’80s Fashion Trivia

By: Dustyn Deerman
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
’80s Fashion Trivia
Image: Wavebreakmedia Ltd / amdandy / Wavebreak Media / Getty Images Plus / DigitalVision Vectors / Getty Images

About This Quiz

In the age of excess, the fashion that was prevalent in the '80s reflected the spirit perfectly. From power suits and sequins to big hair and neon make-up, this decade was truly for the bold. Whether you enjoy the daring patterns, bright colors, and flashy accessories or you appreciate the emergence of the punk movement and the style that came with it, you can't deny that the '80s were monumental for fashion.

Those who grew up during the '80s or those who are looking for some inspiration for the next '80s-themed party will love this blast from the past of fanny packs, denim and hair spray. Take in the days of New Wave, Madonna and The Sex Pistols and how they shaped the trends of the decade and beyond. The '80s may be long gone, but the decade's effect on fashion will never cease.

So here's your challenge — turn on your favorite '80s jams and give this quiz a try! Can you recognize and name every fashion movement and trend that was packed into this decade? If you ace it, you'll be awarded a pair of over-sized shoulder pads!

Member's Only
Noble Strength via YouTube
What jacket carried the slogan "When you put it on, something happens" with it?
Jett jacket
Member's Only
Denim jacket
Bomber jacket
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Member's jackets still appear every-so-often today, but they likely don't have the same "feel" that they did in the '80s. These were the jackets for the people "in the know;" even young actors were in on the trend. Corey Feldman can be seen wearing one as 'The Mouth' in "The Goonies".

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Flashdance
PolyGram Filmed Entertainment / Simpson/Bruckheimer
The '80s were all about leg warmers and off-the-shoulder sweatshirts. What movie actually made this look popular?
"Flashdance"
"Footloose"
"Grease"
"Mama-Mia"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This look was ubiquitous in the 1980s, but what started it all was the movie "Flashdance." Who can forget the infamous scene where Jennifer Beals drops water on herself during her show-stopping dance performance in the film?

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Swatch Watch
Wiki Commons by Georges Seguin
What accessory did most youngsters who aspired to look cool never leave the house without?
Swatch watch
Fanny packs
Headbands
Polos
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Swatch watches were one of the ultimate "it" items for kids growing up in the 1980s. They were first introduced in 1983 and were an instant hit; kids would buy multiples of these in every color and pattern they could.

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Fanny Pack
RyanJLane / E+ / Getty Images
Which of these classic '80s bags is making quite the comeback right now in fashion?
Bermuda bag
Bowler purse
Tote bag
Fanny pack
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In the '80s, fanny packs became super popular among American tourists of a certain age, but have since regained some popularity in both high and street fashion. If you didn't know, the fanny pack got its name because it actually used to be worn facing the rear above the buttocks.

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Hip-Hop
Arista Records
What music genre made a huge impact on both street and high fashion in this decade?
R&B
Alternative rock
Hip-hop
Death metal
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hip-hop became super intertwined with fashion in the 1980s because of superstars like Run-DMC, LL Cool J, and Salt-N-Pepa. Artists like these had unique styles that fans all over adopted as their own. This level of influence carried on into the '90s with hip-hop artists like Kriss Kross.

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Punk
Wiki Commons by Bruno Ehrs
What style dominated both music and fashion in the late '70s and early '80s, with bands like The Sex Pistols having great influence over it?
Grunge
Punk
Disco
Metal
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Before there was grunge, there was punk. This was a rebellious response to both the decade's over-the-top fashion as well as the metal music that had emerged during this time. The punk of the '80s was intense and edgy, always clad in studded leather jackets, ripped jeans, heavy-duty boots, and endless band t-shirts.

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Calvin Klein
Wiki Commons by Caroline Bonarde Ucci
Which famous designer's underwear became all the rage during the 1980s?
Tommy Hilfiger
Guess
Calvin Klein
Jordache
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

We've all seen the 'Calvins' ads featuring our favorite hard-bodied men, but their prevalence started well before Mark Wahlberg did that famous shoot in 1992. In the '80s, this design's popularity had soared so high that they reached over $600 million in sales by 1984.

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Lamé
Adrienne Bresnahan / Moment / Getty Images
Whether it was at a prom or a family member's block party, what fabric was everywhere in the '80s?
Mesh
Leather
Lycra
Lamé
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Lamé was seriously apart of every look imaginable during the '80s. Think about all of the shiny, colorful dresses that were adorned with sequins and ruffles — that was lamé!

