No other time beats the ’80s, that’s my take. It was the era of big hair, oversized sunglasses, huge shoulder pads, and, of course, big dreams.
Fashion was fun and expressive. I mean, just look at all that neon! It was a bold and bright transition between the hippie-inspired ’60s and the minimalist ’90s.
So if you’re feeling inspired to be bold with your fashion, opt for a pair of ’80s sunglasses.
Major ’80s Sunglasses and Fashion Trends
If you were around in the ’80s, then you probably remember the perms, the huge costume jewelry, and all the sparkle. It was a time of self-expression when people weren’t afraid to be loud and proud.
After the more retro trends of the 1960s and 1970s, the ’80s saw a shift as the economy was prosperous, people were working more, and women were climbing the career ladder. All that was reflected in the more-is-more taste.
Trends shifted from floral dresses to power suits. They also shifted from subtle accessories to blingy ones. That brings us to the ’80s sunglasses!
They were big and colorful; I’m talking about gradient-tinted lenses in colors like pink and blue. The frames weren’t just black or Havana. You would also see sporty shield styles, neon frames, and multicolored patterns.
That’s probably what set ’80s sunglasses apart from other eras. They were more about individual expression rather than following trends.
Celebrities in ’80s Sunglasses, Then and Now
The ’80s were different; celebrity fashion wasn’t just about fitting in by following trends. It was about setting trends and using clothing to be memorable.
I’m thinking about stars like Whitney Houston, Madonna, and Cher. They created personas around their outfits, and it turned them into megastars. And this was really the decade when statement sunglasses took off.
Nowadays, there is a resurgence of ’80s sunglasses. Stars like Billie Eilish wear triangular white frames, and Victoria Beckham brought back the huge shield styles. Models like Bella Hadid love tinted lenses.
If you’re ready to get your ’80s glam on, let’s get into some top styles.
White Frames: Swap out Your Black Sunglasses
Nothing says ’80s sunglasses like a pair of white (or cream) frames. Unlike black or brown ones, they don’t blend into your features. They’re not quiet or subtle; instead, they’re the first thing people see.
But that’s not a bad thing. The key to white sunglasses is picking a shape that suits your face. Because they are so noticeable, if they’re not flattering, it’s really obvious.
So, go with a cat-eye shape if you have a heart, oval, round, or diamond face shape. You can’t go wrong; they’re feminine and bold, but it’s also a really wearable contemporary shape.
This Prada pair is effortlessly cool and has the power to enhance any outfit. The cat-eye shape is both retro and contemporary, looking like it could fit into the ’80s or the 2020s.
And the best part with white or cream frames is that they look great in summer or winter, when you can pair them with a puffer coat.
Bright Barbie Pink Frames
’80s sunglasses were all about that pop of color. And pink was huge and matched with those neon working leggings (if you know, you know). Admittedly, pink frames work best in summer and scream vacation, making them perfect for wearing poolside while you soak up the sun.
The key with pink sunglasses is to make sure your other accessories, like your earrings and handbag, complement your shades rather than distract from them. See the woman above, she’s got that vacation glow, and her ’80s sunglasses go perfectly with her floral earrings.
Choose a pair that features oversized square lenses or a rectangular frame. You can’t get more ’80s than that. These Saint Laurent pink sunglasses have a modern edge, thanks to their transparent frames.
Patterns & Prints: Get Experimental
One of the biggest things to come out of the ’80s was loud prints… lots of them.
It was a decade where anything would go: polka dots, stripes, and a lot of animal prints. It was less about the flower power of the ’60s and ’70s and more about experimental prints that screamed unapologetically.
So, add a pair of bold printed frames to your sunglasses collection. The best thing to do is pick some colors that express your style and coordinate with your closet, like the woman above. Her incredible orange-and-yellow sunglasses complement her jewelry and summer style perfectly.
These Salvatore Ferragamo sunglasses are epic, featuring a striped design. This is an example of ’80s sunglasses that look great today. The sleek frames and subtle color make them look luxurious and contemporary.
Bling, Bling, Bling
The ’80s were shiny. There was no such thing as too many crystals or too much gold. Bling was huge and everywhere, from shoes to sunglasses.
While you might not want to go full on glitz from head to toe, sunglasses are an easy way to add some bling to your outfit while keeping it sophisticated.
Combine this with one of the biggest trends to come out of the ’80s: the aviator sunglasses (thanks to Tom Cruise in Top Gun). Just look at the woman above whose gold aviators make her outfit.
If you already own a pair of aviators, try something a little different, like these Oliver Peoples gold sunglasses. They’re perfectly blingy while being wearable.
TL;DR
’80s sunglasses were all about more-is-more. There was no shying away from bold and bright colors.
- It was the era of self-expression, making it a great time for fun sunglasses, including lots of print, color, and bling.
- Celebrities like Madonna and Cher made ’80s fashion exciting, including pioneering fabulous over-the-top sunglass styles.
- White (and cream) frames were all the rage. Opt for a cat-eye pair for that extra retro twist.
- If you love a pop of color, then give Barbie pink a go! Transparent frames give this look a modern edge.
- In true ’80s style, prints are everything. Find a pair of striped frames if you want something fun but wearable.
- Of course, gold aviators were all the rage in the ’80s, but switch it up in a pair of gold frames that are a little adventurous.
