The 80s were a time of boldness, excess, and experimentation in fashion. From neon colors to oversized silhouettes, the decade defined a unique aesthetic that was a far cry from the understated looks of today. While many 80s styles have come back into fashion, some trends remain a cringe-worthy reminder of a time when fashion was about shock value rather than subtlety. Here’s a look at 14 80s fashion trends that will likely make you cringe now.
1. Neon Everything
Neon colors were a staple in the 80s, and it seemed like everything had to be loud and fluorescent. From neon green to hot pink, people wore these electric hues head-to-toe in the hope of standing out. Whether it was a neon jacket, shoes, or even accessories, it was all about being eye-catching – but today, these harsh, glowing colors are anything but subtle. It’s hard not to cringe when you look back at the wardrobe choices that screamed “I’m here to party!”
2. Scrunchies and Big Hair
Big hair was the signature look of the 80s. The bigger, the better, and scrunchies were essential accessories to complete the look. Scrunchies were everywhere, holding back messy, voluminous hair that defied gravity. While it was fun to play with, it now feels like an overly dramatic look that’s hard to pull off without a sense of humor. Nowadays, it’s hard to imagine a scrunchie matching any modern, sleek outfit.
3. Leg Warmers
Originally designed for ballet, leg warmers became a fashion trend in the 80s, worn over tights or jeans for a casual, athletic look. The trend made its way from dance studios to the streets, but looking back now, they feel out of place and awkward. The thought of wearing brightly colored knitted fabric on your legs just seems impractical, and let’s be honest, it wasn’t doing anything to flatter the figure.
4. Parachute Pants
Parachute pants were a trend that emerged from the world of breakdancing and hip-hop. The oversized, shiny pants, made from nylon, were designed to be loose and flowy, making it easy to move and dance. While they were functional in certain contexts, they have since become a symbol of 80s excess. Their bulky appearance and loud, crinkling sound when you walked made them less than fashionable by today’s standards.
5. Mullets
Business in the front, party in the back – the mullet was the hairstyle of choice for many 80s enthusiasts. Although the mullet was supposed to look edgy and rebellious, it often came off as awkward and unbalanced. The short front and long back didn’t suit many people, and it became one of those hairstyles that looked best when it was confined to the past. Even though some have tried to revive it, the mullet will forever be tied to 80s cringeworthy fashion.
6. Acid-Wash Jeans
Acid-wash jeans were a huge trend in the 80s, characterized by their light, faded blue color with a slightly “distressed” look. While they may have seemed stylish back then, they now feel like a dated choice. The uneven and sometimes blotchy patterns were not always flattering and often created an awkward contrast with the rest of the outfit. They’re a perfect example of how 80s fashion often took style too far.
7. Shoulder Pads
Nothing screamed power and confidence in the 80s like a good pair of shoulder pads. They were added to everything from blazers to dresses, creating an exaggerated silhouette that made the wearer’s shoulders look impossibly wide. While the look might have worked for certain corporate looks back then, today, it feels stiff and overly formal. The large, rigid structure just doesn’t mesh with today’s more natural and relaxed fashion trends.
8. Members Only Jackets
A Members Only jacket was the must-have outerwear piece for anyone wanting to look cool and elite in the 80s. These jackets were often characterized by their slim fit, snap collars, and logo on the chest. While they were once seen as stylish and exclusive, now they seem a little too flashy and self-important. Today, the logo-heavy designs feel less like a fashion statement and more like a cringe-worthy relic from a bygone era.
9. Hypercolor T-shirts
Hypercolor t-shirts were designed to change color with heat. As you wore them, the heat from your body would cause patches of the shirt to shift from one color to another. It was a fun, interactive trend at the time, but in hindsight, it now seems gimmicky. The novelty has worn off, and it’s hard to take a shirt that reacts to your body temperature seriously in the modern, more minimalist world of fashion.
10. Zubaz Pants
Zubaz pants were colorful, zebra-striped, and often incredibly baggy. Popularized in part by athletes in the 80s, Zubaz became a symbol of unrestrained 80s fashion. While they may have been comfortable, their loud patterns and loose fit made them less than flattering. Now, they’re mostly remembered as a symbol of 80s fashion gone overboard, making them something most would prefer to forget.
11. Stonewashed Denim Jackets
Stonewashed denim jackets were a staple in 80s wardrobes, creating a faded, almost vintage look. While denim jackets have stood the test of time, the stonewashed variety feels like a trend that was overdone. The rough texture and light, faded colors made them harder to pair with modern outfits. Today, the stonewashed look feels a little too harsh and outdated, especially compared to the softer, more polished denim styles we see now.
12. Fingerless Gloves
Fingerless gloves were a bold accessory in the 80s, worn by everyone from rock stars to everyday people. The idea was to look cool and edgy while still maintaining some functionality for using your hands. However, the look often came off as a little impractical and somewhat forced. Today, they don’t hold the same appeal, and the combination of tough-guy image with exposed fingers just doesn’t resonate with modern aesthetics.
13. Jelly Shoes
Jelly shoes were popular for their bright colors, plastic material, and comfort. Though they were affordable and waterproof, they left little to the imagination when it came to style. The cheap-looking plastic and odd shapes make jelly shoes one of the more cringe-worthy trends from the 80s. It’s hard to imagine a fashion-conscious individual sporting these today without a little chuckle.
14. Overalls with One Strap Unbuttoned
Overalls were a big part of the 80s, but the trend of leaving one strap unbuttoned was something else entirely. This look was supposed to be casual and carefree, but it often came across as sloppy and half-done. The loose, hanging strap looked awkward, and it didn’t add anything flattering to the outfit. Now, it’s remembered as one of the more questionable fashion statements of the era.
