Stranger Things fans would agree to this: The show is an embodiment of classic retro fashion. Well! We do too. Having spoken so much about Stranger Things and its fashion theories, yet again, we thought we will speak about the silent impact the show has over modern fashion. And, yes. It goes beyond Tiktok and Insta influencer recreation content. Summing up everything we found when we dig the modern wheel of fashion.

Fashion doesn’t have a straight line of progress. It’s more of a looping remix.

Trends resurface every few decades, reimagined with a twist of modern flair. Designers, stylists, and even fast fashion brands constantly pull from the past, proving that originality often means reinterpreting what already exists.

  • Then: Low-rise jeans, tiny shoulder bags, butterfly clips, and baby tees dominated the early 2000s.
  • Now: Gen Z has fully embraced this aesthetic, blending it with today’s streetwear and gender-fluid looks.
  • Modern twist: Think thrifted Ed Hardy, bedazzled accessories, and flip phones—styled with high-waisted alternatives or mesh layers. Same spirit, new energy.

Example: Bella Hadid’s streetwear looks could’ve walked right out of a 2003 episode of TRL—only now they pair with chunky sneakers and TikTok attitude.

The 80s aesthetic: how Stranger Things brought it back

The 1980s were a decade of bold colors, oversized silhouettes, and eclectic patterns. Stranger Things masterfully resurrected this aesthetic, blending authenticity with cinematic flair. The show’s costume designers, including Amy Parris, Kimberly Adams-Galligan, and Malgosia Turzanska, meticulously sourced vintage pieces and drew inspiration from iconic 80s films like The Goonies and Back to the Future.

This revival wasn’t confined to the screen. Brands like Levi’s, Converse, and Nike launched collaborations inspired by the series, bringing 80s fashion back into mainstream retail.

Vintage vs. retro: understanding the differences

Before we get into this, let’s get the basics right. While often used interchangeably, “vintage” and “retro” have distinct meanings:

  • Vintage: Refers to original clothing from a previous era.
  • Retro: Denotes modern garments designed to emulate styles from the past.

Stranger Things seamlessly blend both, utilizing authentic vintage pieces and retro-inspired designs to craft its nostalgic aesthetic.

How brands adapted Stranger Things fashion?

1. Nike x Stranger Things

  • Year: 2019
  • What they dropped:
    • Retro Cortez, Blazer, and Tailwind sneakers in Hawkins High green-and-orange colorways
    • Tees, hoodies, and track jackets inspired by Hawkins gym gear
    • “OG Pack” designed to look like it came straight from 1985
  • Viral moment:
     Some shoes had burnable outer layers that revealed secret messages and Upside Down details when scorched.
  • Why it mattered:
     It turned the show’s small-town Americana + sci-fi vibe into wearable streetwear with lore embedded.

We have covered the Nike Stranger Things collaboration in detail in our Stranger Things shoes article. Do check it out.

2. Levi’s x Stranger Things

  • Year: 2019
  • What they dropped:
    • El’s signature patterned shirt from Season 3
    • Dustin’s camp uniform
    • Logo-heavy tees, sweatshirts, and jackets
  • Behind the scenes:
     Levi’s actually worked with the costume team to replicate screen-accurate pieces. It was part merch, part cosplay, part everyday vintage.

3. Quiksilver x Stranger Things

  • Year: 2022
  • What they dropped:
    • Full surf-core collection inspired by Season 4 California scenes
    • Argyle’s laid-back shirts and pastel board shorts
    • Bright, beachy skatewear
  • Why it hit:
     The collab dropped as 80s skate and surf aesthetics were trending hard on TikTok and Instagram.

4. H&M x Stranger Things

  • Year: 2019
  • What they dropped:
    • Lifeguard-themed capsule collection featuring Billy’s Hawkins pool outfit
    • Logo hoodies, retro swimwear, graphic tees
  • Visual vibe:
     Bold reds, sporty whites, and summer camp-meets-retro-cool energy
  • Campaign highlight:
     They released an actual campaign film styled like a Season 3 scene.

