The Best And Worst Dressed Stars From Wildly Popular Hit '80s Sitcoms

When we look back at the 1980s, we can't help but remember the style icons who graced magazine covers and whose posters lined the bedroom walls of millions of fans around the world. We're talking about beloved political figures like Princess Diana, actors like Molly Ringwald and Don Johnson, and musical artists like Michael Jackson and Madonna. The bold fashion trends that defined this decade still make a comeback every now and then. They feature shoulder pads, leotards, and high-waisted pants alongside fingerless gloves, leg warmers, voluminous hair, and colorful, chunky accessories. Television characters, too, were styled to reflect the distinct trends of that era, and will be fun to revisit several widely acclaimed shows to highlight their best and worst-dressed characters.

We'll be covering characters from several successful '80s sitcoms, including the sultry Blanche Devereaux from "The Golden Girls," the free-spirited Denise Huxtable from "The Cosby Show," and unsuspecting fashion victims like Balki Bartokomous from "Perfect Strangers," among other memorable names. So, take off your oversized denim jacket, grab some snacks, and let's take a trip down memory lane.

Picking the best character from the hit '80s sitcom "The Golden Girls" can prove difficult; each one of those ladies was a scene stealer in her own right. Played by Rue McClanahan, Blanche Devereaux was a Southern belle who thought very highly of her looks and seduction skills. As such, her (fully customized) wardrobe oozed glamor and self-confidence. From shoulderless ensembles and bedazzled loungewear to plant and floral prints, blazers with shoulder pads, and matching silk nightgowns and robes, her attire commanded attention.

Don't be fooled by Estelle Getty's age on "The Golden Girls." Although she played the snappy, Sicilian-born octogenarian Sophia Petrillo, she was, in fact, in her 60s. Consequently, she was aged significantly with makeup and wore large-framed glasses. Her frumpy, conservative outfits spanned loose robes as well as chunky knitwear layered over dresses. Sophia also carried around a bulky, tan wicker purse that could fit a lasagna tray, or any of her other homemade Italian dishes. It's no wonder people couldn't recognize the petite actor on the street.

The cast of "Married... with Children" may have experienced many tragedies, but the show catapulted them to fame and was nominated for seven Primetime Emmys. It centered on the dysfunctional Bundy family, which included Kelly (Christina Applegate), a sexy, dimwitted teenager with luxurious blonde hair who was only interested in boys, music, and fashion. She often wore tight dresses, tube tops, and plaid skirts, favoring fabrics like leather, velvet, spandex, lace, and denim. By playing such a trendy character, the actor remained a major heartthrob and style icon for years.

The stay-at-home wife and mother on "Married... with Children," Peggy Bundy, was portrayed by the prolific Katey Sagal. This character despised house chores; she only enjoyed slouching on the couch in front of the TV, impulse shopping, and mocking her husband. Her sense of style was a combination of tacky, sassy, and flashy. It featured a bouffant hairdo, dramatic makeup, and wide belts, not to mention chunky accessories, bright animal prints, polka dots, low-cut blouses, and tight, high-waisted trousers.

Played by John Stamos, Uncle Jesse was arguably the coolest and most charismatic character in the family sitcom "Full House." As a musician obsessed with Elvis Presley and highly focused on his appearance, Jesse favored a rockabilly style. He often sported a gelled mullet, leather jackets, fitted T-shirts, and motorcycle boots. Occasionally embracing the '80s aesthetic, he would throw on a bandana or a baseball cap. His wardrobe evolved as the show moved into the '90s, shifting toward flannel, shirts, loose-fit denim, and other grunge staples.

The tight-knit cast of "Full House," a wholesome show that centered on Danny Tanner, a widower raising three daughters, included Dave Coulier as Joey Gladstone. As Danny's close friend, he came to live with the family to help take care of the girls. His goofy, playful, and eccentric personality was reflected in his wardrobe, which featured wildly clashing patterns and colors, in addition to very loose fits. This was especially noticeable in Season 1, where he matched his outfits with the mannequin standing in the hall.

The cast of "Alf," a sci-fi sitcom about a fugitive alien hiding in the suburban Tanner home, included now-retired actor Andrea Elson. She played the energetic and warmhearted Lynn Tanner, the quintessential '80s teen girl and a major crush for many young viewers. This popular character sported bouncy curls and accessorized with hoop earrings. Her wardrobe was both casual and preppy, featuring sneakers, pastel tops, oversized knitwear, and high-waisted, acid-wash jeans. She also donned classic plaid pajamas in addition to blazers with shoulder pads and metallic buttons.

