a turn in the 80s. Leaning heavier into a more edgy and rebellious look, pearls, in the form of layered or choker necklaces, were often paired with punk-inspired outfits. But let’s be clear: pearls were also a sign of elegance in the 80s. Style icon Princess Diana was a big fan of pearl chokers, proving this trend can look edgy or elegant depending on how you wear them.
Styling tip: If you’re striving for that edgy, 80s punk princess look, consider a pearl choker paired with a leather jacket and/or ripped denim (jacket, pants, skirt, etc.). Include a long ribbon in your hair to strike that perfect balance of posh and punk. If elegance is your goal, your pearls, whether a necklace, bracelet or earrings, can be worn with a long evening gown or shorter black velvet dress.
#7: Heavy necklaces
Chunky necklaces did a lot of heavy lifting in the jewelry world during the 1980s. For that plucked-from-the-80s look, store away those thin, delicate necklaces and bring out the chunky, heavy ones. From yellow gold choker chains to thick braided chains and beaded necklaces, it was not uncommon for people to wear necklaces that took up most of their neck and chest's real estate. Not only did this necklace style project excess and lavishness, but it also brought an air of power. In an era when women started climbing corporate ladders and thriving in high-powered positions, heavy necklaces went right along for the ride with her!
Styling tip: Avoid busy-patterned shirts when wearing heavy 80s necklaces. Let the necklace(s) be the centerpiece. Wear a neutral, simple top such as a plain tee or single-colored shirt. When it comes to other jewelry, keep this simple, too. Pair your heavy necklace with a delicate bracelet or simple earrings, again letting the necklace be the star.
#8: Cocktail rings
The 80s saw a resurgence of the cocktail ring. This trend originated in the 1920s during Prohibition as a statement against the alcohol ban. As women celebrated more independence and sought ways to enjoy alcohol discreetly, the cocktail ring symbolized empowerment. Traditionally worn on the right hand to signify independence from a husband, these bold, statement-making rings were often adorned with large, eye-catching gemstones. Their popularity waned mid-century, but they experienced a revival in the 80s and have remained a fashionable choice ever since.
Styling tip: For more formal gatherings, pair your cocktail ring with a cocktail dress, fitted skirt, or suit. For a more casual affair, consider jeans and a simple top. If you want to play with color (especially if your cocktail ring packs a colorful punch), pair it with a complementary but equally bold color. For instance, pairing a red cocktail ring with a bold, yellow outfit (complementary colors on the color wheel) would make a colorful nod to this alcohol-inspired 80s jewelry trend.
#9: Bold brooches
Once considered an old-fashioned accessory, brooches found new popularity in the 1980s. Because these pins or clips came in many different shapes and styles, they were perfectly suited for the decade's emphasis on self-expression. From bright geometric shapes to bejeweled animals, the creativity of brooches was practically limitless.
Styling tip: If you are accessorizing for a formal event, opt for a single, bold brooch pinned to the front of an evening gown or the lapel of your tailored suit. If the occasion allows you to be more playful with your accessories, choose a more elaborate broach or arrange several flashy brooches together for a sparkly mosaic. You can also get creative by placing your brooches on a hat or near your outfit's shoulder area, or (gasp!), on the cuff or sleeve of a blouse or jacket.
#10: Gems of many colors
As fashion in the 80s moved toward big and bold, there became a greater demand for gemstones to match this trend. Gemstones such as blue topaz, amethyst and citrine, often designed in geometric settings, allowed the masses to flaunt larger stones without breaking the bank. Before the 1980s, many gemstones were typically only purchased as birthstones. Color-enhancing technology also allowed for more affordable varieties of coveted gemstones, such as blue and yellow sapphires, to increase in popularity.
Styling tip: Large gemstones are meant to be noticed. To make a large gemstone the star of your outfit, pair it with simpler pieces. If your bracelet already makes a colorful statement, opt for more understated rings, earrings, and necklaces. Over-accessorizing can dilute the impact of a bold gemstone.
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