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What were you doing in the 80s? Dance around your room to Bananarama in a ra-ra skirt, perhaps?
It is the time in which the new hit ITV series, Joan, is set. Starring Game of Thrones’ Sophie Turner, it tells the true story of Joan Harrington, a jewel thief dubbed the godmother of London’s criminal underworld in the 1980s. The costumes take the viewer on a nostalgic journey: powerful shoulders abound, the giant jewels and color blocks. And the small screen isn’t the only place where ’80s clothing is gaining prominence this season: the models at the Versace and Saint Laurent AW24 shows looked like extras from Dallas.
The trick to looking stylish this season is to wear all those ’80s trends you never thought would see the light of day again. Here, we reveal how to do it right the second time.
Give it luxury
Sophie Turner as Joan Harrington, a jewel thief dubbed the godmother of London’s criminal underworld in the 1980s.
Just as costume designer Richard Cooke dresses Turner in increasingly daring silhouettes as his character’s criminal career becomes more and more daring, the colors and fabrics are also amplified.
Particularly notable is a gold dress she wears financed with the proceeds of her crimes. Cooke found the material in a scrap bin at a fabric warehouse and seamstress Nicki Varney transformed it.
To achieve the decadent ’80s look in 2024, opt for metallics and jewel tones. Try Amy Lynn’s metallic midi skirt (£71.10, selfridges.com).
For ’80s decadence 2024 style, embrace metallics and jewel tones, like with this gold bag from Monsoon, £55
power moves
For Joan’s wedding to criminal mastermind Boisie Hannington (Frank Dillane), Turner wears a white suit with powerful shoulders, inspired by Bianca Jagger.
“Once I put the wig on, after two hours of makeup, and the shoulder pads and the accent came out, I felt like I was all Joan,” Turner said. Shoulder pads gave women permission to take up space physically and in society at large.
For her wedding to criminal mastermind Boisie Hannington (Frank Dillane), Turner wears a white suit with powerful shoulders, inspired by Bianca Jagger. The clothing fits well with subtle shoulder pads.
Pair this versatile taupe blazer from Cos with a bow blouse like this one (right) from & Other Stories, £115
Because she makes the best, subtlest ones on the high street – check out her versatile taupe blazer (£180, coststores.com). Add a bow like Turner’s monochromatic one for extra ’80s points.
XL jewelry
Throughout the series, Mrs. Turner wears earrings befitting her jewel thief character.
A jewel thief without XL jewelry is like a dog without a bone.
These statement earrings are a great example of the treasures that can be found on vintage site susancaplain.co.uk.
Cooke sourced Ms Turner’s gems from Accessories Of Old, a warehouse in Fulham filled with 1980s jewelery popular with Generation Z. There, you’re given a bucket to fill with your finds, all usually by less than £15. Mango also make Gobstopper clips (from £15.99, mango.com).
ancient site susancaplain.co.uk It is another hidden treasure. Stick to giant earrings or a bicycle chain necklace to look ironic vintage instead of dressing up.
faux fur
Ms. Turner’s ensembles ooze ’80s decadence, like this bright green jumpsuit and leather jacket.
Channel ’80s maximalism with a faux fur coat, like this item from Issy London (left) or, for a more affordable version, River Island’s equivalent (right).
The ultimate in ’80s maximalism, faux fur was everywhere on the AW24 runways. Turner wears a faux fur coat over a silk jumpsuit to choose her engagement ring.
The luxury factor is imperative to the series’ wardrobe, as the plot focuses on the real-life Harrington’s ability to repeatedly disguise herself as a wealthy shopper.
When Cooke took Harrington (who now lives a law-abiding life) to see Mrs. Turner’s wardrobe, she said each look was “something she owned or would have worn.”
River Island Faux Fur Coat (£89, riverisland.com) is going viral because it looks more like Saint Laurent. For a faux fur touch, try their scarf (£28, riverisland.com) or Anthropologie hat (£48, anthropology.com).
