When I was ten years old, my dad delivered some life-altering news: we were relocating. Not just moving from our quiet suburb in New Jersey, but heading to the vast and mysterious land of Texas. My knowledge of the Lone Star State came solely from the Encyclopædia Britannica, but I was buzzing with excitement about the idea of cowboy boots. Did kids even wear spurs there? I wondered.
We arrived in our new Texan town a few weeks into my fifth-grade year. As I stood before my new classmates, I quickly realized that simply owning a pair of cowboy boots wouldn’t cut it for acceptance. A wave of sweat formed beneath my Laura Ashley dress — I was clearly out of my element amidst a sea of girls flaunting the boldest fashions of the ’80s.
The transition was anything but easy; kids can be ruthlessly honest. My typical Jersey girl attire of one-piece jumpers and tube socks paled in comparison to the outlandish styles sported by my Texan peers. They openly mocked my Capezio shoes, which I thought were the pinnacle of cool back home, and often I returned home with hot tears of frustration because fitting in felt impossible. School became a place I dreaded.
My mother, a practical New Englander, initially struggled to understand my turmoil. To her, clothes were merely meant to keep one from being naked. But after witnessing a particularly harsh encounter with a mean fifth-grade girl, she softened. She realized that the culture shock was overwhelming for me, and a little retail therapy might be a better solution than actual therapy bills.
Excited, I crafted a shopping list for our trip to the local mall:
- Acid Wash Guess Jeans
Back in the ’80s, that small triangle on your backside was a sign that you were on the rise. My ten-year-old self felt like a superstar when I got my first pair. - A Liz Claiborne Handbag
Lady Liz ruled the handbag scene long before the likes of Prada and Kate Spade emerged. Her vibrant purses, adorned with that iconic triangle logo (seriously, what was up with triangles?), held everything essential: my Love’s Baby Soft perfume, Lip Smackers, Aqua Net, and, of course, my trusty hairbrush. - The Real Keds with the Blue Label
I can still recall my first pair of Keds—spotless white canvas with a blue rubber logo. They even had that signature rubber cement smell! I made sure to get a size larger for my layered slouch socks and immediately removed the laces; after all, who had time for laces when you were cool? - Benetton Sweater, in Any Color
Everyone was obsessed with this Italian brand. Wearing those oversized sweaters felt like being part of a colorful club, and honestly, it was a must-have. - Anything From The Limited
Dragging my mom into The Limited was an experience. The sleek, chic atmosphere was intoxicating. Everyone was wearing crop tops and palazzo pants, all bearing that distinctive black label. The jewelry was edgy, and the sales staff looked like they stepped off a runway. - Banana Republic Safari T-Shirt
In its earlier days, Banana Republic resembled a safari-themed gift shop. The white T-shirts adorned with animal graphics were a staple of ’80s fashion—though I’m not sure why we thought they were so cool.
Let’s be honest, I didn’t get a shopping spree to fill my closet. While my mom did indulge in a few items from my list, I was never the coolest kid. However, receiving an Esprit jean jacket and a multicolored Swatch watch that Christmas definitely helped elevate my status.
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In summary, the ’80s were a whirlwind of fashion and culture, especially for a girl trying to find her footing in a new place. With a little help from some trendy items, I managed to navigate my way through those awkward years—one acid-wash jean at a time.