If the color of the 2020s is beige—soft, safe, and ever-present—then the undisputed color of the 1980s was teal. Teal was everywhere: from silk dresses to geometric sweaters, statement earrings, even ski jackets. But why did this bold, captivating shade become so beloved? And how can you channel true teal 80s fashion into your own wardrobe now?

Let’s dive into the vibrant world of teal through the lens of vintage expert Malloryheart’s closet tour—plus my own love affair with this standout 1980s style. I’ll share the key teal pieces you can look for, tips for authentic styling, and some heartfelt fashion memories along the way.

Teal: The Signature Shade of 80s Fashion

Walk into any vintage shop or scroll through old department store catalogs and you’ll notice one thing: teal everywhere. The 80s was a decade of self-expression through color—an era where neutrals took a back seat and bold, daring hues like teal invited everyone to stand out.

I remember falling in love with an 80s teal silk blazer at a flea market in San Francisco. Its oversized shape and padded shoulders made me feel more confident just slipping it on. Teal isn’t just a color; it’s an instant mood booster, a little reminder from the past to live life out loud.

Exploring Real 80s Teal: Standout Pieces You Can Find (and Wear)

Malloryheart’s video highlights just how many teal treasures 80s fashion gave us. Here’s a breakdown of the wardrobe heroes that you can still rock today, whether you’re hunting for true vintage or building your own modern retro vibe.

1. Teal Silk Argenti Dress

Fabric & Fit: There’s something special about 80s silk—fluid, luxurious, and comfortable. I’ve thrifted a few myself, loving how they instantly elevate your look (and mood). Dolman or batwing sleeves, a cinched waist, and bold color are all classic markers.
How I Wear It: With matching heels or suede ankle boots for a dinner out, or even with white sneakers for a playful daytime twist.

2. Teal Accessories: Heels & Earrings

Bandolino Teal Heels: These are the ultimate “power pump”—vintage brands like Bandolino made surprisingly comfortable heels by today’s standards.
Jewelry: Look for vintage enamel or plastic earrings in geometric shapes, the chunkier the better. I have a pair from my own mom’s jewelry box; every time I wear them, someone asks their story.
Dating True Vintage: If you find earrings stamped “West Germany,” you’ll know they pre-date 1990. These details are rare and precious—like carrying a piece of history.

3. Teal Geometric Dresses & Sweaters

Tabby of California Dress: Geometric and graphic prints in teal were everywhere in the 80s. My Gen X aunt swears she had basically the same dress and still regrets letting it go. The nostalgia is real!
Victoria Jones Geometric Sweater: Oversized, with shoulder pads and vibrant color blocking. These sweaters turn any day into a retro adventure. I pair mine with skinny jeans or leggings for cozy, statement style.

4. Teal Western-Inspired Dresses

Sasa Sasa Fringed Western Dress: The fun of the 80s was blending genres—here, western fringe meets city glam in striking teal with a tricolor yoke.
No Tag? No Problem: The lack of a brand doesn’t mean a piece isn’t vintage—be guided by fabric, shape, and hardware details.

5. 80s Ski Jackets

Newport Bay Ski Jacket: Teal was a favorite for activewear, making cold days feel brighter. This was the kind of jacket you’d see everywhere from snowy slopes to suburban malls.
How I Wear It: Over leggings and turtlenecks in winter, or layered atop a summer dress for a playful, offbeat twist.

How to Find and Style True Teal 80s Pieces

Want to infuse real 80s energy into your current wardrobe? Here are my tried-and-true tips:

Hunt for Texture: Silk, acrylic knit, and even polyester let teal shine. Silk pieces are worth the investment and often still feel modern.
Embrace Shape: Don’t shy away from shoulder pads, dolman sleeves, or boxy jackets. These cuts are bold in the best way and surprisingly flattering.
Mix Eras: Blend a teal 80s dress with today’s boots or layer a geometric sweater over a slip dress for a 2020s update.
Care for Vintage: Many vintage fabrics require gentle handling—wash on cold, air dry, and store away from sunlight to protect color.
Statement Accessories: Sunglasses in teal, bold bangle bracelets, or even a ski jacket slung over your shoulders—never underestimate the power of one piece to set the tone.

Curious where to start looking? VFlippa’s Nostalgia & Retro collection is full of authentic finds that can jumpstart your love affair with 80s color.

Why Teal Matters (And Why You Should Try It)

Teal didn’t just look good—it made people feel good. There’s a joyous rebellion in choosing color over beige, and the 80s did it best. Wearing a teal dress or jacket in a world of neutrals feels not just stylish, but bold. Each piece connects us with a time when fashion was permission to play.

There’s also a sustainability factor: restoring and wearing true vintage pieces puts less strain on the environment, brings history to life, and lets you express your creative side every single day.

Conclusion: Celebrate the Power of Teal—An 80s Icon

The next time you’re reaching for your closet’s safest neutral, consider what a splash of teal could do for your mood (and your outfit). 80s teal fashion isn’t just nostalgic; it’s an ongoing invitation to dress with curiosity, confidence, and joy.

And who knows—you might just inspire the next generation of vintage lovers with your true retro spirit.

If you’re ready to bring some teal into your wardrobe, start exploring at VFlippa’s Nostalgia & Retro. I’ll be right there with you, seeking color, celebrating memories, and styling every day like it’s 1985.

Because in a beige world, why not choose teal?

@malloryheart #80sfashion #retrofashion #vintagefashion #1980s #80saesthetic #1980saesthetic ♬ original sound – malloryheart

80sfashion #retrofashion #vintagefashion #1980s #80saesthetic #1980saesthetic

If the color of the 2020 is beige,
the color of the 1980s was teal.
Don’t know why this color was such a hit in the 80s,
but it was. Can see I’ve got quite a few teal 1980s pieces in my closet.
I’m gonna show you them. Obviously
we have this teal silk Argenti dress I’m wearing.
Heels are teal as well. These are Bandolino.
And my earrings have teal.
And then these were my mom’s in the 1980s.
Tabby of California geometric print dress.
My Gen X mom swore up and down that she had like
the same dress or very similar dress in the 80s.
Victoria Jones geometric sweater.
Yeah, it has shoulder pads too.
This western dress by Sasa Sasa.
Look how fun the fringes. I am sorry there is no brand tag on this one.
Interesting. Like tricolor yoke.
80s or early 90s Newport Bay ski jacket.
I was wearing this in my winter cookbook video.
When you said that, you know like what department stores were sold out,
but I. I forgot.
Or reaction can be a little difficult for me to date
cause it usually doesn’t have any kinds of markings on it.
I feel pretty confident saying these are 1980s.
And then these I’m much more confident in dating
cause the back of them is stamped with West Germany.
West Germany ceased to exist as a country in 1990,
so these were made some time before then.