10 Looks to Recreate the Glamorous Style

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 era, each one inspired by iconic celebrities who set the trends.

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

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

1. Glittery and Glamorous

Donna Summer’s glittery and glamorous outfits showcase her iconic 80s fashion style with elements like dazzling metallic mini-dresses in shades of gold and silver, featuring sequins and shimmering fabrics.

Dramatic makeup is essential, with 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.

Marilyn McCoo and Debbie Harry also embraced this glamorous disco style in the 80s, showcasing similar outfits, accessories, and makeup but with their unique personal touches.

2. Funky and Fabulous

Sister Sledge brought a vibrant and daring “Funky and Fabulous” look to the 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 this lively 80s disco style, start with a jumpsuit or flowing maxi dress in vivid colors like 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.

3. The Flashdance Look

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.

4. Disco Rocker

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.

5. Studio 54 Chic

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.

6. Disco Power Glam

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.

7. Disco Femme Fatale

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.

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

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.

8. Kool and Groovy

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.

9. Futuristic and Eccentric

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.

10. Sleek Disco Sophistication

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

Singer Patti LaBelle and fashion icon Iman also 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.

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 get ready to 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.

Now it’s your turn…

Which one of these 80s disco fashion looks do you see as the most popular, and why?

Which disco fashion trends of the 80s do you think we’ve missed and should include in our next article update?

Please leave your comments below; we always appreciate your comments and use them to learn, improve, and update these articles.