Thursday, January 15th 2009

By jason lamb

The phrase “What goes around comes around” rings strikingly true in the realm of fashion. Fashion history has proven to repeat itself, and it’s happening again. A couple of years ago people were sporting hip huggers and bell-bottoms reminiscent of the seventies, and lately the eighties styles have really been staging their own comeback. 

In popular culture, particularly fashion, there is a phenomenon called “the twenty year rule.” The rule states that whatever was popular about twenty years ago will almost certainly reappear as trendy in twenty years. While some 80s fashions have been widely embraced by current trendsetters, some fads, like acid washed denim, are probably best left in the past.

The often-mocked tacky outfits of the eighties are now being sported by the masses with little trace of irony. Instead of making fun of these get ups, why not try to make sense of them? It might be difficult to distinguish which trends are being rehashed from the eighties as opposed to being born anew in the twenty first century.  

For example, check out those horizontal headbands worn by celebrities such as Nicole Ritchie and Mischa Barton. They might look a bit like something Pocahontas would have worn, but they were also big in the eighties and are big now. 

Generations not even born in the eighties are digging into the past lives of their parents and pulling out some flashy garments. Miley Cyrus and her alter ego Hannah Montana are channeling Madonna circa 1980, despite Madonna being over three times her age. The era might be long gone, but even this youngster is dressing according to her dad’s memories.

In the eyewear department, think wayfarers; usually in black, although neon versions are appearing on faces of students everywhere. Neon in general is having a moment right now. Highlighter hues are no longer confined to your textbooks, they can be worn in many different incarnations. Blame American Apparel for bringing back the neon tapered denim, although Old Navy and other retailers have also been jumping on the bandwagon. 

Looking like an eighties rock star is no longer the thrift store scouring mission it once was—just head to the mall. But keep the former option in mind, for thrift store finds are probably better priced.

Although most people’s winter wardrobes consist mainly of neutral grays, browns and black, do not be shy about adding a pop of neon this season. If the bright pants or ski parkas are a bit too daring for you, try adding a brightly coloured scarf or another small accessory.

Another form of eighties leg wear that has been reappearing lately is the parachute pant, or what some refer to as “MC Hammer pants.” Leggings, a style that’s been covering the bottom halves of young women for a few years now, is still holding strong. Some are branching out from basic black to brighter colours, patterns and textures. While these two pant options may not be the most flattering on everyone, it is all about how you wear them. If you have the confidence and desire to pull of puffy parachute pants or skintight pleather leggings, by all means, embrace your inner aerobics instructor.

As long as you are borrowing the aerobics instructor look, do not forget about oversized t-shirts and sweaters. Try cinching a belt around your waist to keep the look modern. Jumpsuits are also reappearing on catwalks and sidewalks. If worn properly, they are not as unflattering as they may seem, so long as Richard Simmons’ inspirations are left out of this resurrection.

To complete your eighties wardrobe, consider finding a pair of high top sneakers, preferably in bright colours. If you’d rather avoid looking like an extra from Sixteen Candles, try not to go too overboard by dressing head to toe in retro garb, but keep an eye out for these recurring trends. You might find a fashion history lesson in someone’s wardrobe.

Tags: leggings, Madonna, neon