Top 15 Style Icons Everyone Tried to Copy in the 80’s

Big hair, vibrant colors, powerful shoulder designs, and a fearless sense of individuality characterized the style icons who defined their era’s fashion and pop culture. This list honors the women everyone aspired to emulate, each leaving a lasting mark on everything from music video appearances to red carpet glamour. These stars not only drew attention with their attire but also set trends that continue to influence style today.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Known for her bold sartorial risks and expressive sense of style, Sarah Jessica Parker has remained a fashion tastemaker. Her penchant for statement sleeves and unique accessories brought a whimsical flair to her public appearances, inspiring fans to embrace individuality. From iconic TV characters — like her role as Patty Greenei in the ‘80s sitcom Square Pegs — to real-life red carpet moments, she reinvented how we think about elegance and edge. Parker’s reputation as a style tastemaker grew alongside her decade-defining role as Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, in which she starred from 1998 to 2004.

Brooke Shields

Brooke Shields stood out with her beauty and signature brows, making her a favorite on magazine covers and runways. Whether in sparkling ensembles or classic denim, Shields channeled a mix of glamour and approachable style. Her looks consistently set trends and encouraged a new wave of natural confidence. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Shields was only 15 years old when she fronted Calvin Klein‘s provocative 1980 denim campaign that made her a household name.

Demi Moore

Demi Moore became one of the defining style stars of the 1980s, pairing oversized blazers, leather jackets and denim with glamorous evening looks that captured the decade’s bold fashion spirit. Her role in St. Elmo’s Fire helped cement her influence, with Vogue noting that audiences wanted to emulate her character’s memorable wardrobe, from strapless party dresses and lace bustiers to layers of rhinestones, pearls, and a pink leather jacket. Whether on screen or on the red carpet, Moore’s fearless approach to fashion made her one of the era’s most recognizable trendsetters.

Christie Brinkley

With her megawatt smile and sun-kissed hair, Christie Brinkley epitomized the American supermodel era. She was synonymous with the chic, all-American look, blending fresh-faced beauty with accessible style. Brinkley’s ability to switch from swimsuit cover girl to high-fashion icon kept her at the center of fashion conversations. As reported by Time, she made history as the first model to land three consecutive Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue covers in 1979, 1980 and 1981.

Kim Basinger

With a sultry allure and memorable screen moments, Kim Basinger mastered dramatic glamour and chic simplicity. She was a vision of Hollywood allure, making every appearance unforgettable. Basinger’s most memorable screen turn came as photojournalist Vicki Vale in the 1989 blockbuster Batman, and she went on to win an Academy Award for her supporting role in L.A. Confidential (1997).

Madonna

Few stars have shaped pop culture like Madonna, the ultimate chameleon who made reinvention an art form. Madonna’s style statements encouraged millions to embrace bold, authentic self-expression. Madonna’s daring 1984 MTV Video Music Awards performance saw her emerge from a giant wedding cake in a bustier and gown, a moment that cemented her status as a fashion provocateur.

Cyndi Lauper

Cyndi Lauper brought vibrancy and rebellion to the forefront of music and fashion. Her colorful hair, outrageous accessories and quirky ensembles championed the power of fun in personal style. Lauper’s look was unmistakably her own, inspiring fans to break all the rules and let their true colors shine.  Lauper’s colorful persona helped her take home the Best New Artist trophy at the 27th Grammy Awards in 1985.

Olivia Newton-John

Olivia Newton-John captured hearts with her radiant smile and breezy fashion sense.  Newton-John, who lost her battle with cancer in 2022, became an international star playing Sandy in 1978’s Grease and later reinvented her look for the chart-topping 1981 hit “Physical.”

Molly Ringwald

Molly Ringwald‘s blend of preppy, quirky and softly romantic style became the template for a generation of teens. Her roles as the relatable outsider in beloved films translated into real-life fashion trends. Ringwald’s layered looks, bows and thoughtful accessorizing made her a go-to inspiration for youthful, expressive style. Ringwald became the defining face of teen movies, a run that culminated in 1986’s box-office hit Pretty in Pink.

Diana, Princess of Wales

Princess Diana, reinvented royal fashion with her modern take on elegance and approachability. Her haircuts, pastel suits and thoughtful accessorizing turned her into a global style star and fashion influencer. Diana’s ability to use fashion as a form of communication made her imitated and adored. Diana’s 1981 wedding to Prince Charles at St. Paul’s Cathedral was watched by roughly 750 million people worldwide, instantly launching her onto the global stage.

Jane Fonda

Jane Fonda inspired with more than just her acting — her fitness empire and dynamic fashion sense left a lasting mark on pop culture.Fonda expanded into the home-video market in 1982 with her bestselling aerobics tapes, sparking the leotard-and-legwarmers fitness craze of the decade.

Joan Collins

Joan Collins defined glamour both on and off the screen, with her dramatic makeup, statement jewelry, and power suits. Her Dynasty era looks sparked a fierce love for luxurious textures and bold silhouettes. Collins’ unapologetic confidence and timeless sense of glam ensured she remained a fashion authority. Collins strode into television history in 1981 as the scheming Alexis Carrington on Dynasty, a role that turned her lavish wardrobe into a cultural touchstone.

Cher

Cher‘s ever-changing persona and unmistakable contralto voice were matched only by her sense of style. From sequined jumpsuits to avant-garde costumes, Cher’s outfits continually pushed boundaries. Her fearless fashion became a blueprint for anyone wanting to stand out and embrace their authentic selves. Cher accepted her Best Actress Oscar for Moonstruck in 1988 wearing a daring black mesh Bob Mackie ensemble.

Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston dazzled with sparkling gowns, glamorous hair, and a magnetic presence every time she stepped onto a stage. Houston styled structured jackets with blue jeans to all-over sequins; the looks were a seamless combination of classic beauty and modern edge. Houston inspired fans worldwide to dream big and dazzle brightly, both musically and stylistically.

Heather Locklear

Heather Locklear lit up screens and red carpets with her flawless hair and chic style. Often seen in breezy dresses or pastel hues, she set trends for polished yet approachable glamour. Locklear’s classic blend of California cool and star power made her a constantly copied style muse. Locklear’s big break came with a role on Dynasty in 1981, and she later became a household name playing scheming executive Amanda Woodward on Melrose Place starting in 1993.