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Parachute Pants
MC HAMMER via YouTube
Can't touch this! What piece of clothing did MC Hammer make wildly popular in the '80s?
Harem pants
Wind breakers
Parachute pants
Blazers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Also known as "Hammer pants," parachute pants were made extremely popular by MC Hammer in the '80s. The name "parachute" referred to the pants' nylon material, which is similar to that of an actual parachute.

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Headbands
RyanJLane / E+ / Getty Images
From the gym to the club, what accessory was worn by most men and women alike?
Swatch watch
Chains
Tube socks
Headbands
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Headbands got their start with the fitness movement (think Olivia Newton-John), but soon found their way to everyday wear no matter what the occasion was. One fashionable look featured headbands with large bows attached to them.

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Sheer tights
gokhanilgaz / E+ / Getty Images
If a woman went out in a mini skirt, what did she likely pair with it?
Crop top
Sheer tights
High heels
Leather jacket
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sheer tights were a new thing in the '80s; up until this point, most pantyhose and tights were a specific shade of nude and very apparent when worn. Sheer tights offered just the right amount of sheen but were not as visible.

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Triple F.A.T. Goose
Triple F.A.T. Goose via YouTube
If your family could afford a sweet ski vacation in the '80s, what brand of jacket were you likely sporting on the slopes?
Patagonia
Ralph Lauren
North Face
Triple F.A.T. Goose
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Triple F.A.T. is still around today slinging their high-end, super comfy coats, but back in the '80s, they were a highly-sought-after brand. One of their most popular looks was their down-filled leather jacket.

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Coca-Cola
Jordache Enterprises, Inc.
What company collaborated with Jordache and as a result made branded clothing popular in the '80s?
Tang
Coca-Cola
Swatch
Pontiac
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

That's right, Coca-Cola was the company to really kick off the trend of branded clothing. This came after they and the parent company of Jordache came to a merchandising agreement.

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What Are You Looking At Dicknose?
Atlantic Releasing Corporation
Slogan tees really made their mark in the '80s. Can you name one of the more recognizable sayings found on a tee back then?
"F.B.I. Female Body Investigator"
"What Are You Looking At Dicknose?"
"I'm With Stupid"
"Kiss Me, I'm Irish!"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you were a fan of the popular 1985 film "Teen Wolf," then you surely remember seeing this slogan appear on Stiles' (argued to be one of the best '80s comedy sidekicks) t-shirt.

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White suits
NBC
What look is Don Johnson credited with making popular?
White suits, pastel shirts, and loafers with no socks
White button-ups and Ray-Ban sunglasses
Pinstripe suits, white shirts, and loafers
Velour tracksuits and Reeboks
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Don Johnson's "Miami Vice" character Sonny Crockett was the first to usher in this trendy '80s look. Fun fact — the show's executive producer Michael Mann once said it was a trip he took to a paint store that actually inspired the show's heavy use of pastel.

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Fingerless gloves
moodboard / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
These may not have helped much in the winter, but you would have looked good wearing them in the '80s. What accessory is this?
Bucket hats
Headbands
Bangle bracelets
Fingerless gloves
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The fingerless glove of the '80s was a culmination of a few different influences. There was Madonna who made the lace fingerless glove popular, punks who wore their own version of them, and the fact that people just seemed to love cutting the ends off of their garments.

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Shoulder pads
Wiki Commons by jeanne
When it came to "power dressing," what item had to be a part of the outfit?
Blazer
Suitcase
Shoulder pads
Pencil skirt
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

For men and women alike, shoulder pads became the defining fashion statement of the '80s. It was all about the perception of power and status when it came to dressing this way. Every type of garment from jackets to dresses and even undergarments came with its own set of shoulder pads.

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Bomber jacket
Simpson/Bruckheimer
Thanks to the 1986 release of "Top Gun," what article of clothing reached the height of fashion?
Jeans
White tee
Bomber jacket
Aviator sunglasses
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Are you more of a Maverick or a Goose? Bomber jackets may have reached the height of the popularity with the release of "Top Gun," but before that many people would buy and wear leftover jackets from actual military service.

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Caboodles
Heather Michelle via YouTube
If you started wearing make-up in the '80s, what did you likely store your collection in?
Caboodles
Travel case
Make-up roll
Vanity case
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Caboodles has an interesting story — it was launched back in 1986 after an interview Vanna White did which featured her showing off a fishing tackle box that she used as a make-up kit. Very creative!

