The 15 Most Iconic Fashion Moments In '80s Teen Movies

Set in the summer of 1963, "Dirty Dancing" left a pop culture impact on the '80s with its dance sequences, quotable one-liners, and equally memorable costumes. From Baby (Jennifer Grey) and Johnny's (Patrick Swayze) finale attire to Lisa's (Jane Brucker) tiki-inspired performance ensemble, the film has no shortage of incredible outfits. Yet the scene where Baby enters the Catskills resort staff party with a watermelon in her hands leaves quite the fashionable impression.

Featuring costumes designed by Hilary Rosenfeld, the sequence begins with Baby sheepishly walking into the crowded dance floor of the party. As her eyes begin to examine the various couples, it becomes clear that the mousy, cardigan-wearing heroine will not fit in here. And that juxtaposition of Baby's more conservative wardrobe next to the attendees' more rebellious outfits perfectly sets the tone for the rest of the movie. The scene prepares us for the changes Baby will go through from her childish ways to discovering her mature side through her relationship with Johnny. And with Rosenfeld's keen eye for style, it's easy to see why this scene remains as iconic as the entire movie itself.

When it comes to characters who always want to be the center of attention, Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) is certainly at the top of the list. He is an individual who creates chaos wherever he goes and often seems to thrive from that fact. And while various moments throughout "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" show the rebellious character's fashionable side, none are quite as magical as the parade takeover sequence. Why? Because it shows off how Ferris stands out from a crowd, both in terms of wardrobe and his eclectic personality. 

Featuring the costume work of frequent John Hughes collaborator Marilyn Vance, this scene displays Vance's signature injection of rock n' roll culture into her creations. From Ferris' leopard print vest to the adorable dresses of the float dancers, the outfits in this scene are as bold as the film's energy. And as Broderick lip syncs to "Twist & Shout" by The Beatles, it becomes clear that Vance is a master at making anyone look like a rockstar. 

With its creepy-meets-campy energy and special creature effects, the original "Fright Night" features a lot of visual treats — including its fascinating collection of costumes. Every moment within this teen horror treasure has a fashionable edge, from scenes featuring Amy's (Amanda Bearse) white dress to those showcasing Peter Vincent's (Roddy McDowall) monster-fighting attire. Yet what is arguably the most stylish (and sexy) moment in the movie is the sequence where Jerry (Chris Sarandon) seductively charms Amy at a modern nightclub.

With the addicting musical stylings of Evelyn "Champagne" King and Ian Hunter throughout, this dance sequence is one you can't take your eyes off of. Costume designer Robert Fletcher does a fantastic job of fashionably juxtaposing Amy's youthful style with Jerry's attempts at being modern. Indeed, a deep eggplant grey sweater has never looked this cool. With the way the characters' wardrobes enhance Jan Kiesser's bold cinematography, this scene proves how much Fletcher's work made "Fright Night" the beloved vampire classic it is today.

While the "Karate Kid" franchise is often remembered for Mr. Miyagi and "wax on wax off," the franchise definitely isn't afraid to flex its fashion muscles. But the most fantastic outfits in the series are in the highly underrated "Karate Kid Part II." From '80s Japanese street fashion to Daniel's own brand of American style, this second entry in the original trilogy offers many iconic outfits. Yet easily the scene with the most stylish elements takes place when Kumiko (Tamlyn Tomita) takes Daniel (Ralph Macchio) to a rockabilly dance party. 

Considering Japan's own fascinating history with rockabilly culture and the '80s interest in '50s nostalgia, it's cool to see those aspects of the decade reflected in this sequence. Yet the great garments on display (by costume designer Mary Malin) are what make this fun scene really pop. Not only does Malin's work wonderfully evoke the personalities of the characters, but it also perfectly sets the sock-hop romantic mood needed for the moment. And when all the elements blend together, the result becomes one of the most adorable scenes in not only "Karate Kid" history, but in any '80s teen movie. 

