Madonna's Best Looks from the '80s

Celebrate the Queen of Pop's 66th birthday by turning back time for a look at these young photos of 1980s Madonna.

Madonna in 1987. All photos courtesy of Getty Images.

Madonna has been hailed as the Queen of Pop since her rise to stardom in the early ‘80s after her songs resonated across multiple generations of women. As a singer with distinctly sensual lyrics and live performances, she quickly became one of the most controversial public figures of the ‘80s. Her songs covered everything from current events, including political and social issues, to religion to erotic love.

Although Madonna began her career as a singer, she branched out into other ventures and has become one of the most multi-talented pop icons in history, with experience in songwriting, dancing, acting, producing, and entrepreneurship. For her iconic stage presence, widely beloved pop anthems, undeniable beauty, and rebellious spirit, she has become one of the most well-recognized cultural figures of the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Although she’s donned seemingly every style throughout her expansive career, experimenting with everything from ‘80s neon looks to bedazzled bodysuits to effortlessly cool punk rocker layered chains, 1980s Madonna is known for several enduring classic signature styles, including her chic black leotard with matching black tights, an unruly blonde pixie cut, and deep red lipstick. Fans and critics alike have tried to pin down her style for decades, but given that the “Holiday” singer debuted a new look with every new era, is it possible to boil down the Queen of Pop to just one style? Our answer? Probably not—and that’s why she’s endured as such a mystifying, captivating cultural icon for decades. From her Jean Paul Gaultier cone bra to her iconic Boy Toy belt to her Marie Antoinette-inspired ballgown, Madonna has sported some of the most unique and memorable looks seen on a pop singer in history.

An actress, pop star, activist, and model extraordinaire, Madonna has left an immeasurable mark on the cultural landscape of the world throughout her career—a feat achieved through her legendary choreography, taboo song subjects, and all-out campy on-stage style. In eternal celebration of the pop icon who has continued to influence the world throughout all stages of her career, join L’OFFICIEL in diving into the depths of pop history through Madonna's distinct '80s looks.

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This 1986 portrait of Madonna highlights the loose old Hollywood inspired waves that the singer was known for early on in her career.

Madonna poses with her award at the 1987 AMAS, looking ethereal in an off-the-should white gauze dress and a freshly bleached platinum blonde pixie cut.

At the 1985 American Music Awards, Madonna goes edgy, sporting a messy high ponytail, a black bustier top, black biker gloves, and layered silver necklaces.

Madonna sports a sharply tailored black blazer and sideswept bangs to Sandy Gallin's 1988 birthday party.

A young Madonna wearing a red bedazzled stage outfit on tour

Madonna rocks a bedazzled red dress, complete with a matching shrug.

At a 1987 premiere of 'Who's That Girl,' Madonna stuns in a silver crystalline, figure-hugging gown.

Madonna performs with her band in a variation on her iconic leotard look.

Madonna wears a ruffled dress during a performance in the '80s.

Madonna and Sandra Bernhard in bras and cropped jeans. Getty.

Madonna sports her iconic 'Italians Do It better' t-shirt.

While talking to a red carpet interviewer at the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards, Madonna rocks a plunging pinstripe blazer layered over a lacy black top and a honey blonde shag cut.

Madonna wears an embroidered black blazer to an event in the '80s.

Madonna dons a silver overcoat, round wire frame sunglasses, and an oversized cross necklace to the 1989 Women in Film Awards.

Madonna in her viral '80s gold jacket. Getty.

Madonna arrives at LAX in 1985, about to begin her 'Virgin Tour' in a leather jacket complete with a distressed black top. Madonna completes her pop star off-duty look with oversized black shades, a classic red lip, and messy fringe.

In this 1989 photo, Madonna sports a black collared sleeveless top, accented by a simple silver zipper down the front. Accompanying her chic all-black look is a clean beauty look characterized by a dark red lip, dark eyebrows, and a tousled blonde pixie.

Madonna dances on stage with fans in the '80s.

Madonna at a 1986 Committment to Life AIDS Project benefit wearing a chic black leather jacket. The pop star finishes the look with an artfully tousled bleach blonde hairstyle, subtle blush, and a bold deep red lip.

Madonna performs on tour in an iconic black leotard look.

Madonna interacts with fans while singing on stage in the 80s.

Madonna en route to a 1988 play in West Hollywood. Here, the singer dons an oversized leather jacket and a complimentary black leather cap.

Madonna dances on stage sporting a pair of floral pants and a layered jacket look.

Madonna attends a 1988 press conference for The Race Against Time with a characteristically '80s ultra-voluminous dark bob, a cropped black tank, and athletic pants, completing the look with a simple makeup look and elegant gold jewelry.

Madonna arrives at a 1988 Tony Awards party in a showstopping pink floral jacket.