The 1980s
The 1980s were about power dressing: tailored suits, shoulder pads and jewelry with enough presence to stand up to them. More women were working, and they were buying jewelry for themselves. Earrings framed the face, from oversized hoops and sculptural gold-tone shapes to big clip-on buttons with faux pearls or rhinestones, and they were worn every day, not just in the evening. Chunky chains, bold bracelets, multi-strand pearl chokers and statement brooches on jackets and scarves finished the look.
Princess Diana married in July 1981 with a sapphire-and-diamond engagement ring that started a trend for colored stones, and she wore costume jewelry as well. In 1983, Karl Lagerfeld took over the house of Chanel and made it one of the most fashionable names in the world again.
Princess Diana and Prince Charles with President and Mrs. Reagan at the White House, November 9, 1985. Photo: White House Photographic Office, Ronald Reagan Library, U.S. National Archives (public domain)
From our collection
Big earrings, the way the ’80s wore them.