5. Netflix x Champion x Stranger Things (fan wear drop)

  • Year: Ongoing seasonal drops
  • What they drop:
    • Hawkins High varsity jackets
    • Demogorgon athletic wear
    • Branded socks, caps, and gym bags
  • Why it works:
     Gives fans everyday wear that feels like it came from inside the Stranger Things universe.

Eleven’s iconic outfits and their influence

Eleven’s wardrobe evolution is a visual representation of her character’s growth. In season 1, her pink dress and blond wig symbolized innocence and vulnerability. By season 3, under Max’s guidance, Eleven embraced vibrant patterns, colorful suspenders, and scrunchies, epitomizing the 80s mall culture.

These outfits didn’t just resonate with fans; they sparked fashion trends. Retailers saw increased demand for similar styles, and social media platforms buzzed with DIY recreations of Eleven’s looks.

The show’s influence extended beyond television, permeating everyday fashion. Key trends that emerged include:

  • Graphic Tees: Inspired by Dustin’s iconic shirts.
  • High-Waisted Jeans: A nod to the silhouettes popularized in the series.
  • Bold Patterns: Reflecting the vibrant prints seen on characters like Eleven and Max.

The term “retro-core” gained traction, describing the blend of vintage aesthetics with contemporary fashion, much of which was influenced by Stranger Things.

Social media and the spread of retro fashion

Platforms like TikTok and Instagram became hubs for Stranger Things-inspired fashion content. Users showcased their interpretations of the show’s outfits, from thrifted finds to DIY creations. Hashtags like #StrangerThingsFashion and #80sStyle trended, further amplifying the show’s sartorial impact.

Some fashion impact of Stranger Things across social media:

  1. Recreating outfits inspired by Stranger Things: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CfAU4WAgLuK/ 
  2. Stranger Things inspired outfits part 2: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cfj009DlB3H/ 
  3. Stranger Things outfit outfit inspirations, blending streetwear with the show’s aesthetic.https://www.instagram.com/reel/CeRZjZdF1Db/ 
  4. Pinterest inspo book based on Stranger Things outfits: https://www.pinterest.com/shoplookio/stranger-things-outfits/ 

Stranger Things vs. other retro-style shows

While shows like That ’70s Show and Euphoria incorporate retro elements, Stranger Things stands out for its meticulous commitment to period accuracy. Its fashion isn’t just a backdrop but a narrative tool, reflecting character arcs and societal shifts of the 1980s.

List of other shows that are in league with Stranger Things in getting retro fashion game right.

Euphoria – Elevated Gen Z’s love for maximalist, expressive style. Characters like Maddy and Jules sparked trends across TikTok and IG.

The Queen’s Gambit – A revival of vintage tailoring, turtlenecks, and a chessboard-inspired palette in high fashion and high street brands.

Sex education – Made vintage eclecticism cool again, with thrift-core looks worn by characters like Maeve and Eric driving secondhand store demand.

Mad men – Triggered a massive retro revival in corporate and cocktail style, especially in women’s wear and men’s suiting.

That 70s show and that 90s show – Continues to inspire retro youth fashion—especially wide-leg jeans, platform shoes, and shearling coats.

This is your time to rise and shine & dress up like Stranger Things characters.

For fans eager to channel the show’s fashion:

  • Thrift Shopping: Seek out genuine 80s pieces at local thrift stores.
  • DIY Projects: Customize clothing with patches or fabric paint to mirror the show’s styles.
  • Online Retailers: Brands like Levi’s and Quiksilver offer Stranger Things-inspired collections.

Incorporating elements like high-waisted jeans, graphic tees, and bold patterns can effortlessly infuse your wardrobe with Hawkins-inspired flair.

We have created a detailed guide on how to dress up like your favorite Stranger Things character. Check them here.

Conclusion: the lasting impact of Stranger Things on fashion

Stranger Things has transcended its sci-fi roots to become a cultural phenomenon, particularly in the realm of fashion. By authentically reviving 80s styles and integrating them into compelling narratives, the show has reshaped modern fashion sensibilities, proving that nostalgia, when executed with care and creativity, can be both timeless and trendsetting.