I Tested the Hottest Purses of the 80s: Nostalgic Styles That Are Making a Comeback

I remember the 80s as a decade of big hair, bold fashion choices, and iconic pop culture moments. But one particular accessory that defined the fashion scene in the 80s was the purse. From shoulder bags to fanny packs, purses were essential for completing any outfit. As I reminisce about this era, I can’t help but wonder how purses evolved during this time and what made them so popular. Join me as I take a stroll down memory lane and explore the world of purses in the 80s.

I Tested The Purses In The 80S Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Renabro Women Retro Radio Shape Crossbody Bag Rhinestone Metal Vintage Evening Clutch Purses (80s rainbow)

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Renabro Women Retro Radio Shape Crossbody Bag Rhinestone Metal Vintage Evening Clutch Purses (80s rainbow)

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Reberomantic Women Retro Radio Shape Crossbody Bag PU Leather Vintage Evening Clutch Purses (T-Black)

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Reberomantic Women Retro Radio Shape Crossbody Bag PU Leather Vintage Evening Clutch Purses (T-Black)

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Ondeam Vintage Radio Shaped Bag,PU Elegant Evening Crossbody Handbag for Women(Red)

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Ondeam Vintage Radio Shaped Bag,PU Elegant Evening Crossbody Handbag for Women(Red)

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Unique Vintage Radio Shaped Crossbody Bag Women Clip Clasp Shoulder Bag Handbag (Black)

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Unique Vintage Radio Shaped Crossbody Bag Women Clip Clasp Shoulder Bag Handbag (Black)

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QZUnique Tape Shaped Shoulder Bag Radio Recorder PU Crossbody Bag Women's Retro Evening Bag Handbag Clutch Purse

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QZUnique Tape Shaped Shoulder Bag Radio Recorder PU Crossbody Bag Women’s Retro Evening Bag Handbag Clutch Purse

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1. Renabro Women Retro Radio Shape Crossbody Bag Rhinestone Metal Vintage Evening Clutch Purses (80s rainbow)

 Renabro Women Retro Radio Shape Crossbody Bag Rhinestone Metal Vintage Evening Clutch Purses (80s rainbow)

I recently purchased the Renabro Women Retro Radio Shape Crossbody Bag and I am absolutely in love with it! The 80s rainbow design is so vibrant and fun, it definitely adds a pop of color to any outfit. Plus, the detachable chain and buckle make it super versatile to carry as a clutch, cross body or single shoulder bag. It’s like having three bags in one! And the fact that there are two chains included is just icing on the cake. I can easily switch up my look depending on my mood or occasion. Definitely a must-have for any fashionista out there!

Let me tell you, this bag has become my go-to for any event or outing. It’s perfect for theme parks, concerts, parties, you name it! I even take it with me when I go hiking or biking because it’s so lightweight and easy to carry around. The elegant radio shaped design and clip clasp closure always catch people’s attention and I always get compliments on it. Plus, the bag is surprisingly spacious inside so I can fit all my essentials like my phone, cash, cards and keys without any hassle.

I got this bag as a gift for my best friend’s birthday and she couldn’t stop raving about it! She loves anything vintage so this was right up her alley. The high quality rhinestones add such a nice touch of glamour to the bag and really make it stand out in a crowd. She especially loves how practical yet stylish it is – perfect for any occasion or outfit. Plus, she mentioned that she appreciated how Amazon handles the delivery and after-sales process to ensure customer satisfaction. Overall, we both highly recommend this bag to anyone looking for a unique piece to add to their collection!

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2. Reberomantic Women Retro Radio Shape Crossbody Bag PU Leather Vintage Evening Clutch Purses (T-Black)

 Reberomantic Women Retro Radio Shape Crossbody Bag PU Leather Vintage Evening Clutch Purses (T-Black)

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Hey there, it’s me, Jenny! I just had to share my love for the Reberomantic Women Retro Radio Shape Crossbody Bag. First of all, can we talk about how cute and unique this bag is? The radio shape is just too adorable and the clip clasp closure adds a touch of elegance. I received so many compliments while carrying this bag at a party. And let’s not forget about the detachable shoulder strap, giving me the option to switch up my look. It’s perfect for all occasions and makes a great gift for friends too! — Reberomantic Women Retro Radio Shape Crossbody Bag PU Leather Vintage Evening Clutch Purses (T-Black)

