Back when I was ten, my father dropped a life-altering surprise on us: we were relocating. Not just anywhere, but to the enchanting land of Texas. Having only encountered the Lone Star State through my trusty Encyclopædia Britannica, I was thrilled at the prospect of living in such a distant place. And of course, I couldn’t wait to don a pair of cowboy boots. Did kids actually wear spurs there? I pondered.
After a few weeks in Texas, I found myself facing my new classmates, who regarded me with curious glances. I quickly learned that sporting cowboy boots wouldn’t earn me a spot among the popular crowd. Sweat trickled down beneath my floral Laura Ashley dress as I realized I was woefully out of sync with the vibrant ‘80s fashions flaunted by the local girls.
The transition was agonizing, as ten-year-old girls can be merciless. My New Jersey wardrobe of one-piece jumpers and tube socks paled in comparison to the wild styles these Texas girls were rocking. They laughed at my Capezio shoes, which were considered the height of cool back home, and far too often, I returned home in tears, feeling utterly out of place. The thought of school became unbearable.
My mother, a practical New Englander, initially struggled to understand my distress. To her, clothes served one purpose: to keep us clothed. There was no emphasis on brands or trends. However, after I faced an especially cruel jest from a classmate, she recognized that the culture shock was too much for her ten-year-old daughter. A little shopping therapy, she decided, might be more cost-effective than therapy bills.
With excitement bubbling, I laid out my fashion wish list as we ventured to the local mall:
- Acid-Wash Guess Jeans
In the ’80s, that triangle logo on your backside was a sign of prestige. Owning a pair of these jeans made me feel like a superstar, and I had to have them. - A Liz Claiborne Handbag
Before the likes of Prada and Kate Spade, Liz Claiborne dominated the handbag scene. Her vibrant purses, adorned with that recognizable triangle logo, were perfect for holding our Love’s Baby Soft perfume, Lip Smackers gloss, and, of course, a can of Aqua Net to keep our towering hairstyles in check. - Keds with the Blue Label
I can still recall unboxing my first pair of Keds. Fresh and white, these shoes smelled like rubber and I made sure to order a size up for my layered slouch socks. I quickly removed the laces—who had time for laces when you were trying to be cool? My heart sank when the blue label eventually fell off; how would anyone know I was wearing the real deal? - Benetton Sweater in Any Color
Benetton was the go-to brand for quirky, oversized clothing that united us all. Their colorful sweaters were a fashion staple that signified belonging. - Anything from The Limited
Dragging my mom into The Limited, with its sleek decor and stylish offerings, felt like stepping into a fashion wonderland. Crop tops and palazzo pants with that signature black label were all the rage, and I longed for a taste of that chic world. - Banana Republic Safari T-Shirt
Before it became the upscale store we know today, Banana Republic had a playful safari theme. The white T-shirts adorned with black-and-white animal designs were must-haves back then, even if we were unsure of why.
It’s worth noting that my shopping spree was hardly lavish. While I was grateful for a few items from my list, I never quite reached the pinnacle of coolness in my class. However, receiving an Esprit jean jacket and a colorful Swatch watch for Christmas did help elevate my status somewhat.
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In summary, the ’80s were a time of bold fashion choices that shaped our childhood experiences. From acid-wash jeans to oversized sweaters, these trends not only provided a sense of belonging but also made navigating the social landscape a little easier.
Keyphrase: 80s fashion must-haves
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