The Valentine's Day [1] dress can go a few different ways: sweet and romantic, low-key cute, or sexy as hell. If you're planning to dial it up on Feb. 14, we've got a trend for you: the '80s minidress. From hot-pink hues with puffy sleeves to glam metallic fabrics and punchy floral prints, this playful trend is all about fun and definitely ticks the "sexy" box whether you go for a form-fitting silhouette, plunging neckline, or up-to-there slit.
With nostalgia playing a huge role in fashion right now, there's no better time to embrace this almost-prom-like dress trend. The Spring/Summer 2020 runways [2] were flooded with '80s and early-90s fashion with Oscar de la Renta, Giambattista Valli, Valentino, and Saint Laurent [3] leading the way on the mini front; think ear-grazing puff sleeves, flippy taffeta skirts, fuchsia hues, and slick, liquid-y fabrics. While many of these throwback details have translated quite literally to the minis on the market right now, there are more subdued takes on this trend from slinky satin styles with a just-bold-enough shoulder to gently puffed sleeves and shimmering fabrics in a spectrum of shades.
Since the in-your-face look certainly stands out, a simple pump, sleek ankle boot, or strappy sandal is the way to go when styling the '80s mini for a night out. As for your jewellery [4], you can really go for it with a rhinestone earring or temper the look with a delicate hoop and a couple of stackable rings. You do you!
Ready to shop sexy '80s-inspired minidresses? Our favourites lie ahead at a range of price points.
Reformation Amala Floral Minidress
Reformation Amala Floral Minidress [6] ($248)
H&M Puff-sleeved Velour Dress
H&M Puff-sleeved Velour Dress [7] ($50)
Zara Printed Dress With Draping
Zara Printed Dress With Draping [8] ($50)
ASOS DESIGN Curve Luxe Long Sleeve Cupped Milkmaid Two Tone Mini Dress
ASOS DESIGN Curve Luxe Long Sleeve Cupped Milkmaid Two Tone Mini Dress [9] ($151)
Misha Collection Moxie Dress
Misha Collection Moxie Dress [10] ($380)
Mango Floral Print Dress
Mango Floral Print Dress [11] ($99)
NBD Mariska Mini Dress
NBD Mariska Mini Dress [12] ($198)
Mossman Power Shoulder Mini Dress
Mossman Power Shoulder Mini Dress [13] ($222)
Jonathan Simkhai Metallic Vine Mock Neck Dress
Jonathan Simkhai Metallic Vine Mock Neck Dress [14] ($595)
Pull&Bear Fuchsia Dress With Box Neckline
Pull&Bear Fuchsia Dress With Box Neckline [15] ($40)
Bardot Issey Mini Dress
Bardot Issey Mini Dress [16] ($139)
& Other Stories Floral Puff Sleeve Mini Dress
& Other Stories Floral Puff Sleeve Mini Dress [17] ($119)
LPA Araceli Dress
LPA Araceli Dress [18] ($198)
Rotate Phoebe Dress
Rotate Phoebe Dress [19] ($370)
C/Meo Collective As It Goes Long Sleeve Dress
C/Meo Collective As It Goes Long Sleeve Dress [20] ($215)
Self-Portrait One-Shoulder Floral-Sequinned Velvet Mini Dress
Self-Portrait One-Shoulder Floral-Sequinned Velvet Mini Dress [21] ($485)
Wayf Mylene Floral Sequin Long Sleeve Wrap Front Minidress
Wayf Mylene Floral Sequin Long Sleeve Wrap Front Minidress [22] ($128)
Wilfred Rhapsody One-Shoulder Puff-Sleeve Mini Dress
Wilfred Rhapsody One-Shoulder Puff-Sleeve Mini Dress
[23] ($50, originally $168)
Rebecca De Ravenel First Impressions Dress
Rebecca De Ravenel First Impressions Dress [24] ($895)
Bershka Short Gathered Dress
Bershka Short Gathered Dress [25] ($50)
Laura Ashley Mel Puff Sleeve Dress
Laura Ashley Mel Puff Sleeve Dress [26] ($89)
Retrofête Lana One-Shoulder Crystal-Embellished Velvet Mini Dress
Retrofête Lana One-Shoulder Crystal-Embellished Velvet Mini Dress [27] ($595)
Stine Goya Balloon Sleeves Dress
Stine Goya Balloon Sleeves Dress [28] ($203)
Isabel Marant Farah Puff-Sleeve Tiger-Print Silk-Blend Dress
Isabel Marant Farah Puff-Sleeve Tiger-Print Silk-Blend Dress [29] ($1,255)
Rhode Frankie Crepe De Chine Wrap Mini Dress
Rhode Frankie Crepe De Chine Wrap Mini Dress [30] ($395)
Michael Costello x Revolve Viktor Mini Dress
Michael Costello x Revolve Viktor Mini Dress [31] ($218)
Gauge81 Pisa Ruched Satin Dress
Gauge81 Pisa Ruched Satin Dress [32] ($475)
Ulla Johnson Natalia Ruffled Printed Fil Coupé Silk And Lurex-Blend Mini Dress
Ulla Johnson Natalia Ruffled Printed Fil Coupé Silk And Lurex-Blend Mini Dress [33] ($695)
Ganni Balloon-Sleeve Metallic Jacquard Wrap Dress
Ganni Balloon-Sleeve Metallic Jacquard Wrap Dress [34] ($250)
Faithfull The Brand Margherita Shirred Polka-Dot Crepe Mini Dress
Faithfull The Brand Margherita Shirred Polka-Dot Crepe Mini Dress [35] ($169)
LoveShackFancy Hansel Floral Puff Tie Sleeve Minidress
LoveShackFancy Hansel Floral Puff Tie Sleeve Minidress [36] ($425)
Camila Coelho Alejo Mini Dress
Camila Coelho Alejo Mini Dress [37] ($188)
RtA Harper Dress
RtA Harper Dress [38] ($445)
PatBO Faux Wrap Long Sleeve Cocktail Dress
PatBO Faux Wrap Long Sleeve Cocktail Dress [39] ($595)
Khaite Minnie Cotton Minidress
Khaite Minnie Cotton Minidress [40] ($1,880)