The 1980s were a pretty divisive period in fashion. Some people loved a lot of things about it – the shoulder pads, power prints, polka-dots, shimmering fabrics. And yet, a lot of people who look back on their ‘80s style in their old yearbooks don’t look back on them very fondly. The overly permed hairstyles, in particular, are embarrassing to remember for those who once wore them. But like it or not, the ’80s are making their comeback – but thankfully not in hairstyling. The vehicle is jewelry.
This is good news regardless of whether you love the 80s or not. If your fashion preferences are bold and adventurous, you’ll have a marvelous time. But even if your tastes are more modern, muted, and toned-down, you can still have fun with this trend. Jewelry is a great way to instantly elevate an ensemble without committing to anything too major. No matter what your style is, you’ll be able to incorporate these trends into your outfit.
Bold colors
The ’80s were all about colors and power prints. Audacious hues capture the fun-loving spirit of the decade and are making a comeback in jewelry. We’ll be seeing colorful stackable silicone bracelets and scrunchies-worn-as-bracelets make their way back to the fashion radar.
Gold and silver
Statement golds have been re-emerging in winter 2020 jewelry, and they’re likely to stick around for the spring. Thick necklaces and bracelets in gold and silver are back in style. They’re a great way to take modern, minimalist ensembles from day to night. Fashion experts also recommend layering gold jewelry pieces.
Chunky pieces
Oversized jewelry pieces were a big ’80s staple. Chunky wrist cuffs and tube necklaces are making their way back into people’s jewelry collections. Even jewelry beads are daringly round and bulbous. Somehow, these pieces manage to give you a look that’s adventurous yet polished. It makes you feel as though you’re wearing a work of art.
You can easily imagine these paired with animal print apparel, but of course, you can wear them even without prints. Even if your style preferences are more low-key, adding this to a simple outfit is sure to glam it up.
Pearls and Princess Diana
Princess Diana is heading to the small screen this November in Netflix’s highly anticipated fourth season of The Crown. So it’s no surprise that her jewelry is coming along for the ride.
For much of the 20th century, many people looked to the royals for fashion and beauty inspiration. And nobody does jewelry like the royals, particularly the People’s Princess. She’s the queen of ’80s sophistication and glamor.
With the exception of tiaras, it’s likely we’ll be seeing some flashbacks to Lady Diana’s jewelry pieces. Pearl beaded chokers, pearl drop earrings, colored gemstones enclosed by diamonds – like her famed sapphire engagement ring – are just some of the styles we can look forward to seeing again.
Chains
Chain-link accessories were a popular fashion staple in the ’80s. Apart from the chunky chain-link necklaces and bracelets you would often see paired with turtlenecks and big fur coats, chains were also used as belts or dangled on blazers and leather jackets.
Diamonds and rhinestones
If you haven’t already guessed, ’80s fashion was all about excess, and the jewelry was the best reflection of that. The 1981 prime time soap opera Dynasty captured that spirit in its costumes. The women of the Carrington family understood the importance of power dressing, and it showed in the way they confidently donned their heavily bejeweled adornments.
Statement, mismatched earrings
The daring nature of the ’80s meant that people weren’t afraid to play with asymmetry. You could see this in off-the-shoulder dresses and tops and side ponytails. This factors into jewelry too. Statement earrings are back, and they’re better when they’re mismatched. Bolder versions see one earring being a simple stud, while the other would be an ornate, dangling chandelier. Molly Ringwald wore suitably girly variations of this trend in 1986’s Pretty in Pink.
Simpler renditions usually consist of one ear wearing a single stud or small hoop, while the other boasts multiple cuffs along the ear lobe. There aren’t any rules to this particular trend, so when in doubt, you can get away with simply wearing two different earrings.
Collar necklaces
These add glamor and sophistication to any look. They come in a variety of different forms. They can be chain-linked or beaded, multi-layered or singular, colorful or monochrome gold or silver.
The ’80s are making a comeback in 2020 and 2021 jewelry trends. Luckily, even if you’re not planning on going full ’80s, there’s still plenty of room to pay homage to them with accessories. We’re looking forward to seeing all the renditions of the trends listed above.
