Popular Trends From the 80s We Pray Won't Come Back & Ones We Hope Will
The 80s were such an iconic era filled with so many nostalgic memories and trends we'd love to bring back...at least most of them. While there are certain popular trends like roller skating rinks and vinyl records we'd love to see make a revival in today's time, there are some that are better left in the past. *Cough* Mullets *Cough*. If you're from the 80s, let's take a deep dive back into the past together to revisit some trends that you seriously wish would come back, and some, not so much.
1. TV Dinners
The 80s were a peak period for the iconic TV dinner, offering families convenience, but at the cost of quality and nutrition. While the novelty and ease of this food item definitely impacted its success, in today's world, people generally lean towards fresher, less processed foods. Although it brings back a wave of nostalgia, it's better that we leave TV dinners behind.
2. Shoulder Pads
The exaggerated shoulder pad look of the 80s is one that we really can't understand. Designed to create a broad-shouldered look, it was a popular trend everyone seems to look back on with a sense of disbelief. It was certainly a unique fashion choice, and is commonly cited as one fashion trend people are more than happy to leave in the past.
3. Jell-O Salads
Whoever thought that Jell-O and salad needed to be mixed together was definitely an eccentric person. The 80s saw a strange peak of Jell-O salad popularity, showcasing this bizarre dish that mixed ingredients ranging from fruits and vegetables to cottage cheese or seafood. It's no surprise that today, it's a less commonly eaten dish, with many shocked to even learn of its existence. Maybe keep this weird culinary experiment in the past?
4. Aerobics Fashion
When you think of 80s fashion, do the bright colours and tight-fitting look of aerobics wear come to mind? The 80s aerobics craze brought with it a very specific fashion trend - leotards, leg warmers, and headbands, all in incredibly vibrant colors and patterns. In the modern world, this look is often seen as too "over-the-top" for there to be a revival.
Photo by Geert Pieters on Unsplash
5. Cassette Tapes
While the mixtape culture of the 80s is often looked back upon with much fondness and nostalgia, the practical drawbacks of cassette tapes make us want to keep this one as a memory. With limited sound quality and the oh so familiar annoyance of dealing with wear and tangling, this trend is likely going to stay in the past. Especially with streaming and digital music being so prevalent now!
6. Teased Hair
Teased hair, which involved combing hair towards the scalp to create volume (lots and lots of it), was a hallmark of 80s style. While it was certainly popular during that era, this look, which requires way too much hairspray, is now seen as too high-maintenance and "extra". It doesn't quite fit in with modern tastes, leaving this one in the history books.
Jeanne Boleyn (talk) on Wikimedia Commons
7. Neon Spandex
There's one word everyone fears when they think of 80s fashion: spandex. Spandex (particularly in neon) was absolutely everywhere in the 80s, from workout gear to everyday wear. It's a unique form of clothing that's often considered too bold and unflattering. Many will probably agree that this one doesn't need to see a return.
Norges idrettsforbund og olympiske og paralympiske komité on Wikimedia Commons
8. Acid Wash Jeans
Acid wash jeans brought 80s denim fashion to new heights thanks to its distinctive bleached patterns. Although denim continues to be a staple in wardrobes across the world thanks to its timeless look, this specific acid wash technique is a style we'd like to leave behind. Not only does it look outdated, its negative environmental effects are one we don't want to revisit.
9. Powdered Drink Mixes
It seems like the 80s loved convenience above all else because it saw the rise of powdered drink mixes (anyone remember Tang?). With a variety of flavours to choose from, people loved both the ease of use and its simplicity. However, people today generally gravitate towards more natural and healthier forms of eating, with the artificial flavours and colours of these mixes seeming more unappealing to today's palate.
10. Mullets
That's right, we're putting mullets as a hair trend we don't want to come back! Known for its "business in the front, party in the back" philosophy, the mullet became an iconic hairstyle in the 80s with widespread appeal. Although some people still swear by the look, most would probably prefer that this remains a fond memory of the past. It's quite the polarizing hairstyle!
Wordzandguitar on Wikimedia Commons
1. Arcade Games
During the 80s, going to the arcade was a central part of youth culture. Iconic titles like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and Donkey Kong reigned the arcades back then, with so much nostalgia still living in those games. Arcades were a fantastic place to hang out with friends, creating a communal and competitive atmosphere that we'd love to see return.
2. Neon Fashion
Hold on, before you start wondering why neon fashion is on the list of things from the 80s we want to see return, let us explain. We don't mean neon spandex, we just mean colour! The 80s are remembered for their bold fashion statements, whether it be the good or the bad. Given that today's fashion world is more focused on plain, muted colours, it'd be fun to see colour being brought back! It gives a certain spirit and life to fashion that is due for a revisit.
Image by Merlin Lightpainting from Pixabay
3. Synth-Pop Music
If you love iconic songs from the 80s like Take On Me by A-ha or Tainted Love by Soft Cell, you're probably waiting for the revival of synth-pop. Characterized by its use of synthesizers and electronic production, a significant portion of 80s music followed this trend. Creating some fresh and danceable tracks, we'd love to see a similar sound return to music; or at least see some music be inspired by this era?
4. Vinyl Records
Despite the digital age, there's a growing appreciation for vinyl records, mirroring the 80s when vinyl was the primary format for music. This resurgence is fueled by the desire for a more tangible and richer listening experience, with vinyl sales reaching heights not seen since the 80s.
5. Retro Sneakers
Sometimes, you just can't forget about the classics - retro sneakers are a perfect example of that! Sneakers from the 80s such as the Adidas Superstar and Nike Air Jordan have made comebacks in today's generation, and it's no surprise why. These styles are celebrated for their iconic looks but also for their historical significance in fashion and sports. We welcome any retro sneakers that want to make a return!
6. Vintage Video Games
Although Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda are still iconic video games making waves with newer versions in this generation, we'd still like to see a return of the OGs. The 80s are considered a golden era for video games, creating so many classics we still know and love. We'd love to see some of those vintage consoles and classic games be re-released!
Image by Franck Barske from Pixabay
7. Breakdancing
A key element to the hip-hop movement in the 80s, breakdancing is a captivating dance style that really draws crowds in. Over the years, it's slowly decreased in popularity, but we'd love to see it come back. Don't you remember the days of America's Best Dance Crew playing on TV? Those were the good ol' days!
Image by Zlatko Jankovski from Pixabay
8. Analog Photography
In this day and age where cellphones completely dominate the photography world, we'd like to make a suggestion. Let's bring back the use of film cameras and analog photography! Able to capture a classic look and feel, we love the aesthetic and deliberate process it requires. There's just something beautiful and meaningful about the entire process, from start to finish.
Image by NoName_13 from Pixabay
9. 80s TV Show Reboots
The 80s produced some of the most iconic TV shows, and we'd love to see more shows like them in today's world. There was just something so attractive and engaging about shows made during this era! Furthermore, shows like Stranger Things have also sparked interest by capturing the essence of the 80s, leading to a demand for a revival of these kinds of shows.
10. Roller Skating Rinks
Roller skating rinks were the go-to social hubs in the 80s, serving as a place for people of all ages to gather, celebrate, and exercise while grooving to the latest hits. It's hard to find such a communal, fun place to hang these days, so we encourage roller skating rinks to make a comeback! What's not to love anyway? It combines the best of skating, dancing, music, and hanging out with people you love.
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