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Penny loafers
Wiki Commons by Robert Sheie
What style of shoe became the go-to for men in the '80s?
Moccasins
Doc Martens
Huaraches
Penny loafers
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Thanks in part to shows like "Miami Vice," penny loafers became a hit for men in the '80s. What was especially popular during this time was wearing penny loafers without socks.

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Valley Girl
izusek / E+ / Getty Images
What name was used to describe girls who were seen as spoiled, ditzy, and only interested in shopping and appearances?
Gossip Girl
Party Girl
Valley Girl
Daddy's Girl
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The term "Valley Girl" did originate in the '70s but hit its peak in the '80s. It originally was used to refer to white women of the middle and upper-class living in the San Fernando Valley. It became the phenomenon we know today during the '80s.

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Mom jeans
Wiki Commons by Charlie Marshall
What style of popular jeans was named for a certain family member?
Mom jeans
Dad jeans
Cousin jeans
Grandma jeans
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Mom jeans" is a slang term used to describe the high-waisted, baggy jeans that became popular during the '80s. We've since seen a big rise in their popularity again, with the super fashionable and hipsters wearing them today.

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Jane Fonda
Wiki Commons by ShinyFan
Who is responsible for both the workout frenzy that overtook the '80s and the leotard and leggings trend that came with it?
Olivia Newton-John
Suzanne Somers
Denise Austin
Jane Fonda
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

As more men and women wanted to work out in the '80s, home video was becoming a normal part of every household. Jane Fonda's workout videos were flying off the shelves at this time; she became a household name synonymous with fitness and the pairing of leggings with leotards.

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Airbrushed T-shirt
Wiki Commons by Loozrboy
If you were at a county fair you, what could commemorate your day there with?
Airbrushed T-shirt
Cowboy hat
Slogan T-shirt
Jean jacket
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Airbrushed T-shirts were the way to let everyone know what your relationship status was back in the '80s, and where did people always get these done? The county fair! Those who grew up in the '90s likely still saw these around, but overall the trend faded out rather quickly.

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Jellies
Wiki Commons
What is the name of the popular shoe that could be seen on the streets in every color possible during the '80s?
Jellies
Keds
Reebok Pumps
Huaraches
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Growing up, how many of you knew that Jellies were made with PVC plastic? What's super cool about this material is how malleable it is; that's why Jellies were available in every color you can think of (and with sparkles!)

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Benetton
Wiki Commons by Marek Ślusarczyk
What clothing brand was one of the first to address social issues in their ad campaigns in the '80s?
Calvin Klein
Benetton
Adidas
Guess
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

At a time when social awareness wasn't exactly a "thing," Benetton stood alone in taking a stance with their ads. With their "United Colors" campaign, they tackled issues from racial discrimination to multi-cultural awareness and appreciation. This featured mixed groups of races and ethnicities in their clothing.

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Ray Ban Wayfarers
The Geffen Film Company
What classic '80s accessory staple does Tom Cruise sport throughout the film "Risky Business"?
Ray-Ban Wayfarers
Headband
Over-sized sweater
Bomber jacket
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Everyone should know that famous scene where Cruise slides across his floors in socks and a button-up (and some of you have likely recreated it in your own homes). It may surprise you that Cruise isn't actually wearing Ray-Ban Wayfarer sunglasses in that scene. Iconically, he wears them on the poster and throughout the film, though.

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Bucket hat
Jupiterimages / PHOTOS.com>> / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
You may have seen them in the '90s, but what style of hat found its popularity in the '80s?
Bucket hat
Fedora
Snapback
Newsboy hat
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Rappers of the '80s were primarily responsible for this style of hat finding popularity during this decade (and the '90s); LL Cool J almost exclusively can be seen photographed wearing a bucket hat during this time.

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Velour
Marcustobak via YouTube
Even if you weren't working out, tracksuits were all the rage in the early '80s. Do you know what material they were made out of?
Velvet
Cotton
Velour
Flannel
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Velour is a blend of spandex and velvet, which helps create that unique soft, stretchy fabric you can only really find in a tracksuit. They were phased out a bit by the late '80s when shellsuits (made of nylon) took their place.

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Hair Metal
Freder / E+ / Getty Images
Bon Jovi and Guns n' Roses are just a couple of bands who inspired a shift in fashion trends in the '80s. What type of music did they play?
Hair metal
Death metal
Pop-rock
Alternative rock
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Hair metal bands were a real pinnacle of going over-the-top with fashion during the '80s. They and their fans enjoyed wearing a liberal use of make-up and lots of leather and spandex. Let's not forget the hairspray either — so much hair spray.