The late Max Wright was cast on "ALF" as Willie Tanner, Lynn's dad. Because his character was a highly dependable, straight-faced social worker and family man, his attire was intentionally drab. It essentially consisted of muted tones and a rotation of suits, cardigans, button-down jackets, sweater vests, and loafers. Even his sleepwear and bathrobes were meant to capture the vibe of an exhausted suburban dad who constantly clashed with his annoying, wisecracking guest. Off screen, the actor reportedly disliked his role because he felt upstaged by the furry ALF puppet.

Portrayed by the late Kirstie Alley, Rebecca Howe was introduced on the Primetime Emmy-winning sitcom "Cheers" in 1987. As a highly ambitious, corporate-appointed bar manager, she maintained a polished, sophisticated image (but her wardrobe later adopted a softer, more vulnerable side). Her structured power suits, silk button-downs, pencil skirts, and long frock coats offered a striking contrast to the pub's relaxed, casual atmosphere. She mostly favored rich, saturated hues, accessorizing with wide, thick belts, elaborate brooches, and classic faux pearls.

Rebecca Howe's predecessor in "Cheers" was Diane Chambers. She was played by Shelley Long, an actor who left a cushy gig only to end up in less successful projects. Diane embodied a prude bourgeois aesthetic, especially in Season 1. Many of these fabrics, cuts, and colors were unflattering to the actor's delicate frame. She was practically swallowed whole by puffy sleeves, sailor collars, and mismatched layers. "She had multiple dresses with high Edwardian collars that looked like they were strangling her," a Redditor complained, while another compared her look to a Victorian teacher.

In the acclaimed buddy comedy show "Perfect Strangers," Mary Anne Spencer, played by Rebeca Arthur, was the girlfriend and later wife of one of the two male leads, Balki Bartokomous. She worked as a flight attendant and was beloved by fans for her quirky, bubbly, and kindhearted personality. At work, she donned standard airline uniforms featuring dark blazers, light collared shirts, and knee-length pencil skirts. In her free time, she wore oversized pastel sweaters, bright loungewear, and cute cocktail dresses, accessorizing her permed blonde hair with headbands and scrunchies.

The main cast of "Perfect Strangers" featured Bronson Pinchot as the hilarious Balki Bartokomous, a former shepherd who traveled from Mypos, a fictional Mediterranean island, to Chicago to experience a modern way of life. His chaotic attire often mixed traditional Myposian elements with American fashion trends. His over-the-top outfits included patterned, V-neck vests layered over crisp button-down shirts, clip-on suspenders with sweaters, and ridiculously high-waisted pants. Audiences certainly can't forget his black shirt with vibrant chili pepper and vine motifs.

Played by the stylish Lisa Bonet, Denise Huxtable was a rebellious character featured on "The Cosby Show" and its spinoff sitcom, "A Different World." As a free spirit, her outfits were a playful mix of boho-chic and '80s elements with a cultured twist. She combined soft fabrics like gauze and silk with menswear, decorated her denim jackets with brooches and pins, and wrapped her hair in turbans and headbands. This queen of layers especially liked fringe vests, oversized scarves, and chunky sweaters, and her statement jewelry was just as bold.

Dr. Heathcliff "Cliff" Huxtable was Denise Huxtable's father on "The Cosby Show." Played by Bill Cosby, Cliff was considered one of the most iconic '80s sitcom parents thanks to his warm and gentle personality, peculiar sense of humor, and love of rich food. For both the character's signature look and the actor's own comfort on set, he was styled in oversized knitwear. Unfortunately, the latter mostly featured wild, clashing patterns and colors. Plus, his button shirts were often paired with eccentric suspenders and ties.

"A Different World" was set at the fictional Hillman College in Virginia, and the campus belle was the ultra-sophisticated, self-absorbed Whitley Gilbert, played by Jasmine Guy. She complemented her Southern accent and bougie persona with a preppie-chic aesthetic that featured pearl necklaces, layered necklaces, large clip-on earrings and brooches, and silk scarves. Naturally, she mostly wore designer suits, skirts, dresses, and shoes. Whitley even called her dorm room a boudoir and delivered iconic lines like, "You and Your truth can kiss my Cartier — all 18 carats!"

