7 Fashion Accessories That Shaped My ’80s Childhood

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Nostalgia has a powerful way of transporting us back in time. Old photographs, classic songs, and even specific scents can evoke vivid memories, bringing to mind the simpler days of youth. When I reflect on my ’80s childhood, I picture my mother with her frizzy perm and shoulder-padded dresses, while my father sports thick black-rimmed glasses and colorful sweater vests. The sweet aroma of my mother’s Jean Nate perfume and my father’s Old Spice shaving cream lingers in my mind.

As for my own childhood, I remember my pixie haircut and sparkling gold hoop earrings, along with my gap-toothed smile and scraped knees. Although I can’t recall the exact outfits I wore, I vividly remember the accessories that added flair to my attire. Here are seven defining accessories from my ’80s girlhood:

1. Jelly Shoes
   These colorful, plastic shoes may not have been the most breathable option for summer wear, but their charm was undeniable. I owned a pair with glitter embedded in the material, which felt almost magical.
2. Charm Necklaces
   I often found myself in my room, meticulously counting and rearranging my collection of charms. The thrill of trading them with friends was unparalleled, and my favorites included a refrigerator charm and a calculator charm—each reflecting my practical nature.
3. Lace Gloves
   As a devoted Madonna fan, my best friend and I would immerse ourselves in her music, transforming into the Material Girls. Our signature look included white lace gloves, which became frayed from enthusiastic dancing.
4. Jelly Bracelets
   I distinctly remember the vending machine at the mall that dispensed these rubbery accessories. I would wear a stack on my wrist, and while I sometimes chewed on them (a regrettable habit), I admired the older girls who sported entire arms covered in black jelly bracelets.
5. Streamer Barrettes
   These colorful hair accessories were a coveted item. I felt lucky when I managed to snag a few, and while they occasionally tangled in my hair, they were worth the effort.
6. Scrunchies
   Not just hair ties, scrunchies were also fashionable wrist accessories. Some girls wore multiple scrunchies at once, showcasing a rainbow of neon colors and bold geometric patterns, all of which were considered very stylish.
7. Roll-On Lip Gloss
   Scent has a powerful connection to memory. I can still recall the bubble gum scent of the roll-on lip gloss I purchased at Woolworths at age ten. The process of shaking the bottle to activate the gloss and applying it with the soft sponge tip was a cherished ritual.

While my childhood was not without its challenges, the accessories that adorned my outfits brought joy and silliness to my memories. These items may not have been the most durable or sophisticated, but they encapsulated the essence of my girlhood, filling me with happiness whenever I reminisce.

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In summary, the accessories of my ’80s childhood were more than mere decorations; they were symbols of joy and creativity that defined a unique era of youth. While they may appear less glamorous today, they evoke a sense of nostalgia that remains dear to my heart.