The 1980s were a wild ride for fashion—bold colors, big hair, and even bigger shoulder pads ruled the scene. It was a decade that embraced excess, and style was no exception. Some trends were iconic; others… well, they’re best left in the archives. While a few have snuck back into modern wardrobes, most of these ‘80s fashion habits leave Gen Z scratching their heads.
1. Wearing Shoulder Pads in Everything
Remember when shoulder pads weren’t just a detail, they were a defining architectural element of pretty much every garment? From blouses to sweaters to even t-shirts, those structured additions aimed to create a powerful, broad-shouldered silhouette. According to fashion historians at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this trend was partly inspired by the power dressing of businesswomen entering the workforce in larger numbers, projecting authority and confidence.
But looking back, those exaggerated shoulders can seem a tad cartoonish in our current preference for more natural and relaxed lines. Imagine trying to navigate a crowded space or hug someone while sporting those formidable protrusions! While a touch of structure can still be chic, the ’80s commitment to making everyone look like a linebacker feels distinctly of its time and definitely a bit out of sync with today’s more fluid silhouettes.
2. Teasing Hair to Unbelievable Heights
Big hair was practically a religion in the ’80s. The higher the hair, the closer to heaven, or so it seemed. Hours were spent teasing, crimping, and spraying hair into gravity-defying styles that often required industrial-strength hairspray to maintain. As The Penndulum has noted, this trend was a bold rebellion against the more understated hairstyles of the previous decades, a celebration of volume and dramatic flair.
Now, while volume is still appreciated, the extreme heights and the often stiff, helmet-like quality of ’80s hair seem a little over-the-top. The thought of the time and product commitment involved in achieving and maintaining such a look feels almost unimaginable in our current era of quick and easy styling. Plus, all that hairspray probably wasn’t great for the ozone layer, right?
3. Rocking Acid Wash Denim Head-to-Toe
Acid wash denim was the denim of the ’80s. That mottled, bleached effect was considered the height of cool, and it wasn’t uncommon to see people sporting acid wash jeans, jackets, and even shirts all at once. Fashion archives at Harper’s Bazaar often showcase iconic ’80s looks dominated by this distinctive denim treatment, reflecting the era’s embrace of bold and often chemically-enhanced aesthetics.
Today, while a touch of acid wash might make a nostalgic cameo, the head-to-toe commitment feels a bit much. The stark, almost tie-dyed look of heavily acid-washed denim can seem quite dated compared to the more varied washes and textures we see now. It’s a strong reminder of a time when subtlety definitely took a backseat to making a statement.
4. Wearing Leg Warmers Outside the Gym
Leg warmers weren’t just for dancers hitting the barre in the ’80s; they were a legitimate fashion accessory worn with everything from jeans to skirts and even heels. This seemingly practical item, designed to keep muscles warm, somehow became a street style staple. Fashion retrospectives on platforms like Medium often highlight the leg warmer trend as a quirky fusion of fitness and everyday fashion.
Looking back, the practicality of wearing knitted tubes around your calves for purely aesthetic reasons seems a little questionable. Unless you were en route to an aerobics class, the leg warmer trend now feels like a bizarre detour in fashion history, a cozy but ultimately illogical choice for everyday wear. Our legs seem to be doing just fine on their own these days.
5. Crimped Hair for Every Occasion
The zig-zag texture of crimped hair was a defining hairstyle of the ’80s, achieved with specialized hot irons. It added volume and a unique, almost electric look to any hairstyle, from full heads of crimps to just a few crimped strands for accent. This trend perfectly embodied the decade’s love for texture and bold styling.
Now, the thought of spending significant time meticulously crimping sections of hair seems rather labor-intensive for a look that feels distinctly retro. While texture in hair is still popular, it’s usually achieved through different methods like beach waves or texturizing sprays, leaving the crimper as a nostalgic tool of the past.
6. Giant, Chunky Plastic Jewelry
Big, bold, and often brightly colored plastic jewelry was a must-have accessory in the ’80s. Think oversized geometric earrings, chunky necklaces, and stacks of plastic bangles. These statement pieces were all about making a visual impact and adding a playful, often inexpensive, pop to any outfit.
Today’s jewelry trends often lean towards more delicate metals, minimalist designs, or carefully chosen statement pieces with a more refined aesthetic. While a fun pop of color is still welcome, the sheer scale and often cheap-looking plastic of ’80s jewelry can feel a bit overwhelming and unsophisticated to modern eyes.
7. Neon Everything
The ’80s embraced neon like no other decade. From clothing to accessories to makeup, those eye-searingly bright fluorescent hues were considered the height of cool and energy. A splash of electric pink, lime green, or shocking blue was a surefire way to stand out.
While pops of bright color are still fashionable, a full-on neon ensemble now feels more appropriate for a retro party than everyday wear. Our current color palettes tend to be a bit more muted and nuanced, making the ’80s commitment to all things neon seem almost blinding.
8. Wearing Multiple Belts
Why wear one belt when you could wear two or even three? The ’80s embraced the idea of layering belts, often in contrasting colors and styles, around the waist. This wasn’t necessarily about function; it was about adding another visual element to an outfit.
Today, a single, well-chosen belt is usually sufficient to cinch a waist or add a touch of style. The idea of multiple belts now seems a bit excessive and visually cluttered, a trend that prioritized volume over streamlined simplicity.
9. Mixing Athleisure with Everything (But Not Like Today)
The ’80s definitely saw a rise in athletic-inspired wear in everyday fashion, but it wasn’t quite the chic “athleisure” we know today. Think brightly colored tracksuits worn as complete outfits or sneakers paired with decidedly non-athletic attire. It was a more literal and less integrated approach to sporty style.
While today’s athleisure blends high-performance fabrics with stylish designs for a seamless transition from workout to everyday life, the ’80s version often felt more like wearing actual gym clothes out and about. The evolution of this trend highlights how our understanding of sporty chic has become much more refined.
10. Wearing Socks with Heels
Socks with heels? In the ’80s, it was a thing. Whether it was slouchy socks with pumps or lacy ankle socks with stilettos, this unexpected pairing was considered a cool and often quirky fashion statement. It was a way to add a touch of personality and playfulness to a more dressed-up look.
Today, the idea of deliberately pairing socks with heels (outside of very specific, high-fashion editorial looks) often raises eyebrows. It can feel a bit awkward or like a fashion faux pas, a trend that definitely hasn’t aged as gracefully as some others.
11. Cropped Tops with High-Waisted Jeans (The Gap)
While cropped tops and high-waisted jeans have made a major comeback, the ’80s version, often popularized by brands like The Gap, had a specific vibe. Think boxy, often brightly colored, cropped sweatshirts or tees paired with stonewashed, high-waisted denim. It was a casual yet distinct silhouette of the era.
The modern resurgence of this pairing often involves more fitted tops and a wider variety of high-waisted denim styles. The specific boxy proportions and often very basic styling of the ’80s version can now feel a little dated compared to today’s more diverse interpretations.
12. Wearing Mini Skirts with Oversized Tops
The ’80s embraced the idea of balancing proportions with the “big on top, small on the bottom” look. This often manifested as pairing super short mini skirts with oversized sweaters, sweatshirts, or even men’s dress shirts. It was a way to show some leg while still maintaining a relaxed and often slouchy upper half.
While playing with proportions is still a key element of modern styling, the extreme contrast of the ’80s mini with truly massive tops can look a bit unbalanced to contemporary eyes. Today’s oversized pieces are often paired with slightly longer hemlines or more fitted bottoms for a more harmonious silhouette.
