Relive the 80s Disco Fashion in 10 Glamorous Looks

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Get ready to turn heads and boogie the night away with these 10 unforgettable ’80s disco fashion looks!

In this article, we’re taking you on an emotional journey through the most influential styles of the 80s era, each inspired by trendsetting celebrities.

From Donna Summer’s glittery glamour dresses to Tina Turner’s sleek skirts, get ready to embrace the eclectic spirit of the ’80s disco scene.

Time to wear your dancing shoes and explore the world of ’80s disco fashion!




1. Glittery Dresses

Glittery 80s Disco Fashion

With dazzling metallic mini-dresses in gold and silver with sequins and shimmering fabrics, Donna Summer’s iconic 80s fashion style is remembered as ‘Glittery and Glamorous.’

The ‘Glittery and Glamorous’ disco style of the 80s was embraced by Marilyn McCoo and Debbie Harry but with unique personal touches.

Dramatic makeup was essential: bold winged eyeliner, vibrant eyeshadows in blue and purple hues, and attention-grabbing false eyelashes.

Platform shoes in metallic colors and styles, such as strappy sandals or peep-toe pumps, complement the outfit.

Accessorize with oversized hoop earrings in gold or silver, multiple chunky bangles, and statement necklaces.

Hairstyles are typically voluminous and free-flowing, with soft curls or waves cascading down the shoulders.

SHOP THE LOOK

SEQUIN FEATHER DETAIL BANDEAU MIDI DRESS

SEQUIN BACKLESS MIDAXI DRESS




2. Funky Style

Funky 80s Disco Fashion

Sister Sledge brought a vibrant and daring ‘Funky and Fabulous’ look to the 80s disco scene.

Kathy, Debbie, and Joni’s eye-catching outfits mixed colors like hot pink, electric blue, and neon green with patterns such as leopard prints, geometric shapes, and oversized florals.

Many stars who influenced 80s fashion, such as Chaka Khan and Prince, embraced this funky and fabulous style to leave a lasting impact on fashion.

To recreate the F&F 80s disco style, start with a jumpsuit or flowing maxi dress in fuchsia or sunshine yellow, styled with patterned blazers in contrasting hues.

Accessories play a crucial role: choose large geometric or abstract-shaped earrings, multilayered necklaces with mixed materials and textures, and retro-inspired sunglasses with colorful frames.

Finish the look with platform shoes (high-heeled sandals) and an era-appropriate hairstyle with voluminous curls or a teased updo.

SHOP THE LOOK

MARBLE PRINT WOVEN CROSS FRONT HALTERNECK CROP TOP

 MARBLE PRINT WOVEN HIGH WAISTED FLARE PANTS

BRIGHT GREEN WOVEN OVERSIZED BUTTON FRONT BLAZER




3. The Flashdance Look

80s Flashdance Disco Fashion

The Flashdance Look, epitomized by Jennifer Beals in the iconic ’80s movie, combined oversized off-the-shoulder sweatshirts with high heels to create a casual yet stylish dance-inspired look.

Madonna, Cher, and other stars of those times embraced this unique 80s workout style, making it a popular choice for the disco scene.

To channel this retro vibe, choose an oversized sweatshirt in green and pink neon and let it slump off one shoulder to expose a hint of skin.

Pair it with form-fitting acid-washed jeans or a stretchy mini skirt.

Add a pair of neon-colored matching legwarmers, scrunched down at the ankles or pulled up below the knee.

Remember to tease your hair into a voluminous style reminiscent of the era’s representative hairstyles.

SHOP THE LOOK

Batwing Sleeve Solid Tee

Wideband Waist Bodycon Skirt

Knitted Dance Socks




4. Disco Rocker

80s Disco Rocker Fashion

The Disco Rocker look, popularized by icons like Cyndi Lauper and Michael Jackson, epitomized the edgier side of disco glamour.

The style borrowed elements from 80s rock fashion, featuring leather, studs, and striking colors like fiery red, hot pink, neon green, and electric blue in unique geometric patterns, shimmering fabrics, leather, and sequins.

To re-create this attention-grabbing 80s style, wear a mini leather skirt and thigh-high or ankle boots accessorized with wide cuff bracelets, layered necklaces, and oversized earrings.

Complete the outfit with a dramatic, multicolored eye shadow palette and a daring hairstyle that screams rocker chic.

SHOP THE LOOK

Drop Shoulder Metallic Tee Dress

Buckle Detail Asymmetrical Hem PU Leather Skirt

sequin blazer

RHINESTONE HIGH FRONT HAT




5. Studio 54 Chic

Studio 54 80s Disco Fashion

Bianca Jagger and Liza Minnelli’s audacious 80s disco fashion looks, exuding elegance with a daring edge, are often credited to New York City’s iconic Studio 54.

The celebs’ fashion choices were inspired by the club’s sparkle, feathers, and opulent fabrics, such as crushed velvet or satin, complemented by glittering bangles.

To channel this unique look, wear a luxurious maxi dress in dazzling colors like royal blue or emerald green and feathers for added flair.

Combine with a sparkling choker and earrings, or accessorize with a feather boa to evoke the authentic 80s Studio 54 disco ambiance.