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They were wearing
Interscope Communications
What was one way you could tell someone was likely the "villain" in a good number of films in the '80s?
They were wearing a leather jacket.
They were wearing a sweater tied around their shoulders.
They were wearing their sunglasses at night.
They were always in pastel.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A real trend that arose in '80s films was the "douchebag" villainous character. It was always a sure sign that the guy who made more money than the protagonist and used "summer" as a verb was also clad in a sweater tied around their shoulders. More often than not, that character was the "bad guy."

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Polo shirt
Wiki Commons by Eric Douglas Statzer
What could the preppy man of the '80s be seen wearing most days?
Windbreaker
Gold chain
Blazer
Polo shirt
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The '80s was the era of a lot of things, and one of them was the "Yuppies." Yuppies were preppy, typically upper-class men who more often than not wore a pastel or striped Lacoste polo shirt anywhere they went.

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High-cut one piece
NBC
If you were to hit the beach back in the '80s, what style of swimsuit would you reach for if you wanted to be trendy?
High-cut one piece
G-string bikini
Tankini
Hipster bikini
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Just like the lifeguard babes of "Baywatch," the high-cut one-piece swimsuit was the look for every woman hitting the beach in the '80s. The "teeny bikini" also hit its height of popularity during the '80s.

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The Mullet
Wiki Commons by Angie Linder
While there was hair metal and a crazy amount of perms in the '80s, what hair style was just as popular?
The pixie
The mullet
The bouffant
The Rachel
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Business in the front, party in the back! The '80s saw a whole lot of crazy hairstyles, but this one takes the cake. It really hit its popularity once TV characters like MacGyver and Uncle Jesse from "Full House" started rocking the 'do.

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Dookie chains
Wiki Commons by Brett Hammond
What was the colloquial name for the large, braided chains that rappers like Biz Markie, Slick Rick and Run DMC popularized?
Gold chains
Braid chains
Dookie chains
Power chains
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

What a name, right? These thick, braided chains were worn by the big rappers of the '80s as a statement of luxury and power. They were ostentatious and a symbol of success for those who wore them.

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Hawaii
Creatas Images / Creatas / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
"Casual Fridays" were founded in the '80s, but which state is responsible for this fun workplace tradition?
Hawaii
California
New Jersey
Florida
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In Hawaii, people would wear Aloha shirts and Bermuda shorts on Fridays, which they'd call "Aloha Fridays." Eventually, this spread to the rest of the U.S. and soon most office workplaces celebrated what we know today as Casual Fridays.

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Doc Martens
Wiki Commons by William Christiansen
What shoes became immediately associated with the punk movement in the '80s?
Iron Fist Shoes
T.U.K.
Doc Martens
ASOS
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Doc Martens were the essential fashion accessory for the punk subculture that existed in both the U.S and the UK. Women who identified as punks would wear them too, typically paired with mini-skirts.

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New Wave
Wiki Commons by Revista Pelo
What term, when heard, should immediately make you think of the '80s?
Art Deco
New Romantics
Grunge
New Wave
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The New Wave genre was an all-encompassing sound of music that incorporated styles from the '70s and '80s and tied them in with mod and electronic music. The fashion trends that followed it included slim-fitting suits, thin neckties, bold patterns, and androgynous make-up.

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Madonna
moodboard / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
What music icon was responsible for inspiring many young people to adopt the super trendy, messy chic look of the decade?
Joan Jett
Pat Benatar
Cyndi Lauper
Madonna
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

As the uncontested queen of pop in the '80s, Madonna not only completely influenced music trends, but she was also the pioneer of many fashion trends that epitomized the decade. From lacy tutus and leather jackets to the 'layered look' featuring multiple shirts and coats, everyone wanted to look like Madonna.

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Denim
Brand X Pictures / Stockbyte / Getty Images
What was the "it" fabric of the '80s for both men and women?
Nylon
Lycra
Spandex
Denim
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

From high-waisted jeans and cut-off shorts to denim jackets and skirts, denim was at the center of fashion for every sect of people in the '80s. Whether it was acid-washed or ripped to shreds, everybody loved their denim!

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Wavebreakmedia Ltd / amdandy / Wavebreak Media / Getty Images Plus / DigitalVision Vectors / Getty Images