Recently, while browsing Nordstrom Rack, I stumbled upon a collection of vibrant plastic sunglasses featuring square black lenses and neon temples. I couldn’t help but chuckle to my friend, “I don’t need to buy a pair. If I dig around in my parents’ basement long enough, I’m sure I’ll find the exact ones I wore in junior high.”
But those sunglasses are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to my ’80s fashion memories. I distinctly recall saving up for a round, acid-washed denim purse back in sixth grade, one that was roughly the size of a salad plate, complete with pleats and long, slender straps. The wildest part? I genuinely believed that this purse would never go out of style.
Fast forward over two decades, and I’ve watched ’80s trends make a surprising comeback. It’s amusing to see retro fashion re-emerging, especially when you haven’t lived through the era. If you rocked Hammer pants back in the day, you’re probably not rushing to find a pair at American Apparel now. Apparently, today’s equivalent is called “harem pants,” but we know better—those are just a rebranding of a trend that didn’t quite age gracefully.
As I observed various styles reappear, I thought to myself, “These leotards and Members Only jackets are fun, but surely acid wash will never return.” Oh, how wrong I was! This spring, I spotted a young woman confidently wearing acid-washed overalls. To my surprise, she looked quite fashionable in them; they were well-fitted and made from a chic dark gray denim. While I’m not ready to acquire a pair myself, she definitely made them look appealing.
Next, I wandered over to a rack that appeared to feature maxi skirts. As I pulled one out, I realized it was actually a pair of long, flowing, wide-legged pants adorned with a bold Southwestern print. Instantly, I was transported back to my elementary school days, when I wore pleated pants in a similar pastel Southwestern pattern. According to the Internet and various street sightings, these palazzo pants have become quite popular. While I can appreciate the European flair in their name, I doubt I’ll ever wear a pair myself.
Of course, I’ve been known to change my mind. I recall discussing skinny jeans with friends a few years back, proclaiming I’d never buy a pair. Fast forward, and I now own four pairs hanging in my closet. Who knows, I might have walked away from the Rack that day with another addition.
Sometimes, I need a little time to warm up to a trend. I start seeing women in magazines and on the streets rocking a particular style, and I convince myself it might not look so terrible on me, too. The skinny-jean-and-tall-boot combination for fall was one I initially resisted, but I eventually embraced it—after all, wide-leg jeans tucked into boots don’t quite have the same allure.
Yet, the ’80s clothing I remember is a mixed bag. Some pieces evoke nostalgia, like jelly shoes; if I had a daughter, I’d definitely buy her a pair. Others, however, are so cringe-worthy that I try to suppress those memories. Sorry to my sixth-grade self, but it’s time to face the music: just like those double spaces we were taught to add after sentences, some of the clothing we wore will inevitably fade into obscurity.
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In summary, the ’80s fashion era, with its distinctive styles, continues to resurface, often prompting both nostalgia and embarrassment. While some trends remain timeless, others are best left in the past.
Keyphrase: ’80s fashion nostalgia
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