The '80s Jacket Trend That's About to Replace All Your Oversize Blazers

Yves Saint Laurent S/S 1989

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Daniel SIMON/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images

A black blazer will always be cool, whether it's oversize or fitted, but of all the ones on the market right now, the '80s-inspired, big-shouldered, nipped-waist styles that I've been noticing all over the market of late are by far the most impressive (and I look at a lot of black blazers). 

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@endlesslyloveclub

Big shoulder and a tapered waist are two popular stylistic touches from the '80s, especially on blazers. I prefer to wear jackets of this style with slouchy jeans rather than the pencil skirts that many during the era paired with their blazers, but I'm not opposed to trying it their way either. 

Yves Saint Laurent S/S 1989

Photo:

Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images

When I think about this trend, I first think of Yves Saint Laurent and the way he would use the contrast of black and ivory to make his sharp, elevated blazers and jackets from the '80s pop. This peplum style from the S/S 1989 collection proves the timeless color palette is always a good idea. And of course, don't forget a big pair of statement earrings. 

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@sasha.mei

Red, a color that will always remind me of my grandmother's vintage jackets and blazers from the '80s, is no doubt one of the year's most buzzed-about members of the color wheel, having been spotted across the F/W 23 runway season at Ferragamo, Bottega Veneta, Tory Burch, The Row, and Stella McCartney. As such, combining the two will be a must once fall's weather arrives.

Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture S/S 1987

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Daniel SIMON/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images

Though many of the blazer styles from the '80s featured cropped hemlines, some had a more longline silhouette that helped to create the look of a pronounced waist, especially when paired with heavy shoulder pads. Personally, this shape—shown above at YSL's haute couture show from the S/S 1987 season—is the one I've been searching for with the most rigor this year after spotting one just like it in Milan. 

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@nlmarilyn

Though old-school fashion rules might dictate that you stop wearing white after Labor Day, jackets like this are the ultimate fuel for anyone adamantly against storing away their favorite light-colored pieces upon fall's arrival. If you're looking to toe the line, stick with "winter whites" or shades of ivory and cream. Both give off the same rich-looking vibe as classic white but aren't quite so summery. 

Chanel Haute Couture F/W '88

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Victor VIRGILE/Gamma-Rapho/Getty Images

A black tweed lady jacket with statement gold buttons can turn even the most boring—or better yet, simple—outfit into a sartorial masterpiece worthy of being worn on repeat. Take inspiration from this haute couture Chanel look by adding clip-on earrings and a vintage brooch.  

Photo:

@sylviemus_

As much as everyone likes to say that '80s fashion was all loud and over-the-top, there was a way to dress on the more minimal, quiet-luxury side of the spectrum during the era, one of which involves throwing on a fitted wool blazer, a classic pair of black pumps, and a pencil skirt. Done. 

Christian Dior F/W 1987

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Pierre Vauthey/Sygma/Sygma/Getty Images

But if bright colors and statement shapes are your thing, there's certainly no shortage of options to choose from either, both on the vintage market (I've probably scrolled through hundreds on Etsy) and new from affordable brands like Zara and Mango.