When I was just ten, my father walked through the door with shocking news: we were relocating. Not only were we leaving our quiet suburban town in New Jersey, but we were also heading to the enchanting realm of Texas. Having only encountered the Lone Star State in my encyclopedias, I was excited about the adventure ahead — especially the thought of wearing cowboy boots. Were spurs a thing for ten-year-olds there? I pondered.
We arrived in Texas a few weeks after the start of my fifth-grade year, and as I surveyed the curious expressions of my new classmates, I quickly understood that slipping on cowboy boots wouldn’t earn me a spot among the popular kids. Sweat trickled down my back beneath my floral Laura Ashley dress; I felt utterly out of place in a classroom filled with girls flaunting the boldest ’80s fashions.
As the brutal reality of fitting in set in, my transition was anything but smooth. My New Jersey style, characterized by one-piece jumpers with shoulder ties and tube socks, paled in comparison to the eye-catching outfits from stores I had never heard of that my Texan peers wore. They mocked my Capezio shoes, once a beloved staple back home, and I often returned home in tears, frustrated and feeling like an outsider. School was a daily dread.
My mother, a practical New Englander, initially struggled to grasp my distress. A true Yankee at heart, she saw clothing as merely functional — a way to avoid public nudity. Conversations about brands and fashion were foreign to her. However, after witnessing a particularly cruel encounter with a mean girl, my mom finally understood the depth of my culture shock and realized that a little shopping might be more beneficial than therapy bills.
Filled with excitement, I crafted a list of must-have items for our trip to the mall:
- Guess Jeans, Acid Wash Only
In the ’80s, that signature triangle on your rear was a badge of honor. Where were we headed? Who knew! But I had to own a pair. My ten-year-old self felt like a rock star when I finally got my first pair of Guess jeans. - A Liz Claiborne Handbag
Lady Liz dominated the handbag scene back then, long before brands like Prada and Kate Spade emerged. Her colorful purses, featuring that recognizable triangle logo, easily held our Love’s Baby Soft perfume and Lip Smackers gloss. Plus, there was enough room for Aqua Net and a brush to keep our gravity-defying hairstyles in check. - Keds, The Real Ones with the Blue Label
I vividly recall my first pair of Keds. They were bright white canvas shoes adorned with a blue rubber emblem. The smell of rubber cement filled the air as I carefully unpacked them. I insisted on a half size larger to fit my three pairs of slouch socks, and of course, I immediately removed the laces because no one cool would bother with them. I was devastated when the blue label fell off; how would anyone recognize my Keds? - Benetton Sweater, in Any of the United Colors
Benetton was all the rage with its quirky, oversized clothing. Their advertisements featured diverse models, and stepping into a Benetton store felt like joining a movement. We were united in our oversized sweaters, and wearing them became a rite of passage. - Anything From The Limited
Dragging my mom into The Limited, with its pristine white floors and chic black displays, was like entering a fashion paradise. Everyone was wearing crop tops and palazzo pants flaunting that distinct black label with “The Limited” written in white. The edgy jewelry and techno beats made it feel alive, and I yearned for just a piece of that aspirational world. - Banana Republic Safari T-Shirt
Before it transformed into the upscale store we know today, the Banana Republic had a playful safari theme. Staff members looked ready for an expedition, and their white T-shirts featuring animal illustrations were a must-have. I’m still not sure what we were thinking, but they certainly made a statement.
Now, I should clarify that I wasn’t treated to a lavish shopping spree. While I was fortunate enough that my mom picked up a few items from my list, I never became the most popular kid in class. However, finding an Esprit jean jacket and a multicolored Swatch watch under the Christmas tree that year did boost my social standing a bit.
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In summary, the ’80s offered a unique blend of fashion must-haves that shaped our childhood experiences and helped us navigate the often tricky waters of growing up. While the styles may have changed, the memories remain vivid and cherished.
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