The 80s were a wild time to be alive. People were shaking off the styles of the 70s and the ‘hippy era’; however, a lot of the fashion trends that became popular during the 80s have certainly not aged well. It was definitely a time for distinct looks and appeal. The idea of standing out, or making sure your clothes somehow screamed something, was very popular. Cheesy synth sounds, lots of body, and even more plastic were all the rage. Let’s examine some 80s fashion trends that should simply stay gone!
1.) Body, Body, and more Body!
No one really knows why the idea of frizzy hair with lots, and lots of body became popular in the 80s, but the trend caught on and seemed to sustain the era for the entire decade! Everywhere you looked, from everyday people, to high-end fashion magazines, and even the corporate world, everyone had a perm job or seemed to use some kind of special, body-enhancing shampoo! The hairdos were very frizzy for both men and women, and looking back, the style really didn’t age well!
2.) Oversized Shoulder Pads
This is another fashion trend that caught on and largely defined the 80s throughout the decade. While the style trend may have been a throwback to the early, sharp-angled suits of the 30s and 40s era that you would often see gangsters in movies wearing, in truth, they really looked more like cartoon caricatures of what a style could have been or was meant to represent. They were popular among women in the corporate environment, but also featured heavily in fashion magazines of the time.
3.) Scrunchies
Scrunchies are a distinctly 80s look and trend that also managed to last throughout the era. They were generally only used by women as a means of tying back long hair. They were big, often bright and colorful and look really dated by todays standards. They were popular among fitness fanatics, another trend that had really caught on in the 80s, but were also worn casually by women and girls of all ages. You’d be hardpressed to find people wearing scrunchies these days!
4.) Huge Earrings
Huge earrings became a big style statement during the 80s. They were generally popularized by pop stars appearing on the massively popular MTV channel and inspired massive waves in the fashion world. Whether in corporate, at school, or even just going to the mall, women and girls of all ages adorned their ears with these massive pieces of jewelry to match the trend at the time. By today’s standards, they look garish and cheap. Even large earrings these days are more elegant and refined.
5.) Fanny Packs
Fanny packs were a big hit among men and women at the time. While it can be noted that they were pretty practical and could help you carry your wallet, excessively large Walkman, and other personal documents or items, they faded out of fashion in the 90s. Sometimes, you might find the occasional hipster wearing them these days, but in general they stick out like a sore thumb. The humble backpack became a much more reasonable, stylish and even practical alternative that still lasts to this day.
6.) Leg Warmers
Leg warmers were pretty popular in the 80s and have become an iconic mark of the era. These days, you wouldn’t find many people wearing them. They’re pretty uncomfortable and very unstylish. They were generally used by people who were exercising, but could even be found in public places. They were largely worn by women, but men did wear them too. It was strange to think that people would wear socks and leg warmers at the same time. They are one trend we’re glad to have left in the past.
7.) Mesh Tops
Mesh tops were definitely one of the worst inventions of the 80s era. They basically exposed your body underneath, and while they might have been a cool relief in summer, they were very edgy in terms of privacy laws and did not age well at all. These days, you might see the occasional mesh top pop up here and there, but only the really daring or crazy are willing to wear them. They’re pretty ugly and are generally made of really cheap material, giving them an additional tacky touch. No thanks!
8.) Spandex
Spandex is easily one of the most iconic ‘looks’ from the 80s, and the material was used in a number of different outfits. The most iconic, and in many cases common, was the spandex jumpsuit – a full body, tight-hugging Lycra outfit that was popular among everyone from musicians and performers to fitness fanatics and even housewives. The outfit has thankfully faded from use these days, but you’re still likely to find funny throwbacks to the era with it being referenced.
9.) Fingerless Lace Gloves
These were frequently worn by women during the era, but usually in a more casual setting. The style was originally popularized by artists of the era like Madonna, Cyndie Lauper, and even Billy Idol. However, the gloves didn’t actually originate in the 80s. They started all the way back in the Victorian era, when women would wear them as an alternative to cluncky, often uncomfortable gloves at the time. They were generally considered more of a style statement than being practical.
10.) Neon, Neon Everywhere!
The 80s saw a huge rise in the popularity of color in outfits. However, we’re not just talking about a little color here and there. No, clothes had to be neon bright, and often the whole outfit would be bright neon. Sometimes the colors were the same, sometimes they were mixed. Either way, it was a really ugly look. While neon has seen a resurgence in recent years, it’s usually used in controlled circumstances or outfits and isn’t as frequent or common as they were back then.
11.) High-Patterned Sweater
In the 80s, sweaters weren’t just meant to keep you warm. They were somehow also supposed to hypnotize you into a state of fashion ‘awe’. Well, we can’t be sure what the real decision was behind making sweaters as ‘hyper-patterned’ as possible, but what we do know is that the trend didn’t last very long. It has largely faded out of style by now, and it’s only the occasional old-timer that you’re likely to see wearing them.