15 Photos of 1980s Fashion That Oozed Wealth

1980s fashion
Wealth Gang / Anthony Barboza/Getty Images / Rose Hartman/Getty Images

The ’80s were an era of extravagant flair — and the ultra-rich matched the decade’s lavish spirit with bold, unapologetic displays of wealth. From designer brands like Chanel to power suits featuring oversized shoulders and metallic or neon accents, fashion choices of this time were marked by glitz and tons of hairspray. Join us as we take a stroll down memory lane to revisit some of the 1980s fashion (hello, polka dots and sequins) that was designed to turn heads and flash wealth.

1. Heading out on the town? Don’t forget the Chanel blazer, gold chains, and a side of fierce.

Anthony Barboza/Getty Images
Anthony Barboza/Getty Images

2. When high fashion meets high society.

High fashion
Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Hulton Archive/Getty Images

3. Heavy on the rooftop vibes, oversized chains, and bucket hats.

Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images
Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

4. Who said burgundy isn’t flattering? Ya better slay, queen.

Anthony Barboza/Getty Images
Anthony Barboza/Getty Images

5. When your power suit says boardroom, but your hair screams dance floor.

Steve Wood/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Steve Wood/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

6. Were gingham pants always stylish, or were they made cool by the People’s Princess? (We miss you, Di).

Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

7. Proof that swagger in the ’80s was measured in lens size and gold chains.

Michael Benabib/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Michael Benabib/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

8. Going out in the ’80s meant cutouts, sequins, and copious amounts of hairspray.

Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

9. Hello? We’re calling from the future to tell you that your preppy fit did not, in fact, look good. Sorry.

Rose Hartman/Getty Images
Rose Hartman/Getty Images

10. Bold berets and even bolder makeup: hitting the town with your besties in the ’80s.

Caroline Greville-Morris/Redferns/Getty Images
Caroline Greville-Morris/Redferns/Getty Images

11. And don’t forget your clanky earrings and polka-dotted gloves, too.

Tim Graham/Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images
Tim Graham/Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

12. Ah, the Copacabana in the ’80s: where feathers and funky shades ruled the night.

Rita Barros/Getty Images
Rita Barros/Getty Images

13. A high-collared pearl dress? Only Diana herself could pull it off.

Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images
Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images

14. Hitting the gym? Make sure to match your neon leotard with your headband and leg warmers, like Cher did.

Harry Langdon/Getty Images
Harry Langdon/Getty Images

15. We couldn’t forget the oversized gold hoop earrings, of course.

Lynn Goldsmith/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images
Lynn Goldsmith/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images
Author
Alina Wang

From Queens, New York, Alina has a Bachelors degree in Corporate Communications from CUNY Baruch and enjoys writing and creating content on a variety of topics, including lifestyle, politics, and, of course, wealth trends. Find her on X @atlasseventeen