Recently, while browsing at a discount department store, I stumbled upon a display of vibrant plastic sunglasses with square black lenses and neon frames. I remarked to my friend, “There’s no need to buy these; if I dig around in my parents’ basement long enough, I can unearth the very pair I had in middle school.”
These sunglasses aren’t the only relic from the ’80s that lingers in my memory. I vividly recall saving up for a round acid-washed denim purse back in sixth grade. It was about the size of a dinner plate, featuring pleats, a puffy middle, and long, slender straps perfect for slinging over my shoulder. What’s striking is not just that I bought it, but that I genuinely thought, “This will never go out of style.”
Fast forward over two decades, I’ve watched with humor as ’80s fashion has made a remarkable comeback. It seems easier to embrace retro styles when you haven’t actually experienced the original trends. For those who rocked Hammer pants in the ’80s, heading to a trendy store to find harem pants today might not feel appealing. By the way, the modern term for them is “harem pants,” but we know they’re still just as questionable. Despite the resurgence of leotards and Members Only jackets, I doubted acid wash could return.
Then it did. This spring, I spotted a young woman confidently wearing acid-washed overalls. To my surprise, she didn’t look ridiculous at all. The overalls were well-fitted and crafted from a tasteful dark gray denim. While I’m not rushing to add them to my wardrobe, she certainly made them work.
After passing up the sunglasses, I moved to a rack of what I initially thought were maxi skirts. Upon closer inspection, they turned out to be long, flowing, wide-legged pants with a bold Southwestern print. Instantly, a memory flooded back: I remembered wearing pleated pants adorned with a pastel Southwestern design in elementary school. These palazzo pants have become popular, according to both the internet and the women I observe on the streets. Although I appreciate the European flair of the name, I don’t envision myself wearing them anytime soon.
Of course, I have been known to change my mind. A few years ago, I scoffed at the skinny jean trend, stating, “I can’t wait for those to go out of style. I’m never buying a pair.” Now, I have four pairs hanging in my closet. I might have also left that day with another new addition. Sometimes, it just takes me a while to warm up to a trend. I begin to see women in magazines and on the streets pulling off a certain look, and I convince myself it might not be so bad for me too. I’ve grown to appreciate the skinny-jean-and-tall-boot combination for fall, realizing it’s not quite as stylish when I try to tuck wide-leg jeans into my boots.
However, the ’80s styles that I wore are a mixed bag. Some, like jelly shoes, invoke fond nostalgia, and if I had a daughter, I would undoubtedly buy her a pair. Others are so cringe-worthy that I try to erase those memories as soon as they surface. I must remind my sixth-grade self: Hard as it may be to accept, just like the double spaces that were once taught in keyboarding class, some of the clothes I wore will indeed go out of style.
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In summary, the cyclical nature of fashion often leads us to revisit trends we thought were long gone. While some styles evoke nostalgia, others remind us of awkward phases we’d rather forget. As we navigate through these trends, it’s essential to keep an open mind and perhaps even embrace the unexpected.