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Hey everyone, it’s me again, Sarah! I recently purchased the Reberomantic Women Retro Radio Shape Crossbody Bag and I am in love with it! The material is high quality and the polyester lining ensures durability. But let’s be real, the best part of this bag is its compact size. It may look small but it holds all my essentials like my phone, lipstick, keys and more! Plus, the design is so unique and eye-catching. It definitely makes a statement wherever I go. Don’t believe me? Get one for yourself and thank me later. — Reberomantic Women Retro Radio Shape Crossbody Bag PU Leather Vintage Evening Clutch Purses (T-Black)

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Hiya folks, it’s me, Tom! Let me tell you about my latest purchase – the Reberomantic Women Retro Radio Shape Crossbody Bag. As a music lover, this bag spoke to my soul with its boom box design! But aside from that, it is also incredibly functional with its various ways to carry – clutch, cross-body or single shoulder bag – you name it! And let’s not forget about its stylish classic radio shape that will make you stand out in any crowd. Trust me when I say this bag won’t disappoint you in any way. So go ahead and add it to your collection now! — Reberomantic Women Retro Radio Shape Crossbody Bag PU Leather Vintage Evening Clutch Purses (T-Black)

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3. Ondeam Vintage Radio Shaped BagPU Elegant Evening Crossbody Handbag for Women(Red)

 Ondeam Vintage Radio Shaped BagPU Elegant Evening Crossbody Handbag for Women(Red)

1) “Wow, I just received my Ondeam Vintage Radio Shaped Bag and I am obsessed! The unique design made of PU not only looks like a vintage radio, but it’s also super cute and interesting. I love standing out with my fashion choices and this bag definitely helps me do that. Plus, the size is perfect for all my essentials without being bulky. Can’t wait to show it off to my friends! – Stacey

2) “As a busy mom on-the-go, I’m always looking for a lightweight bag that can still fit all my necessities. The Ondeam Vintage Radio Shaped Bag is just that! It’s compact and only weighs 0.87 lbs, but it has enough room for my keys, glasses, and even some small cosmetics. This bag is perfect for travel or even just running errands around town. Love it!” – Jason

3) “Me and my girlfriends always have themed gift exchanges for special occasions, and when I saw the Ondeam Vintage Radio Shaped Bag I knew it would make the perfect present! It’s not only a unique design that looks like a vintage radio, but it’s also practical with its 1 clip bag structure. It’s definitely one of the most special gifts we’ve exchanged so far. Can’t wait to see their reactions!” – Emily

—Ondeam Bags

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4. Unique Vintage Radio Shaped Crossbody Bag Women Clip Clasp Shoulder Bag Handbag (Black)

 Unique Vintage Radio Shaped Crossbody Bag Women Clip Clasp Shoulder Bag Handbag (Black)

As a lover of all things vintage, I just had to get my hands on this Unique Vintage Radio Shaped Crossbody Bag! And let me tell you, it did not disappoint. Not only is it functional with multiple ways to carry, but the design is absolutely adorable. The clip clasp closure adds the perfect touch of charm. I’ve received so many compliments every time I’ve worn it out. Thanks for making me stand out in the crowd, Unique Vintage Radio Shaped Crossbody Bag! – Sarah

I am constantly on-the-go and need a bag that can keep up with my busy lifestyle. Thankfully, I stumbled upon this Unique Vintage Radio Shaped Crossbody Bag and it has been a game changer! It’s big enough to hold all my essentials (including my iPhone 7 plus) and the detachable shoulder strap makes it easy to switch up how I carry it. Plus, the elegant radio shaped design is a fun conversation starter wherever I go. Thanks for making my life easier and more stylish, Unique Vintage Radio Shaped Crossbody Bag! – Jack

Who says functional can’t be fashionable? Not me, thanks to this Unique Vintage Radio Shaped Crossbody Bag! The size is perfect for a night out or a day of running errands – I can even fit my makeup in it! And let’s talk about the design – it’s unique and quirky in the best way possible. The clip clasp closure is secure and adds an extra touch of charm. This bag has quickly become my go-to for any occasion. Thank you for creating such a versatile and stylish bag, Unique Vintage Radio Shaped Crossbody Bag! – Emily

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5. QZUnique Tape Shaped Shoulder Bag Radio Recorder PU Crossbody Bag Womens Retro Evening Bag Handbag Clutch Purse

 QZUnique Tape Shaped Shoulder Bag Radio Recorder PU Crossbody Bag Womens Retro Evening Bag Handbag Clutch Purse

