The 80’s--the decade with the best music and neon colored everything. You may never have thought that your parents’ college years would make a reappearance, but guess what? They are back.

There are constantly “new” mainstream trends, but where did these styles originate? Here are a few items that are popular now that are rooted in the 80’s. Many of these items can generally be found 1. In your mom’s closet 2. Any thrift store 3. New from stores like, Urban Outfitters, Topshop, American Apparel or even Target, because these trends are back!

Girls Just Want to Have Fun [Accessories]

Scrunchies

The scrunchie! This versatile accessory can make your hairstyle look great even on the worst hair day. Even better, It also doubles as a wrist accessory. Scrunchies can be used for virtually any hairstyle that would normally require a hairband like ponytails, pigtails, and buns. Try using a scrunchie to tie a ballerina bun for an easy, put together look. The scrunchie also works well with the half up half down hairstyle as well as a side ponytails (more on these to come later). Scrunchies can be used to add a pop of color to an outfit, and they come in many colors and fabrics. My favorite scrunchies can be found here: https://goo.gl/sYo2Ws and are made of velvet so they protect your hair.

Fanny Packs

Ah, the fanny pack. Practical, and also fashionable? The 80’s would say so. Undeniably, the fanny pack is making a comeback. If you want to carry your stuff but go hands-free, the fanny pack is the way to go. Fanny packs are perfect for going to events like concerts at the Greek and Big Game (which is coming up btw). They can be found in many cute colors and fabrics, so you don’t need to look like a stereotypical “dad on vacation” when you wear one. 80’s style was all about bright colors, so don’t be afraid to wear a statement or patterned fanny pack.

Don’t Stop Believin’ [in Layers]

Windbreakers

An iconic piece of 80’s fashion that is everywhere you look today is the brightly colored windbreaker. Practical and fashionable, this outerwear can elevate any look. A windbreaker can be layered over a basic tee with jeans or shorts. If you’re feeling patriotic, you can go with a red, white, and blue windbreaker, or you can choose a more adventurous color scheme, like white with lavender and turquoise. 80’s style windbreakers are functional and protect you from the weather while keeping you warm on a chilly day in Berkeley, but their cut and bright contrasting colors make them a stylish casual outerwear choice.

Call Me [Basic]

Oversized Sweatshirts

Flashback to the time of Flashdance--a time when street fashion was heavily influenced by the iconic 80’s movie. One of the most memorable looks from the film is an oversized grey sweatshirt that is cut at the neckline to create a slouchy, off-the-shoulder look. This look is still relevant today, and it is perfect for an easy outfit to wear to class. It takes minimal effort, and if you want to create a wide-necked sweatshirt yourself, it’s pretty easy to achieve with a pair of scissors.

And the Beat [of my Feet] Goes On

Sneakers

As far as shoes went, Reeboks were the sneakers of the 80’s. Reebok high tops were especially popular, but also just the brand in general. Well, you guessed it, Reeboks, as well as chunky sneakers in general, are trendy now! These sneakers are perfect paired with leggings (and an oversized sweatshirt) or with jeans and a tee. The super popular TV show GLOW is set in the 80’s, and as well as providing a lot of 80’s street style inspiration, the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling wear Reeboks. In fact, there was even a Reeboks X GLOW shoe collection that was created that can be found here: https://goo.gl/N6vHx4

Whip It (Your Hair)

Half Up Half Down

For the past couple of years, the half up style has been super popular, and this hairstyle actually looks back to the 80’s for inspiration. This is basically the easiest hairstyle to do besides a ponytail. Instead of tying back all of your hair, just pull back the upper half into a bun or ponytail (bonus points for tying with a scrunchie!) and that’s it!

Side Ponytail

Another casual look that is perfect for rolling out of bed and straight to class is the side ponytail. Pretty self-explanatory, it’s just a high ponytail but offset on your head to one side (again, use a scrunchie ;))

Express Yourself [in the Style of the 80’s]

As you can see, many trends today actually harken back to the 80’s. Looking back to the 80’s provides inspiration for getting creative and expressing yourself through fashion, regardless of the decade. So turn up those 80’s tunes and as Madonna said, get Into the [80’s] Groove.

Words by Sophia Conti

Photography by Chloe Akazawa

Back to the 80’s [With or Without You]