These 10 Women’s Fashion Accessories Were All the Rage in the ’70s and ’80s

Before minimalism took over, accessories in the ’70s and ’80s were all about excess, sparkle, and personality. From oversized sunglasses to leg warmers and statement earrings, women used bold pieces to express themselves on the dance floor, in the boardroom, and everywhere in between. These 10 accessories didn’t just complete an outfit; they defined an era of fashion that was daring, fun, and unforgettable.

1. Oversized Sunglasses

In the ’70s and ’80s, bigger was better, especially when it came to shades. Oversized sunglasses weren’t just for sun protection; they were a fashion statement. Think gradient lenses, thick plastic frames, and styles that screamed drama and mystery. Inspired by Hollywood glam, women wore them with everything from bell-bottoms to power suits. Today’s retro lovers are bringing them back, but no one rocked them quite like the disco-era fashionistas.

2. Chunky Costume Jewelry

Forget dainty chains, the ’70s and ’80s were all about bold, chunky accessories. Think large beaded necklaces, oversized bangles, and big, colorful earrings. Whether you were channeling Bohemian vibes or power-dressing in the boardroom, costume jewelry added flair and personality. Plastic, metal, or wood, it didn’t matter. The louder and more playful the piece, the better. These accessories helped women express individuality and break away from traditional fashion norms.

3. Wide Belts

From cinching flowing dresses to breaking up the silhouette of an oversized blazer, wide belts were essential. Often made from leather or elastic with bold buckles, they accentuated the waist and added structure to any outfit. In the ’80s, women wore them over everything, dresses, tunics, jumpsuits, giving shape to the era’s boxy silhouettes. Whether in neon colors or neutral tones, these belts defined hourglass figures with a fashionable punch.

4. Feathered Hair Accessories

Feathers weren’t just for hats; they adorned barrettes, clips, and headbands in the ’70s, often blending with voluminous, layered hairdos. Influenced by boho and hippie styles, feathered accessories added a whimsical, earthy touch. By the early ’80s, versions with metallic threads or sequins emerged for a glam upgrade. Paired with flowy maxi dresses or jumpsuits, they brought nature and sparkle together in one statement.

5. Scarves Worn as Headbands

Printed scarves weren’t just tied around the neck; they were wrapped around heads, folded into headbands, or knotted under the chin for a classic retro vibe. Think Jackie O. or Farrah Fawcett. This versatile accessory was both practical and chic, keeping hair in place while adding a pop of pattern or color. Whether silk, cotton, or satin, scarves played a huge role in personalizing outfits with flair and femininity.

6. Fingerless Lace Gloves

Thanks to Madonna and the rise of punk-glam fashion in the ’80s, fingerless lace gloves became a rebellious must-have. They added edge to miniskirts, layered necklaces, and teased hairdos. Usually in black or white lace, these gloves brought a hint of vintage romance mixed with downtown cool. Teens and young women wore them to parties, dances, or even with casual outfits, just to make a statement that screamed, “I’m not like everyone else.”

7. Brooches and Pins

Brooches weren’t just for grandmothers in the ’70s and ’80s; they were a trendy way to jazz up blazers, sweaters, and hats. From floral designs to animal motifs and rhinestone-studded emblems, women used pins to personalize their wardrobes. In the ’80s, they became bold and metallic, often worn in multiples on a single lapel. These little pieces of art added a sophisticated or playful touch, depending on your mood.

8. Leg Warmers

What started as functional dancewear quickly became a streetwear craze in the ’80s. Thanks to Flashdance and aerobics videos, leg warmers were worn over tights, with miniskirts, or paired with pumps. They came in every color imaginable, neon, pastel, striped, and became a must-have for gym-goers and fashion fans alike. Cozy, quirky, and undeniably ’80s, leg warmers turned an exercise essential into a high-style accessory.

9. Clip-On Statement Earrings

Before everyone had pierced ears, clip-ons were all the rage. These weren’t subtle; they were bold, geometric, and often shoulder-grazing. Whether plastic, metallic, or bedazzled, statement earrings completed many iconic looks of the era. Women coordinated them with matching necklaces or wore them as the centerpiece of a simple outfit. Painful? Sometimes. Stylish? Absolutely.

10. Sequin Clutches and Beaded Bags

When it came to eveningwear, accessories sparkled just as much as the dresses. Sequin clutches and beaded handbags were go-to staples for parties, galas, or nights out dancing. Often hand-stitched and heavily embellished, these bags were as eye-catching as jewelry. From Art Deco-inspired pieces to wild neon numbers, they carried lipstick, keys, and just enough glamour to turn heads wherever you went.