Some of the best moments in '80s teen movies involve the characters going to a party. And that is certainly the case with this sequence from Cameron Crowe's underrated classic, "Say Anything." The film follows Lloyd Dobler (John Cusack), an offbeat high school graduate. In a last-minute attempt to feel cool, he asks the beautiful but introverted Diane Court (Ione Skye) to go with him to a graduation party. Surprised, she agrees to go with Lloyd, leading the trenchcoat-wearing rebel to pick her up at her house on the night of the event. As Lloyd speaks with Diane's intimidating father (John Mahoney), Diane emerges in a stunning, classic white dress.

Featuring the costume designs of Jane Ruhm, this scene is a perfect Cinderella-inspired moment. Not only is it adorable to see John Cusack's reactions as Lloyd, but it's equally rewarding to see a typically mousey character like Diane look so radiant and confident. Plus, with the 1940s aesthetic of Diane's dress and hairstyle, the already stunning Ione Skye looks even more glorious. Ultimately, this scene works simply because every element (from the actors to the costumes) comes together to create something truly magical.

One of the staples of the 1980s was the ever-changing mall culture. From local spots to giant shrines to consumerism, these shopping meccas were popping up everywhere in America. And it was only a matter of time before they became a central location in the plots of various teen movies. Enter the underrated 1983 California classic "Valley Girl," whose opening montage features iconic mall imagery and is quite a time capsule of the decade's trends in teen fashion. 

From pastel clothing racks full of gems to a plethora of plastic bangles, this sequence has just about everything any '80s fashion fan could dream of. But the best elements of the opening scene are the outfits worn by the film's main tribe of valley girls. Featuring the wardrobe consulting talents of Sean Frye and Barbara Smith, each of the characters (including lead heroine, Julie aka Deborah Foreman) are dressed to neon perfection and have ensembles that exactly represent each of their quirky, radical personalities. 

While many John Hughes movies contain some fantastic montages, one of the best occurs within the Howard Deutch-directed "Some Kind of Wonderful." Near the film's third act, protagonists Keith (Eric Stoltz), Watts (Mary Stuart Masterson), and Amanda (Lea Thompson) are simultaneously getting ready for the epic plans the film has been leading up to — in which Watts will chauffeur her best friend and his date. And with the iconic Rolling Stones song (which shares the same full name as the film's popular girl) "Amanda Jones" playing in the background, we get to see the characters transform into (what they believe to be) the best versions of themselves.

With costume designs by Marilyn Vance, this sequence does a great job of visually explaining each of the characters without a single piece of dialogue. From Watts' insecurities about her looks to Amanda's attempts at being confident, these segments speak volumes about the internal struggles that the ensemble is going through. And with the brilliant editing styles of Bud S. Smith and M.Scott Smith, all of cinematographer Jan Kiesser's wonderfully composed shots are blended into one fascinating and fashionable scene that summarizes the vibes of the movie perfectly.

It would be a crime not to discuss a sequence that defined the '80s teen experience. That being, of course, the moment in which "Pretty in Pink" heroine Andie (Molly Ringwald) makes her prom dress. And whether you're in the camp that thinks the end result is a dream or a nightmare, there's no denying that this Marilyn Vance-designed frock has impacted pop culture. Because both the dress and the sequence evoke everything magical about teen movies.

With infectious '80s synth beats throughout, the montage mainly focuses on viewers witnessing Andie's creativity as an aspiring designer. From sketch to construction, it's supremely cool to see a character fuel their anger into energy toward something they love. The inclusion of the male characters also getting ready for the big night also makes the sequence interesting. As much effort as Andie puts into her look, the scene showcases Duckie (Jon Cryer) and Blane's (Andrew McCarthy) almost dreadful feelings about attending the event. By the time Andie steps out in her pink gown, it becomes clear that while this scene has its melancholy moments, it ultimately stands as a symbol for anyone who wants to remind the bullies that "They didn't break me!"