Fashions from the ’80s beg for a comeback
It is hard to believe that the 1980s, the decade of Madonna and teased hair, was 30 years ago. The ’80s was its own unique world with many fashion, music and everyday lifestyle differences from modern day. Some major fashion trends included shoulder pads, parachute pants, leg warmers, extremely teased hair and Members Only jackets. Oddly enough, some of these trends are making a come-back; meanwhile others will hopefully never see the light of day again. Today’s generation couldn’t survive that vivacious decade because of all these crazy trends.
Parachute pants are making a come-back, especially in Pac-Sun clothing. Peters Township senior Laura Rackley, a Pac-Sun employee, said, “I love parachute pants because they’re comfortable, light, stylish, and different. They’re a popular summer and fall trend amongst high-schoolers.”
These fashionable pants are baggy, easy to move in, and extremely comfortable. In the ’80s, they were popular on the dance floor, in schools and in shopping malls. At the time, it was considered cool and stylish to be wearing these. Parachute pants come in a plethora of different colors. After all, the trend did originate in the crazily colorful decade of the ’80s. If you’re lucky, fake zippers and pockets are added for a special statement.
Shoulder pads are only worn by football players, right? Wrong! Nothing screamed “fame” and “fortune” like massive shoulders. Since shoulder implants weren’t an option, women would use shoulder pads to achieve that powerful linebacker figure, particularly in professional settings. Apparently this was considered “beautiful” back in the day and is slightly appearing once again in crew jackets. Forever 21 is one of the most popular “fashion criminals” bringing back this trend.
Another ’80s trend that didn’t make any sense was leg warmers. Today, this trend is making a major come-back with the popularity of leggings.
Of course we can’t forget about the Members Only jackets. These high-end jackets are what differentiated the in-crowd from the nerds back in the ’80s. Push the sleeves up to just below the elbow, and now it’s officially ’80s cool. Even though this may be the most normal ’80s fashion trend, this style is not exactly coming back. However, copycats of these jackets still emerge sporadically.
Nicole Folino is a senior at Peters Township High School. She is the business editor-in-chief and the life & style editor for the school’s newsmagazine.