Walter Oakes, Hillman College's football, baseball, basketball, and track coach, wore questionable attire that provided a striking contrast to Whitley Gilbert's hyper-polished style. Played by comedian and actor Sinbad, this vibrant, energetic character was the show's comic relief; so, his clothes were mostly loud and mismatched. He leaned toward oversized sweaters and cardigans, bright windbreakers, wildly clashing patterns, and bold colors. Nobody else on campus could pair athletic gear with eccentric streetwear so nonchalantly as Oakes.

"Family Ties" was a cherished, Primetime Emmy-winning show that centered on the Keaton household. Played by Justine Bateman, Mallory Keaton was the eldest daughter. This lovable and cheerful teenager aspired to become a fashion designer and therefore embraced the decade's biggest trends. She sported high-waisted jeans, colorful tops, oversized blazers with shoulder pads, and statement accessories. Mallory also favored skinny belts, fitted cardigans, and designer articles. We particularly remember her Season 5 fuzzy Esprit sweater, which featured a striking TV-static pattern with pastel stripes.

Most '80s and '90s sitcoms featured annoying next-door neighbors. In "Family Ties," Irwin "Skippy" Handelman, portrayed by Marc Price, illustrated that trope. This clumsy and goofy character was hopelessly obsessed with Mallory Keaton and his style certainly conveyed his awkwardness. He frequently sported extremely high-waisted pants with bulky belts and nerdy tucked-in shirts, as well as clashing layers and patterns. His (somewhat endearing) gawkiness was completed with classic eyeglasses and a frizzy, wavy mop.

Few TV characters sported outfits as vibrant as Penelope "Punky" Brewster in her eponymous show. This bubbly girl enchanted viewers with her trademark colorful layers. She wore mismatched socks and shoes as well as oversized jackets with pins and buttons. As for her adorable pigtails and side ponytails, Punky adorned them with headbands and scrunchies. Somehow, that chaotic style worked because it matched her personality. "She was spunky and such a fun character to play because she was full of love and life," Soleil Moon Frye told Parade in 2011.

When it comes to both style and personality, Penelope Brewster's polar opposite in "Punky Brewster" was her classmate Margaux Kramer, played by Ami Foster. This little rich girl was snotty, dramatic, and spoiled rotten. Her attire was preppy and ridiculously formal for her age, reflecting her sense of entitlement. She favored coordinated pastel colors and faux fur, often draping her shoulders with cardigans. She typically paired her pleated skirts with knee-high socks and accessorized with pearls, shiny lockets, and elaborate bows.

"Who's the Boss?" was a Primetime Emmy-winning family sitcom that followed advertising executive and divorced mother Angela Bower, her housekeeper Tony, and her man-crazy, red-haired mother, Mona Robinson. Played by Katherine Helmond, Mona stole every scene with her free spirit and unconventional wardrobe. Her bold attires featured fur, oversized hats, colorful jumpsuits, and dramatic overcoats, not to mention a memorable red bikini. She also favored metallic fabrics, while accessorizing with bold brooches and patterned scarves.

On "Who's the Boss?," Judith Light played Angela Bower, a tough, 30-something businesswoman juggling a high-powered career in New York City while single parenting. Her wardrobe exclusively reflected the classic corporate aesthetic of the decade and lacked originality. It featured power suits; silk, high-necked blouses; and prominent shoulder pads. She also wore massive tortoiseshell reading glasses in addition to chunky jewelry, further emphasizing her "boss" status both at work and at home.

For six seasons on CBS, the widely acclaimed sitcom "Kate & Allie" followed two divorced friends with contrasting styles and personalities as they raised their kids under one roof in New York City. Played by Susan Saint James, Kate McArdle was an outgoing, upbeat travel agent. She masterfully combined casual-chic pieces, preppy elements, and American sportswear. With her elegant blazers, tweed overcoats, silk blouses, puffy vests, and vibrant sweaters, she effortlessly exuded optimism and energy.

Kate McArdle's friend and roommate in "Kate & Allie" was Allie Lowell. Portrayed by Jane Curtin, Allie was a divorced single mom with a cheating ex-husband. She paid little attention to fashion trends, so her style was far more conventional and subdued than Kate's. As such, she frequently wore conservative knitwear, button-up shirts, and pleated trousers. She largely favored pastel and muted tones, while leaning toward accessories such as pearls and floppy bows. It's no wonder Kate was constantly trying to loosen her up.