When I was 10, my father dropped a major surprise: we were relocating. We weren’t just moving out of our quiet suburban town in New Jersey; we were heading to the enchanting realms of Texas. Having only encountered the Lone Star State in the pages of my encyclopedias, I was both apprehensive and excited, especially about the prospect of wearing cowboy boots. Did kids my age wear spurs there? I wondered.
Arriving in Texas a few weeks into my fifth-grade year, I was met with the curious gazes of my new classmates. I quickly realized that having cowboy boots wouldn’t earn me any popularity points. As I stood there in my Laura Ashley dress, beads of sweat forming, I felt painfully out of place among girls flaunting the boldest fashions of the ’80s.
The transition was agonizing, as 10-year-old girls can be unkind. My New Jersey style, characterized by one-piece jumpers and tube socks, paled in comparison to the flamboyant outfits from stores I had never heard of. My Capezio shoes—once the epitome of cool back home—were ridiculed, leading to many tearful returns from school, feeling like I didn’t belong.
Initially, my mother, a practical New Englander, didn’t grasp my distress. To her, clothes were merely functional, meant to keep one clothed in public. However, after a particularly harsh encounter with a cruel classmate, she recognized the cultural shock I was facing. A little retail therapy might just do the trick.
My Essential Shopping List
- Acid Wash Guess Jeans
In the ’80s, that triangle logo on your rear was a badge of honor. My first pair made me feel like a rock star. - A Liz Claiborne Handbag
Liz Claiborne ruled the handbag scene long before the likes of Prada and Kate Spade. Her colorful purses held my essentials—Love’s Baby Soft perfume, Lip Smackers, and Aqua Net. - Authentic Keds with the Blue Label
I can still smell the rubber when I unboxed my first pair of pristine Keds. They were a must-have, especially without laces. - Benetton Sweaters in Vibrant Colors
Everyone was obsessed with Benetton’s colorful oversized clothing. It felt empowering to wear something that united us. - Anything from The Limited
The Limited was a haven of chic clothing. I yearned for crop tops and palazzo pants that bore that iconic black label. - Banana Republic Safari T-Shirt
Before its sophisticated makeover, Banana Republic was themed like a safari adventure. Those animal print tees were essentials of the decade.
While I wasn’t treated to an extravagant shopping spree, my mom did manage to get me a few items from my wish list, including an Esprit jean jacket and a multicolored Swatch watch. These additions certainly helped elevate my status among peers.
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In essence, while the journey to fitting in can be challenging, a few key items can make all the difference in easing that transition.