When I was 10 years old, my father surprised us with some life-changing news: we were relocating. Not just any move; we were heading to the enchanting land of Texas, leaving behind our quiet suburban neighborhood in New Jersey. Having only encountered the Lone Star State through my trusty Encyclopædia Britannica, I was intrigued and excited. I imagined myself in cowboy boots—did kids there wear spurs?
As we settled into our new Texas town a few weeks into the fifth-grade year, I quickly learned that my new classmates didn’t share my enthusiasm for cowboy boots. Standing in the classroom, I felt the heat rising beneath my Laura Ashley dress, acutely aware of my mismatched wardrobe compared to the vibrant ’80s styles flaunted by the girls around me.
Navigating the transition was tough; my Jersey girl ensemble of one-piece jumpers with shoulder ties and tube socks paled in comparison to the flashy outfits from stores I had never heard of. My Capezio shoes, which were the epitome of cool back home, were ridiculed, and I often returned home with tears of frustration. School became something I dreaded.
My mother, a practical New Englander, initially didn’t grasp the depth of my struggles. To her, clothing was simply functional, a means to avoid public nudity. After one particularly painful encounter with a mean girl, however, she recognized that my culture shock was overwhelming. A little retail therapy, she realized, might just be what I needed.
With renewed hope, we ventured to the mall, and I compiled a list of must-have items:
- Guess Jeans, Acid Wash Only
In the ’80s, that iconic triangle logo on the back pocket was a mark of status. I felt like a rock star when I finally got my first pair. - A Liz Claiborne Handbag
Liz Claiborne was the queen of handbags back then, her brightly colored purses were a staple for holding everything from Love’s Baby Soft perfume to Lip Smackers. - Real Keds with the Blue Label
My first Keds were pristine white, and I made sure to get a half size larger for my slouch socks. I was devastated when the blue label fell off—how would anyone know I had the real deal? - Benetton Sweater in All Colors
Everyone adored this Italian brand. Their oversized sweaters united us, making them a necessary part of our wardrobes. - Anything from The Limited
As I dragged my mom into The Limited, with its modern aesthetic and trendy clothing, I could feel her skepticism. But crop tops and palazzo pants were all the rage, and I wanted in. - Banana Republic Safari T-Shirt
Before it became the upscale brand we know today, Banana Republic had a safari theme that was quirky and fun. Their animal-rendered T-shirts were essential ’80s attire.
While I didn’t embark on a lavish shopping spree, my mom did buy me a few of these items. Though I never became the coolest kid in class, receiving an Esprit jean jacket and multicolored Swatch watch that Christmas certainly helped elevate my status.
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In summary, the ’80s were filled with iconic fashions that shaped our experiences and identities. The right clothing could make all the difference in fitting in and feeling confident during those formative years.