SHOP THE LOOK

GREEN CRUSHED VELVET HALTERNECK RUCHED MAXI DRESS

LIGHT LIME HAMMERED SATIN HALTERNECK MAXI DRESS




6. Disco Power Glam

80s Disco Glam Fashion

Disco “Power Glam” dominated the 1980s with its striking colors, vivid lipstick, and eye-catching accessories.

By sporting matching outfits in beautiful patterns accessorized with gold jewelry and extravagant hairdos, the Pointer Sisters became renowned for embracing the “Power Glam” fashion style.

To channel this iconic 80s disco style, begin with a dress in a vibrant hue like fuchsia or electric blue.

Complement it with oversized earrings, a wide leather or synthetic belt featuring ornate buckles, and neon-colored flats.

Complete the ensemble with daringly bold lipstick and voluminous disco hair.

SHOP THE LOOK

Open Front Fuzzy Coat

Solid Cut Out Halter Midi Dress

GOLD BIG TWISTED METAL HOOP EARRINGS




7. Femme Fatale

80s Disco Femme Fatale Fashion

Diana Ross and other glamorous 80s fashion icons popularized the captivating Disco Femme Fatale look.

This women’s 80s look is characterized by sparkling gowns in striking colors, dramatic makeup, and lush, voluminous hair, making it a timeless choice for special events.

Wear a sequin or velvet dress accessorized with cluster earrings or textured bangles to recreate this iconic dressing style.

For makeup, emphasize daring eyes and lips, and generously apply highlighter.

Lastly, give your hair the spotlight it deserves by opting for a complete blowout or adding some 80s-inspired curls.

SHOP THE LOOK

Sequin Halter Crop Cami Top

Two Tone Striped Lace Detail Skirt

Cat Eye False Eyelashes




8. Kool and Groovy

Kool and the Gang 80s Disco Fashion

With a stylish yet laid-back approach to fashion, Kool and the Gang exuded an effortless cool at the 80s disco scene.

Their distinctive 80s men’s style incorporated tailored blazers, crisp white shirts, and pleated trousers, resulting in a groovy and refined appearance.

The ‘Kool and Groovy’ 80s vibe was also embodied by singer-songwriter Lionel Richie and actor John Travolta.

SHOP THE LOOK

super skinny suit jacket in black

Long Sleeve Shirt

tapered smart trousers in black




9. Futuristic and Eccentric

80s Futuristic Disco Fashion

Draw inspiration from 80s disco icons David Bowie and Grace Jones to craft a glamorous, forward-thinking, retrofuturistic, and eccentric dressing style.

Bowie’s flamboyant alter ego Ziggy Stardust was praised by critics, including Rolling Stone’s John Mendelsohn, who described him as “ravishing, almost disconcertingly reminiscent of Lauren Bacall.”

His androgynous experimentations with square-cut red and green striped jumpsuits with oversized angular padded shoulders and knee-high red leather boots during the glam rock era influenced the 80s disco fashion scene.

Equally, Jones’ collabs with photographers such as Jean-Paul Goude, Helmut Newton, Guy Bourdin, and Hans Feurer depicted her hypersexualized androgynous looks, emphasizing “blackness” and Jamaican heritage.

Jones’s androgynous fashion choices of purple spandex leggings with a shiny red sequined jacket and hooded top, completed by extra large red bangles, influenced the cross-dressing movement of the 1980s.

SHOP THE LOOK

Men's Space Superstar Costume

Underwraps Women's Stretch Jumpsuit

 




10. Sleek Disco Sophistication

Sleek 80s Disco Fashion

Exuding glamour and sophistication, Tina Turner’s sleek disco aesthetic is perfect for dazzling nights out.

Singer Patti LaBelle and fashion icon Iman showcased their unique takes on Tina’s chic 80s disco trend.

To capture this refined 80s vibe, wear form-fitting dresses that flatter your figure, fishnet stockings, and towering heels.

Complete the ensemble with sparkling beaded jewelry, a statement sequined belt for added shimmer, bold red lips, oversized earrings, and impeccably styled (and securely held!) hair.

SHOP THE LOOK

BLUE VELVET ONE SHOULDER RUCHED SPLIT MAXI DRESS

Chainmail Mini Dress




Conclusion

In conclusion, the captivating disco era of the ’80s left an indelible mark on fashion, giving us a treasure trove of iconic styles that continue to inspire today.

Embrace the glamour and flair of the decade by recreating these ten unforgettable looks, from the glittery opulence of Donna Summer to the sleek sophistication of Tina Turner.

With a keen eye for detail and a touch of creativity, you can effortlessly channel the spirit of ’80s disco fashion and make a bold statement at your next event.

So, dust off those dancing shoes and relive the magic of disco as you step out in these fabulous, retro-inspired ensembles that celebrate the glitz and energy of a truly unforgettable era.

Weekly Newsletter

Keep up with the latest in fashion, beauty and style!

A University of Oxford graduate in Design History, Katherine Saxon is researching arising TikTok cultures from a consumer psychology perspective while covering emerging aesthetics in fashion and beauty for TheVOU, Forbes, Business Insider, and more.

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