The Ultimate Guide to 1980s Working Girl Fashion—With a Personal Twist

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I’ll never forget the first time I slipped into a thrifted blazer that looked like it had stepped right off a set from “Working Girl.” There was something instantly transformative about the boxy cut, the weight of the shoulder pads, and the unapologetic boldness of the tailoring. I felt powerful, playful, and yes—a little bit nostalgic. If you’ve ever yearned for that mix of confidence and creativity, the 1980s working girl fashion vibe is such a rewarding style to explore.

Fashion stylist Beth Jones recently invited us into her closet and her creative process as she stepped into the shoes of the iconic 1980s career woman. She revealed that dressing up as a “working girl” isn’t about rigid rules or costumes—it’s about celebrating adaptability, accessorizing like you mean it, and yes, having a little fun along the way.

Let’s break down her process, add some of my favorite vintage tips, and inspire you to create your own head-turning, era-defining looks.

The Building Blocks: Denim, Power Pieces, and Adaptability

Beth’s creative journey starts with one humble essential: great denim. Here’s why I love this as a foundation:

  • Denim is deeply versatile: Light or dark washes, rigid vintage cuts, or modern stretch—all work.
  • Fabrics matter: Rigid 100% cotton denim (think Levi’s or Wrangler) will give you that authentic 80s structure. If you want comfort, a touch of spandex isn’t cheating!
  • Fits for confidence: High-waisted jeans with a straight or tapered leg channel the decade. I found my favorite pair at a local thrift—soft, a little faded, true to size, and the perfect canvas for creativity.

From there, you can take your outfit in several 1980s working girl directions:

  • Dress things up: Pair denim with a boxy blazer (bonus points if it’s double-breasted or has bold buttons/stripes).
  • Dress things down: Try a shoulder pad sweatshirt (ideally in a city-inspired print—New York, anyone?) for “power casual.”
  • Go for denim on denim: Don’t be shy—add a matching jacket or shirt. Trust me, tone-on-tone with vintage washes feels fresh again, especially paired with the right accessories.

Back to Basics: White Tanks & Statement Layers

When in doubt, Beth returns to a white tank top with her denim—so do I. It’s approachable, streamlined, and provides a blank canvas for layers and accents.

Some tested tips from my own closet:

  • White tank: Look for 100% cotton or a cotton-modal blend. I love Uniqlo’s and Hanes’ classic ribbed tanks—affordable, soft, and they layer well under anything.
  • Fit: Slightly loose is best. Tight tanks can lean too “80s fitness,” unless that’s your style!
  • Washing: Cold water, line dry to avoid losing shape.

The 1980s Working Girl Accessory Rule: More is More

This is where the fun really begins! The 80s working woman owned the boardroom and the street—her signature was strong accessorizing. Beth’s nods to this:

  • A bold gold-and-black coin belt—genuine vintage if you can find it, or try places like Etsy or your local charity shop.
  • Statement earrings: The chunkier, the better. Think geometric shapes, faux pearls, or colored acrylics. I’ve scored amazing pairs for under $10 at flea markets.
  • Shades: Look for oversized frames, tortoiseshell, or bold colored lenses.
  • Big hair: Curl it, tease it, or add a hairband or scarf. For me, a spritz of volumizing spray and a classic banana clip does wonders.

More accessory inspo awaits in the trending collections and the bold, playful finds in the pop culture and celebrity sections.

From Boardroom to Brunch: Wearing the Working Girl Look Your Way

What I cherish most about recreating these 80s power-dresser looks is how they fit real life. Beth’s “working girl” isn’t all about business. She dresses for herself—maybe a big meeting in the morning, but a spontaneous afternoon outing with friends next.

Here’s how to make the look your own:

  • Mix casual with tailored: Swap heels for white sneakers, or loafers, for weekends.
  • Stretchiness: If rigid denim is out of your comfort zone, vintage-style jeans with 1-2% elastane can look the part and feel great.
  • Return policy: Vintage and thrift finds are usually “final sale,” so try on if you can, or buy from reputable online sellers with clear sizing.
  • Price: If a real vintage blazer is out of budget, there are great affordable options at H&M or ASOS—just size up for drama!
  • Purpose: Wear your “working girl” look anywhere. The right accessories translate from work to after-hours fun effortlessly.

Need even more inspiration? Check out sports collections for sporty accessories or event and tour fashion for conversation-starting statement pieces.

Conclusion: Power Dressing, Reimagined

Stepping into 1980s working girl fashion is about more than nostalgia or trend-chasing. It’s about embracing the strength, adaptability, and spirited self-expression that made that decade’s looks so iconic. Whether you’re playing with shoulder pads, experimenting with layered denim, or just finding bold new ways to accessorize, your style is your superpower.

Take it from a fellow blazer-lover and thrifter—when you channel your inner 80s working girl, you walk a little taller and shine a little brighter. So, experiment. Accessorize. Add some volume to your hair (and your courage). The boardroom—and the world—awaits.

Ready to build your power look? Browse trending, pop culture, or even add a wink of nostalgia from the Halloween collection to express the real you.

@bjonesstyle

PART TWO… dressing up the 1980’s working girl.

♬ deep in it – berlioz & Ted Jasper

PART TWO… dressing up the 1980’s working girl.
deep in it – berlioz & Ted Jasper

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welcome to my closet

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I’m gonna share my entire creative process as I get dressed today

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this week I’m dressing up the character of the 1980s working girl

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she commands the boardroom

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but also loves a day out of the office

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so with that she starts off with a pair of great denim

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and with denim she can take it in a lot of different directions

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so she plays around with a dressed up

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dress down look or keeping it casual with a shoulder padded New York sweatshirt

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or could this be a day for denim on denim on denim

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but after all of that it comes back to the classics

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a white tank top denim on denim

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and then it’s all about accessorizing with the bowl and the beautiful

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like this gold and black coin belt

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her look is always accentuated with some fabulous over the top hair styling

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and a statement earring and shades is absolutely a must have

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and just like that the 80s working girl is off for a day outside the boardroom