Australia’s pint-sized queen of pop has been serving incredible looks since she first appeared on our screens in the early 1980s, and oh, what an era it was for the star.
Kylie Minogue leaned into the bright, bold and brave looks of the era with a certain generation-defining flare that only an icon can create.
Of course, over the years, Kylie has curated a sartorial history full of intriguing stories like her eternal gold hotpants that she wore in her Spinning Around video in 2000, which she famously bought at a flea market for 50p.
Kylie donated the pants to Arts Centre Melbourne, but according to BBC they are worth an impressive $10 million.
With that type of power and influence, it’s clear that Kylie has had as much of an impact on fashion as she has had on music.
Of course, some 80s fashion was perhaps a little OTT, but we think Kylie struck the perfect balance between flashy and elegant – plus, her naturally curly strawberry blonde hair was a perfect fit for the perm-loving era.
In more recent times, Kylie spoke to Marie Claire about her ideal fashion uniform, and while she is happy to go all-out for stage looks, on a date she more into something easy and relaxed, but in her actual day-to-day life, she claims to be relatively low-key.
“It depends what it’s for. It’s incredible how a piece can shine on stage when beforehand you’d look in the mirror and think ‘OMG, it’s too much!’ she told the publication.
“If I’m going on a date, I will try and wear a mid-length slip dress and sharpen it with a jacket, something easy. I also love satin lace-up ankle boots with the toes out. But throughout the day, I’m so lazy! I’ll still wear jeans, trainers and a singlet or denim shirt with either a hat or a topknot,” Kylie told Marie Claire.
Today, Kylie may be taking a more classic approach to style, but we are so glad we were blessed with her experimental 80s looks from way back then.
Here are some of Kylie’s best 80s style moments.
Kylie Minogue
Speaking to Vogue Kylie included this iconic look with Michael Hutchence as one of her favourite fashion moments of all time.
“December 1989, The Delinquents premiere in Sydney, Australia. I attended with Michael Hutchence and it was a moment. The short blonde hair was a last-minute decision. I don’t recall us planning to match so well, but we did. My noughts and crosses mini-dress was by the Aussie designers, Morrissey Edmiston,” shared Kylie.
Kylie Minogue
Kylie wore this number in the Netherlands in 1980, and the crucifix necklace layered on top of Kylie’s lace black bra was an edgy look. Plus, a special mentions to that fringed copped jacket.
Kylie Minogue
Bold accessories are everything for 80s fashion lovers, and Kylie’s thick, heavy gold belt and large earrings were a total look. But we are a little more obsessed with the fluorescent pink skirt that Kylie matched to her nail colour.
Kylie Minogue
Kylie wore this blazer with a floral collar to the 1989 Aria awards in Sydney. This outfit is way more low-key than the couture gowns we see on the red carpet nowadays, but we love how Kylie felt confident to rock a more masculine cut on the red carpet. Plus, the ever so subtle blue eye shadow was a sweet girly touch to the strong look.
Kylie Minogue
Square necklines have lasted through the ages and have become relevant again in 2021. We are curious about how Kylie managed to lean into the 80s whilst creating looks that would stand the test of time – that’s some strong fashion intuition.
Kylie Minogue
We should be so lucky, so lucky, to have this look in our own wardrobes because a crisp white shirt and mum jeans are all we want to wear. Kylie wore this look during her Loco-motion era, and this train-themed photoshoot is one of her most iconic.
Kylie Minogue
Kylie looked divine in this frilly coral dress, but we are more obsessed with her beachy 80s hairstyle.
Kylie Minogue
Lastly, who can forget Kylie’s hair hat featured on the cover of her debut album, called Kylie. Not only was this accessory a key part of the pop queens breakthrough moment but it also encapsulated everything we know about the 80s. Which is go big or go home!