When I was 10 years old, my world turned upside down. My dad came home one day with the news that we were relocating. Not just moving from our quiet suburban town in New Jersey, but heading to the wild and wonderful state of Texas. I had only glimpsed the Lone Star State in my encyclopedias, but the thought of cowboy boots had me daydreaming. Did kids my age wear spurs there?
As we settled into our new Texas town a few weeks into my fifth-grade year, I quickly realized that owning cowboy boots wouldn’t automatically win me friends. As I faced my new classmates, their curious stares made me acutely aware of my awkwardness. The sweat began to bead under my floral dress as I noted that the girls around me were decked out in the boldest styles that defined the ’80s.
Being a 10-year-old girl can be tough, and my adaptation to this new environment was nothing short of challenging. My typical Jersey girl attire—one-piece jumpers with shoulder ties and tube socks—paled in comparison to the vibrant, over-the-top outfits from stores I had never heard of. My Capezio shoes, once considered trendy back home, became a target for ridicule. More often than not, I returned home in tears, feeling utterly out of place and dreading each school day.
At first, my mom, a practical New Englander, didn’t quite grasp my struggle. To her, clothes were merely functional—meant to cover our bodies. But after witnessing the toll that a particularly harsh encounter with a classmate took on me, she recognized that my culture shock needed addressing. A little shopping therapy could be a lot less expensive than actual therapy bills.
Filled with excitement, I drafted a list of must-have items for our trip to the local mall:
- Guess Jeans, Acid Wash Only
In the ’80s, that famed triangle on the back pocket was a badge of honor. It symbolized that you had arrived. I felt like a rock star with my first pair of Guess jeans. - A Liz Claiborne Handbag
Liz Claiborne ruled the handbag scene, long before luxury brands took over. Her vibrant purses, adorned with that recognizable triangle logo, carried all my essentials—Love’s Baby Soft perfume, Lip Smackers, and even Aqua Net to keep my hair big. - Real Keds with the Blue Label
My first pair of Keds was a pristine white canvas, complete with the iconic blue rubber label. I remember the rubber cement smell as I unboxed them. I had to have them a size larger for my layered slouch socks, of course! When the blue label eventually fell off, I was devastated. How would anyone know I was wearing the real deal? - Benetton Sweaters in All Colors
This Italian brand captured everyone’s hearts with its vibrant, oversized clothing. The ads featured diversity, and wearing those sweaters felt like being part of a community. - Anything from The Limited
Dragging my mom into The Limited, with its sleek design and trendy options, was a big deal. Everyone was sporting crop tops and palazzo pants from there, and I wanted in on that chic vibe. - Banana Republic Safari T-Shirt
Before it became a high-end retailer, Banana Republic had a safari theme that felt whimsical. Their animal-print T-shirts were the talk of the town, even if we had no idea why we wanted them.
While my mom did manage to get me a few items from my list, I never quite reached the status of being the coolest kid. However, that Esprit jean jacket and multicolored Swatch watch I found under the Christmas tree certainly helped elevate my status.
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Summary
In the ’80s, adjusting to a new environment as a child could be quite a challenge. Essential fashion items like acid-wash jeans, iconic handbags, and trendy T-shirts not only helped kids fit in but also provided a sense of community. Although I never became the most popular kid in school, those special accessories certainly made my transition a little smoother.