When I was just 10 years old, my dad dropped a major surprise on me: we were moving. Not only were we leaving our quiet suburban town in New Jersey, but we were also relocating to a whole new world—Texas. I had only seen pictures of the Lone Star State in my trusty Encyclopædia Britannica, but I was excited about the adventure ahead. I imagined myself in cowboy boots, wondering if ten-year-olds in Texas wore spurs.
We arrived in our new Texas town a few weeks into my fifth-grade year, and as I faced the curious stares of my new classmates, I quickly realized that my fancy cowboy boots weren’t going to win me any friends. As sweat trickled down my back beneath my floral Laura Ashley dress, I felt completely out of place among the girls sporting the most extravagant ‘80s styles.
Navigating the transition was tough, especially with the harsh realities of elementary school girls. My New Jersey wardrobe of trendy jumpers and tube socks paled in comparison to the bright, bold outfits from stores I had never heard of. My Capezio shoes, once a symbol of coolness back home, drew nothing but laughter here. Most days, I returned home in tears, feeling like an outsider.
At first, my mom, a practical New Englander, didn’t grasp the depth of my struggles. To her, clothes were merely functional—something to wear in public. But after I faced a particularly cruel encounter with a mean classmate, she came around. Realizing that a little retail therapy would be far cheaper than therapy bills, she agreed to take me shopping.
My List of Must-Haves
With excitement bubbling over, I compiled a list of must-haves for our mall trip:
- Guess Jeans, Acid Wash Only
In the ‘80s, having that distinctive triangle on your rear was a sign of status. I knew I had to have a pair to feel like a rock star. - A Liz Claiborne Handbag
Liz Claiborne ruled the handbag scene long before the likes of Prada and Kate Spade emerged. Her colorful bags, complete with that recognizable triangle logo, were perfect for stashing my Love’s Baby Soft perfume and Lip Smackers. - Keds—The Real Ones with the Blue Label
I vividly remember my first pair of Keds, pristine white with a blue label. They smelled like fresh rubber, and I made sure to get a size bigger for my slouch socks. The moment one of the blue labels fell off, I felt crushed. How would anyone know I had the real deal? - Benetton Sweater in Any of the United Colors
Everyone was obsessed with Benetton’s quirky, oversized clothing. Their ads featured diversity, and wearing one of those sweaters felt like being part of a larger movement. - Anything From The Limited
Dragging my mom into The Limited was a must. The chic black-and-white aesthetic made it feel like a fashion haven, and I wanted to wear what everyone else was wearing—crop tops and palazzo pants, of course. - Banana Republic Safari T-Shirt
Before it became the upscale store we know today, Banana Republic had a safari theme that felt adventurous. Those animal-print tees were all the rage, even if I can’t quite recall why!
While my mom did buy me 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 that Christmas certainly helped improve my status.
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In summary, the ‘80s were filled with iconic fashion staples that made the transition to a new place a bit easier. While I may have struggled to fit in, these items helped me find my place in a new world.
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