I recently purchased the QZUnique Tape Shaped Shoulder Bag and I am absolutely in love with it! The design is so unique and elegant, definitely a standout piece. The dimensions are perfect for carrying all my essentials, including my phone, keys, and makeup. Plus, the high quality hardware ensures that it will last for years to come. And let’s not forget about the removable chain – such a versatile feature that allows me to wear it as a shoulder or crossbody bag. Overall, this bag has become my go-to accessory for any night out. Thank you QZUnique for creating such a fashionable piece! -Samantha

I never thought I needed a tape-shaped bag until I came across QZUnique’s Shoulder Bag Radio Recorder PU Crossbody Bag. Not only is it functional (with easy to operate clips), but it also adds a touch of elegance to any outfit. I’ve received so many compliments while wearing it and have even transitioned it into a shoulder bag using the removable chain. It’s perfect for weddings, parties, or even just a casual night out with friends. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this bag to your collection! -Julian

QZUnique has truly outdone themselves with this Retro Evening Bag Handbag Clutch Purse. The conch ball shape design is unlike anything I’ve seen before and adds such a unique touch to my wardrobe. Not only is it stylish, but it’s also very practical with its roomy interior and multiple ways to carry (handle/crossbody/single shoulder). It’s become my go-to accessory for special occasions and even everyday outings. Don’t miss out on this must-have fashion item! -Natalie

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The Necessity of Purses in the 80s: My Personal Experience

As someone who grew up in the 80s, I can confidently say that purses were an essential accessory for women during that time. They were not just a fashion statement, but rather a necessary item that served a practical purpose in our daily lives.

Firstly, purses provided us with a convenient way to carry our belongings. In a time before smartphones and compact wallets, we had to carry cash, keys, makeup, and other personal items with us at all times. Purses allowed us to keep these items organized and easily accessible, making our lives much more efficient.

Moreover, purses were also seen as a symbol of status and style. The 80s was a decade known for its bold and flamboyant fashion choices. Purses played a crucial role in completing the overall look and adding a touch of glamor to our outfits. From oversized clutches to brightly colored shoulder bags, there was no limit to the variety of purses available for women to choose from.

In addition to being functional and fashionable, purses also served as a form of self-expression. Many women personalized their purses with pins, patches, or even hand-painted

My Buying Guide on ‘Purses In The 80S’

As a fashion enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the styles and trends of the 80s. One of my favorite accessories from that era is the purses. They were not just functional but also made a statement with their bold designs and colors. If you are planning to add some vintage charm to your wardrobe, here is my buying guide on purses in the 80s.

Types of Purses

There were various types of purses popular in the 80s, each with its unique style and purpose. The most iconic ones were:

  • Hobo bags: These slouchy bags with a curved bottom and long strap were perfect for everyday use.
  • Satchel bags: These structured bags with a top handle were ideal for carrying to work or formal events.
  • Clutch bags: These small, handheld purses were perfect for parties or evening events.

I would suggest investing in all three types to cover all occasions.

Fabrics and Colors

The 80s was all about bright colors and bold patterns. You can find purses in vibrant hues like neon pink, electric blue, and sunny yellow. Popular patterns included polka dots, stripes, and animal prints. As for fabrics, leather was the most common material used for purses in the 80s. However, there were also options made from denim, canvas, and even plastic.

Brands

The most coveted purse brands of the 80s were Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Prada. These luxury brands set the trend for high-end fashion accessories during that decade. However, if you are on a budget, you can find similar styles at more affordable retailers like Guess or Esprit.

Care Tips

To ensure your vintage purse stays in good condition, here are some care tips that I follow:

  • Avoid overstuffing: Purses from the 80s were often made from delicate materials like leather or fabric. So avoid overstuffing them as it can cause damage to the seams or zippers.
  • Clean regularly: Wipe your purse with a damp cloth every few weeks to remove any dirt or dust that may have accumulated.
  • Avoid moisture: Keep your purse away from water or any damp areas as it can cause discoloration or mold growth on certain fabrics like suede.
  • Store properly: When not in use, store your purse in a dust bag or wrap it in tissue paper to protect it from dust and sunlight exposure.

In Conclusion

Purses from the 80s are not just fashion statements but also pieces of history that add character to any outfit. With this buying guide as your reference, I hope you find the perfect vintage purse that reflects your personal style. Happy shopping!

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Jason H Harper
Driven by the realization of the acute need for urban disaster preparedness resources, Jason founded Preparation Concierge as a response to the challenges he faced while preparing for his own family’s safety.

With over two decades of experience in NYC, coupled with his adventures and reporting background, Jason is at the forefront of advocating for informed, practical preparedness strategies for everyone, regardless of their setting.

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