10 Street Style Signs That Prove the '80s Trend Is Really Happening

We predicted way back at the start of 2016 that the time to forgo flares and say buh-bye to boho was coming. Now, it has dominated autumn/winter 2018 and is set to be just as prolific in 2019, too. It seemed like the stronghold the 1970s had maintained over this fine fashion kingdom for more than three seasons appeared to be waning—and we were right. The style elite's most forward-thinking influencers are spinning into the following decade's aesthetic instead. Yes, you read correctly—this means the '80s are back in vogue, and it will affect your closet.

Rather than rah-rah skirts, Madonna-esque basques and cutoff gloves—or the kind of power-tailored shoulder pads that could jab a co-worker's eye out at 50 paces—'80s 2.0 truly can be a more casual affair, even when the runway's offering is unashamedly outré (see how popular Saint Laurent's eveningwear is with celebs right now).

Thanks to the deft street stylers and Instagrammers pictured below, we can deduce that the success rate is down to something very simple: Wear only one '80s throwback piece at a time, unless you are truly brave and/or majorly into this trend.

So here are the 10 fashionable flashback items genuinely in action. And if you’re feeling inspired, we have also selected the best options to shop the look…

From "leg of mutton"-sleeve blouses like this elaborate one on Ece Sükan through to sharp tailoring, shoulders are the new focal point in fashion. 

Belts, bags, earrings, shoes, sunglasses, T-shirts, sweaters, leggings… Right now you'll find the power branding of the world's biggest fashion houses all over every possible surface. Not brash—just of-the-moment.

If you aren't on board with the skinnier, more '90s/Matrix-esque sunglasses trend, then perhaps bigger, visor-style shades will be your thing. 

Spandex was ultra popular during the '80s thanks to a rise in exercise classes, but now you'll find this stretchy, shiny new collection from Versace making its way into the going-out wardrobes of fashion girls.

The strong-shouldered, neutral-coloured trouser suit was a favourite of working girls in the 1980s, but now they're a strong street style option—especially when worn with a roll-neck and big earrings.

Talking of big gold earrings, they were an essential part of the '80s look—and we've noticed clip-ons creeping back into stores and the streets yet again.

Utility-style, slouchy jumpsuits were popular when our mums were fully into '80s casual: Instead of wearing them with flats or sneakers as before, we'd recommend adding heels and a waist-belt.

Slouchy and mid-calf boots are now ripe for the classic 1980s styling trick of tucking in loose-fit trousers—surprisingly good for a leg-lengthening effect.

As predicted by Pantone and brought to life by the streets of fashion month, purple is trending—and you probably haven't seen it around this much since the '80s.

The '80s served up a menagerie of prints, but none feel more of the era than tiger motifs. Look for slinky fabrics to up the Dynasty-esque ante.