The 32 Biggest Icons of the 1980s

As a reaction to the ’70s, the ’80s debuted a ton of styles that shocked and delighted, from short hair on both men and women, to grunge as mainstream (think: ripped jeans, chunky boots, and lots of leather), to playing with the definitions of “masculine” and “feminine” fashion norms (you’re going to see the word “androgyny” a few times in this gallery). As part of “anything but disco” ’80s dressing, we also got some very fun—sometime veering on silly—trends including fishnets, wild hair colors, bright colors and glitter, leggings, and shoulder pads. So many shoulder pads.

While we might think of the ’80s fashion days as outdated, there are actually a ton of icons that prove how avant garde, smart, and ultimately daring they could be. These ’80s icons made such a statement through their clothes that it could literally become serious, hard-hitting news. Keep scrolling for 32 of the most important ’80s icons ever.

Cheryl Tiegs

Coming into prominence in the ’70s and continuing into the ’80s, Tiegs was “the first supermodel,” meaning she was one of the first models to be known as an entity unto herself beyond her initial career. In part thanks to her tenure as a Sports Illustrated model, featuring some semi-sheer suits and an infamous pink bikini, she was a style icon for casual ’80s style. She also launched her own line of clothing for Sears, and went on to be a known TV presence.

Bianca Jagger

The former wife of Mick Jagger was also a profound fashion presence in her own right. She was a mainstay at Studio 54, most notably getting up on a white horse (a gift for her birthday). She was the ’70s style muse (and was friends with Andy Warhol and Halston) with flowy, billowy dresses that morphed into tailored, big shoulder-padded jackets and suits alongside more streamlined dresses in the ’80s. Her impact lasted decades, and her outfits remain as iconic as they did then.

Demi Moore (and Bruce Willis)