At the age of 10, I faced a life-altering announcement from my dad: we were moving. Not just to a different neighborhood, but to the enchanting land of Texas. My knowledge of the Lone Star State was limited to what I had gleaned from my trusty Encyclopædia Britannica, but the thought of living there filled me with excitement. I imagined myself donning cowboy boots. But did kids in Texas really wear spurs?
After relocating a few weeks into my fifth-grade year, I quickly discovered that my cowboy boots did little to impress my new classmates. As I scanned the room, my heart sank — I was clearly out of my element in a sea of vibrant ‘80s fashion. The beads of sweat forming beneath my Laura Ashley dress were a testament to my discomfort.
Navigating the social landscape of fifth grade was a painful ordeal. My New Jersey style — including one-piece jumpers and tube socks — paled in comparison to the bold outfits worn by the Texas girls. They openly ridiculed my Capezio shoes, which had been the epitome of cool back home. I often returned home in tears, overwhelmed by the constant struggle to fit in.
My mother, a practical New Englander, initially dismissed my concerns. To her, clothes served a functional purpose, primarily to keep us clothed in public. However, after witnessing the toll that my social struggles took on me, she recognized that a little retail therapy might be a more effective remedy than any kind of therapy sessions.
Eagerly, I compiled a shopping list for our trip to the local mall:
- Guess Jeans, Acid Wash Only
In the ’80s, the triangle logo on your jeans was a mark of status. I yearned for a pair, dreaming that they would elevate my social standing. The moment I slipped on my first pair of Guess jeans, I felt invincible. - A Liz Claiborne Handbag
Liz Claiborne reigned supreme in the handbag market long before names like Prada and Kate Spade became household names. Her colorful purses, adorned with that iconic triangle logo, were perfect for stashing my Love’s Baby Soft perfume, Lip Smackers, and Aqua Net to keep my hair towering high. - Keds – The Authentic Blue Label
I vividly recall my first pair of Keds, pristine white canvas with a blue label on the back. They had that delightful smell of rubber cement, and I made sure to buy them one size larger to fit my trio of slouchy socks. The day one of my blue labels fell off, I felt crushed; how would anyone know I had the real deal? - Benetton Sweater in Any of the United Colors
The Italian brand Benetton captured everyone’s attention with its vibrant, oversized styles. Their ads showcased diversity, and wearing those sweaters felt like being part of a larger community. - Anything From The Limited
Dragging my mom into The Limited was an adventure in itself. The chic atmosphere, complete with techno music and stylish saleswomen, beckoned me. I wanted to wear crop tops and palazzo pants with that distinctive black label — it was all about embracing the possibilities. - Banana Republic Safari T-Shirt
Before it became the upscale store we know today, Banana Republic resembled a whimsical safari gift shop. Their animal-themed shirts were must-haves in the ‘80s, even if we weren’t entirely sure what the appeal was.
While I didn’t embark on a shopping spree, my mom did buy me a few items from my list. I may not have been the trendiest kid in class, but receiving an Esprit jean jacket and a colorful Swatch watch that Christmas certainly boosted my status.
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In summary, revisiting the essential items of the ’80s brings back memories of the challenges of fitting in and the joy of discovering personal style through fashion. From iconic jeans to trendy handbags, these pieces played a significant role in shaping our identities during a transformative decade.