As I observe my soon-to-be 10-year-old, Lily, navigate through her favorite store, Justice, it’s as if she’s entered a whimsical realm. The allure this cramped space has on children aged 12 and under is even stronger than what The Limited and Gap held over me at her age. I can’t help but suspect that there’s some sort of tween enchantment woven into the sparkly, over-the-top clothes that dangle eerily from the racks.
Lily searches for what she believes to be the ultimate T-shirt, her expression lighting up with every potential find. Meanwhile, I stand back, attempting to maintain my composure. Given our shopping rule that grants me the final say, I brace myself for some tough negotiations. As I try to keep my sanity intact, I notice several nostalgic trends making a comeback:
- Macramé has made an unfortunate return, ensuring that the younger generation will also get their clothing snagged on doorways.
- Neon colors are back in style, causing Wham! to somehow regain relevance. George Michael, it’s great to see you again—let’s avoid any park-related controversies this time around.
- Nail polish shades are bold and vibrant.
- Tapered pants are trendy again, but only a child can pull them off—thanks to their lack of hips.
- Floral prints remain just as gaudy as they were when Lisa Turtle donned them on Saved by the Bell.
- Smiley faces and peace signs are eternally fashionable.
- Jean jackets still reign as the preferred outerwear—Molly Ringwald would definitely approve.
- Capezios have evolved into a similar style, featuring rounded toes and barely-there heels.
- Off-the-shoulder sweatshirts persist, a testament to Flashdance‘s foresight. All I need is for “What a Feeling” to echo through the store, and I’ll feel complete.
- Stuffed animals and diaries still capture the hearts of tweens.
- Gum tape remains popular, transporting me back to the days of my palate stretcher.
- Initials are everywhere—seeing them makes Lily’s heart sing and my wallet open.
- Cuffed jeans are still prevalent—unfortunately, they should have been left in the past.
- Jean shorts are still scandalously short, at least in my eyes, but perfect from Lily’s perspective.
- Ripped jeans are considered high fashion, leaving me to wonder why I’m paying more for something with less fabric.
- Fringe is back with a vengeance; the only way this could be worse would be if mullets made a comeback.
Just like when my own mother took me shopping, I anticipate the inevitable eye rolls and spirited debates. However, what my 9-going-on-19-year-old daughter doesn’t realize is that, much to her dismay, she’s just like me: an ’80s girl at heart. I can only hope that shoulder pads remain a relic of the past.
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In summary, while trends may seem cyclical, the essence of ’80s fashion continues to resonate with today’s youth, leaving parents like me grappling with a blend of nostalgia and exasperation.
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