What Accessories Were Popular in the 80s?
1980s fashion: the original fashionmaxxing. While neon spandex spiky hair took center stage, the accessories made the ‘fit. As a jewelry designer who loves retro aesthetics, I acknowledge that the 80s was a decade of extreme and maximalist self-expression.
Layering, stacking, and piling on was the norm in the 80s. Essentially: more is more. Mixing fine metals with bright synthetics, heels with spandex, extremes all around. Today, we are seeing a massive resurgence of maxxing. Let’s get all nostalgic, and take a look at the familiar and iconic trends that defined the era, and how you can incorporate them into your look today.
The 80s Accessory Era (There Was No Such Thing as Too Much)
Too much did not compute in the 1980s. Primarily driven by pop culture, accessories were an absolute must. When layered with more women "power dressing" for corporate America plus the glamour of prime-time soap operas, accessories became synonymous with confidence. If a piece didn't make a statement, why bother.
The trend extended to all accessories. From rings on every finger to rows of bangles lining the forearms, women of the 80s strived for texture, movement, and visual impact. Quiet luxury and minimalist styles were boring and out the window back then, and now we are ready to renew our love of dynamic and exciting accessories. People want to be noticed and remembered. What once might have been dismissed as "over the top" is now exactly what fashion-forward individuals are craving.
Charm Necklaces & Bell Charms – The Mall Staple
The mall and school playgrounds were flooded with playful plastic charm necklaces in the 80s. They were everything a kid or teen could ask for: customizable, sentimental, and enviable. Start with a colorful plastic chain link necklace, then collect and clip on charms that matched your unique personality and preferences: mini apples, tiny telephones, miniature frying pans. Every one of these charms was paired with the iconic metal bell that jingled with every step you took. Every necklace told a personal story.
Inspired by this tactile joy, individuality, and pure fun, I set out to recreate these 80s charm necklaces. When I work in my studio, I hope to recreate that magical feeling of building your own wearable diary. Designers of the 80s allowed for accessibility. That is, style wasn't about how expensive something was; it was about statement. My modern charm necklaces are made with that sentiment. I hope to bring conversation-starting pieces into the modern era, making you smile the second you clip your hand-picked charms onto your necklace.
Scrunchies, Headbands & Hair Accessories
These hair accessories are BACK! In the 80s, hairstyles grew larger, and hair accessories followed suit. From scrunchies to claw clips, these hair accessories served both form and function. The scrunchie was made in multiple materials, from neon spandex to velvet. Pop a giant-sized bow onto a structured plastic headband, and your face was framed perfectly (plus, you were chilling with your Madonna-look). Banana clips and claw clips made for an easy updo. All of these hair accessories are sitting on the display tables at your local boutique, I can guarantee.
Jelly Shoes, Jelly Bracelets & All Things Jelly
Remember the jelly craze? Yes, the translucent, flexible plastic was used for anything from shoes to bracelets to bags. Jelly shoes, woven or glitter-infused, affordable and waterproof, gained popularity among kids and teens. Stacked up to the elbows, jelly bracelets were cheap, stretchy rubber rings purchased by the dozen. Translucent plastic totes were the ultimate summer accessory for the beach or the pool.
The 80s Accessories Making the Biggest Comeback Right Now
There has been much chatter about yearning for the return to analog days. Modern life is full of disconnection, life on screens, and isolation. Generational shifts show a desire for connection, customization, and whimsy. Thrift shopping, expressing personal style, and rejecting fast fashion are fueling a return to authenticity, storytelling, and identity. Building your own charm necklace fits nicely into the box of authenticity and personal storytelling. Also, wearing a bright scrunchie or a playful charm necklace simply boosts moods. It’s wearable happiness and begins conversations.
Please note: balance is the key to wearing one of my multi-charm colorful necklaces. For example, pair the necklace with a simple white tee or tank and jeans. Mix the playful vibe of the 1980s with clean, crisp basics to create a look that feels thoughtful, nostalgic, and completely your own.
Ready to build your own ultimate nostalgic necklace? Explore my collection of ‘80s-inspired charms and start telling your story today!
