Recently, while browsing through Nordstrom Rack, I stumbled upon a display of plastic sunglasses boasting square black lenses and vibrant neon temples. I turned to my friend and said, “There’s no need to buy these. I could probably dig up my old pair from junior high in my parents’ basement!”
But those sunglasses are just one of the many ’80s fashion memories that linger in my mind. I vividly recall, around sixth grade, saving my allowance to purchase a round acid-washed denim purse. It was about the size of a dinner plate, complete with pleats, a puffed middle, and long, skinny straps to wear over my shoulder. The wildest part? I honestly believed it would never go out of style.
Fast-forward over two decades, and I’ve watched ’80s fashion slowly creep back into the mainstream. It’s amusing to observe these retro styles regaining popularity—especially when you didn’t experience the original wave. If you rocked Hammer pants in the ’80s, chances are you’re not rushing to find a pair at American Apparel today. For the record, they’re now called “harem pants,” but we all know they still lack charm. As I see various trends re-emerging, I can’t help but think: leotards and Members Only jackets are all well and good, but will acid wash ever make a comeback?
Surprisingly, it did. This spring, I spotted a young woman confidently wearing acid-washed overalls. To my shock, she didn’t look out of place at all. They were tailored well and fashioned from a tasteful dark gray denim. Although I’m not ready to jump on that bandwagon, she definitely made it work.
After passing up the sunglasses, I wandered over to a rack that appeared to be filled with maxi skirts. Upon closer inspection, I realized it was actually a pair of flowing, wide-legged pants adorned with a bold Southwestern print. Suddenly, another fashion memory hit me: I, too, once wore pleated pants with a pastel Southwestern pattern in elementary school. According to the internet and the stylish women I see on the streets, these palazzo pants are making waves. While I appreciate the European flair of the name, I can’t envision myself sporting a pair anytime soon.
Of course, I’ve been known to change my mind. A few years back, I was adamant about how skinny jeans would never find their way into my wardrobe. Fast forward to today, and I have four pairs hanging in my closet. I may have even left the Rack that day with an additional pair.
Sometimes, it just takes me a while to warm up to a trend. I see women in magazines and on the street confidently rocking a look, and I convince myself it might not be that bad on me. I eventually came to appreciate the combination of skinny jeans and tall boots for fall, realizing that wide-leg jeans tucked into boots just don’t have the same appeal.
The ’80s fashions I remember wearing evoke mixed feelings. Some, like jelly shoes, bring forth a wave of nostalgia that I would gladly share with a daughter if I had one. Others, however, are so cringe-worthy that I try to suppress those memories as quickly as they surface. Sorry to my sixth-grade self, but much like the double space rule you’re learning in keyboarding class, some of those outfits will indeed become relics of the past.
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In summary, while the ’80s fashion trends may have been quirky and sometimes cringe-worthy, they hold a special place in our hearts and memories. From jelly shoes to acid-washed overalls, these styles remind us of our past and how fashion cycles back around.
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