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Parenting
By Jessica Morgan
Updated: July 27, 2016
Originally Published: Aug. 9, 2005
The 1980s hold a unique charm that resonates deeply with those who grew up during that decade. It’s a time I cherish profoundly, perhaps in a way that only true ’80s kids can understand. I can’t help but feel a sense of superiority when I hear the flannel-clad ’90s kids rave about their grunge music or when a Millennial extols the wonders of auto-tune.
The ’80s were a remarkable era, characterized by a flair reminiscent of John Hughes films, where awkwardness flourished and life felt like one large synthesizer-driven celebration. However, my affection for this decade extends beyond mere nostalgia. My teenage years unfolded in the ’80s, and as we all know, teenagers often engage in foolish behavior. They sport outlandish outfits and communicate in monosyllabic utterances, firmly believing they possess all the answers and set the trends.
What those teens don’t realize is that two decades down the line, they’ll cringe at the fashion choices immortalized in their old photographs. Thankfully, unlike today’s youth, we ’80s teens could indulge our silliness without the enduring visibility of social media platforms. We had the luxury of being foolish in private, sparing us the embarrassment of our questionable antics.
I repeatedly practiced writing “Mrs. Alex Thompson” on my school binder, imagining a future with my ideal partner. After my fleeting crush on a pop star, I shifted my affections to the fictional character Alex Thompson from my favorite teen movie. I was convinced that we were destined to be together, so I diligently practiced my married signature. At least I refrained from monogramming my towels.
Step aerobics was an activity I embraced with enthusiasm. It was a fun way to stay fit in my neon Lycra until my knees began to protest. The moment I stumbled over the step in front of my entire class, the novelty wore off. Step aerobics, alongside the infamous ThighMaster, is undoubtedly among the more embarrassing workout trends.
I decorated my bedroom walls with images of iconic supermodels from music videos, enamored by their beauty. I transformed my space into a shrine of Naomi, Christy, and Cindy, and when no one was around, I would practice my runway walk—though it often ended in a tumble across the shag carpet of my childhood home.
Do you recall the trend of wearing two polo shirts with the collars popped up? I was one of those enthusiasts, earning the nickname “Double Polo” in high school. I was committed to making my collar coordination a fashion statement, even if it was excessive.
Pink and gray dominated my wardrobe during my preppy phase. I was fixated on these colors, but my enthusiasm faded quickly. My mom will attest to the lengths I went to, including dyeing pennies gray to match my pink penny loafers.
My collection of Esprit apparel was so extensive that I could have passed for an employee. I should have negotiated a discount on the countless sweatshirts emblazoned with “ESPRIT,” as my closet overflowed with them.
Leg warmers and moon boots were among the trends I adopted, despite living in California, where such attire was unnecessary. Nevertheless, I sported these styles with confidence, even if it left me feeling overheated.
My hair went through a phase best described as “Shirley Temple on caffeine” after my first perm. The distinct odor of an ’80s perm alone raises questions about their safety, and the results were often regrettable.
I dreamt of becoming a backup singer for Sting after attending one of his concerts. While my admiration for him was genuine, it was his synchronized backup singers who captivated me. I spent hours mimicking their moves, envisioning a future where I could major in backup singing—if only I had the vocal talent!
The fashion of the ’80s was undeniably bold and extravagant, featuring shoulder pads that overshadowed pillows and sweater dresses that defied logic. However, one must be cautious as a misplaced shoulder pad incident could lead to an awkward situation.
While ’90s kids can recite Nirvana lyrics and Millennials may idolize Taylor Swift, we ’80s kids can proudly declare that we enjoyed the best of all worlds. We had the freedom to be silly without the ever-present fear of our fashion faux pas being immortalized online. Respect.
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Summary
The ’80s were a unique time characterized by vibrant trends, teenage silliness, and a sense of freedom from social media scrutiny. From practicing future married signatures to embracing bold fashion choices, the decade fostered a spirit of youthful exploration. Although we may look back and cringe, the memories remain cherished, highlighting the joy of being a carefree teen.