20 Style Mistakes We All Made in the '80s
You know you wore acid washed jeans. Admit it.
You know you wore acid washed jeans. Admit it.
Shoulder Pads
The decade's most prominent silhouette was the one that turned your body into an upside-down triangle. Add a couple giant earrings and a big belt, and you've got yourself an office power suit.
Sweatbands
The '80s were filled with sweatbands and headbands worn, for some reason, straight across the forehead. Was everyone really sweating that much under their shoulder pads?
Members Only Jackets
Members Only jackets: infinitely cooler in trios. And with sunglasses worn exclusively at night.
Acid Washed Denim
Who didn't have at least three pairs of acid washed jeans in their closet? This is one trend from the '80s that actually came back — in cutoff shorts form, naturally.
Leg Warmers
Dressing like a dancer seemed like a great idea at the time, but then everything started turning banana yellow and Pepto pink.
Iron-On Patches
Step 1: Get a denim jacket.
Step 2: Pretend you're a Girl Scout and start ironing patches onto it.
Fanny Packs
'80s logic: Why keep your purse hung on your shoulder or held in your hand when you can simply suspend it around your waist?
Suits With Pastel Shirts and Ties
Miami Vice inspired an entire generation of men to start dressing in pinstripe, pastel, and all-white. While embarrassing, it's impossible to deny it: These guys definitely looked cool at the time.
Neon
We love a good bright color, but glowing in the dark isn't exactly ideal. Though if you're going to do it, you might as well wear it head-to-toe!
Ripped Jeans
Suddenly, denim didn't come perfectly intact — you could buy it pre-torn. Or, if you were feeling crafty, you could do it yourself. Sadly, this resulted in a whole lot of tragic jorts incidents.
Big Plastic Earrings
Matching your bright clothes to your bright earrings seemed like a solid idea at the time. And when paired with feathered bangs, this was the quintessential '80s beauty look for teens.
Off-the-Shoulder Sweatshirts
If you've been to an '80s-themed party since the actual '80s, you have likely noticed that this is the trend most people hold dearest.
Parachute Pants
Sure, MC Hammer made these look ultra-comfortable to dance in, but a crotch that sagged all the way to your shins is probably not the way to go anymore.
Geometric Patterned Shirts
Guys were definitely not exempt from wacky clothing — even Joey from Full House got in on the action with this crazy print shirt so many men were guilty of wearing in the '80s.
Stirrups
This outfit covers so many '80s bases: It has spandex, pastel colors, leggings, exercise clothes, and stirrups. But it's that last one that's the real standout here. Stirrups were a surprisingly practical trend that just looked so ridiculous — if only this functional fashion element could be made into something ... stylish.
Exercise Clothes
Okay, so technically exercise clothes are popular streetwear these days, but short-shorts and a skinny tank top are no longer the pieces of choice. Richard Simmons, on the other hand, will always be one of our faves.
Tulle Appliques
With the exception of ballerina tutus, tulle, in most forms, is a dangerous thing to a person's outfit. It has the power to turn a perfectly lovely dress into a craft store monstrosity. Avoid it at all costs.
Popped Collars
Let's be real: Everyone had a crush on bad boy Judd Nelson in The Breakfast Club. And his popped collar was part of his signature look.
Mom Jeans
No one could escape the horrors of '80s mom jeans, not even supermodels like Pat Cleveland. But this trend has made a huge comeback in recent years, minus the bad fit and acid wash. We'll take that beautiful brick red lipstick, too!
Sweaters Draped Over Your Shoulders
Want to instantly look like you're the jerk in an '80s movie? Tie a bright sweater around your shoulders, then feather your haircut for good measure.
Sam's enthusiasm for makeup is only rivaled by their love of all things relating to cats. In their spare time, they enjoy watching scary movies, putting avocado on everything, and seeing how many shades of the rainbow they can dye their hair before 30.
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