No one can deny the magical quality of 80s fashion. From the copious amount of pastels to the extreme aesthetics of the New Wave, the 80s certainly was a time of experimentation when it came to style. And no film genre explored this creativity more than the romantic comedies of the decade.
With extreme prom dresses and memorable aquatic attire, the rom-coms of the 80s knew how to serve feelings with fashion in the best of ways. Yet with so many iconic looks, which ones are considered the best of the best? To find the answer, come along on this majestic journey full of hair mousse and melodramatic romance.
Watt's Hang Out Attire From Some Kind Of Wonderful
With her charisma and signature moxie, Some Kind of Wonderful's Watts (played by Mary Stuart Masterson) always leaves a memorable impression - especially in this outfit. From her memorable jacket to her commanding jeans, this outfit (created by costume designer Marilyn Vance) perfectly represents Watt's personality.
But the best part of this ensemble is how it acts as Watts' metaphorical battle armor. The outfit it is showcased famously in is one of the character's most vulnerable moments. And with the oversized nature of the garments worn, audiences get to fully embrace the emotional complexity of this underrated John Hughes' character.
Daisy Arujo's Red Work Outfit From Mystic Pizza
Considered the more adventurous sister, Mystic Pizza's Daisy Arujo (Julia Roberts) is known for her bold personality, along with her equally confident clothes. But the most memorable look of hers might also be the most simple: her red waitress outfit.
Costume designer Jennifer Von Mayrhauser proved that, with this look, anyone could rock a generic logo t-shirt - especially Julia Roberts. And with the right pair of earrings, blue jeans, and matching red apron, this ensemble makes Daisy's energy leap off the screen.
Randy's Party Outfit From Valley Girl
Though there are many fashionable individuals in the original 1983 Valley Girl, Randy (aka Nicholas Cage) certainly stands out from the crowd (especially during his introduction). He rocks red and black like a true punk rock professional, while also integrating an American flag pin in the coolest of ways.
But what makes this outfit (created by wardrobe crew members Sean Frye, Barbara Smith, and Mindy Tennen) so memorable is its understated nature. Though Randy is a guy from Hollywood, he comes across as a rebellious punk rock prince charming in this look, and that's perfect for his character in this sequence.
Emmy's Motorcycle Ride Outfit From Mannequin
Though she may be a cursed Mannequin princess, Emmy (played by Kim Cattrall) is quite a fashionable girl. And this glittery outfit (created by costume designer Lisa Jensen) proves this fact in the most stylish of ways.
From the glittering earrings to the champagne colored shoes, Emmy is living her best department store fairytale life. And when she hops aboard Johnathan's (Andrew McCarthy) motorcycle, with the fabric of the dress flowing behind her, she looks like a dream come true.
Llyod Dobler's Party Attire From Say Anything
Though there were many memorable coats from the 80s, none of them left quite the impression as the tan trench worn by Say Anything's Llyod Dobler (Jon Cusack.) And when it comes to the outfits paired with the garment, Llyod's graduation party attire is the best of all.
With just a simple black button-down, costume designer Jane Ruhm made Llyod's quirky yet simple nature pop on screen. For he is a character that always stands out in a crowd (even when he tries to hide within said group).
Sally Albright's Museum Stroll Outfit From When Harry Met Sally
There's no denying that Sally Albright (Meg Ryan), from When Harry Met Sally, is quite the stylish individual. Regardless of what scenario she finds herself in, she always has the perfect outfit for the occasion. But no ensemble can top the Autumn aesthetic perfection of Sally's Museum hang out attire.
Created by costume designer Gloria Gresham, this outfit speaks to Sally's classic yet modern personality. She's very much a woman of her time but loves old films and stories. And this casual outfit evokes the glamorous, quirky, and ultimately timeless sensibilities within the character.
Tess McGill's New Job Outfit From Working Girl
When it comes to costumes that defined the 80s, Tess McGill's (Melanie Griffith) closet certainly sparked many trends. But no outfit of Tess' leaves as memorable an impression as the one she wears in her final scene.
With its multi-shades of grey, this Working Girl outfit (created by costume designer Ann Roth) shows Tess's evolution in maturity. And with the statement earrings and a very 80s appropriate hairstyle, Tess comes across as the most stunning of leading ladies.
Andie's Pink Prom Dress From Pretty In Pink
When it comes to amazing prom dresses, none of them get more 80s than the one worn by Andie (Molly Ringwald) in Pretty in Pink. For not only did this Marilyn Vance creation inspire film fans for decades, but it encouraged prom attendees to go more outside the box with their attire.
But of course, the most memorable aspect of the dress is the creation of it on screen. And though some cinephiles might debate if the outfit holds up to modern standards, it will always remain a symbol of the 80s in the most pastel of ways.
Madison's Dinner Outfit From Splash
Though Splash features many unique looks, none of them carry as much emotional weight as this pink outfit worn by Madison (played by Daryl Hannah). From comedic sequences to intense romantic moments, this fairytale ensemble goes through it all (including a dramatic dive into the Hudson River).
But what makes this costume (designed by May Routh) so enchanting is its versatility. It perfectly evokes Madison's innocence, along with her deep internal complexities. And when combined with the lovely shawl and ballerina shoes, it's hard ever to forget this bit of magical attire.
Baby Houseman And Johnny Castle's Final Dance Outfits From Dirty Dancing
Though the movie takes place in the 60s, no pair of rom-com costumes symbolize the 80s like these outfits from Dirty Dancing. The garments show Johnny (Patrick Swayze) and Baby (Jennifer Grey) at their most fashionable and romantically enchanting, while also allowing them to dance the night away.
Designed by Hilary Rosenfeld, these ensembles have an utterly timeless quality to them that evokes the romantic and flirty notions of many decades past and present. And with the beautiful pink and black combo, and the delicate details throughout, these thrilling outfits will never be seen in a cinematic corner.