Popular Trends From the 80s We Pray Won't Come Back & Ones We Hope Will
The Hits & Misses of the 80s
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. Mullets, we're looking at you. So if you're from the 80s, let's take a deep dive 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 not a commonly eaten dish; in fact, many are shocked to even learn of its existence!
4. Aerobics Fashion
When you think of 80s fashion, do the bright colors 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," so it'd be hard to see our minimalist preferences wishing this would make a return.
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, tear, and tangling, this trend is likely going to stay in the past. Especially with streaming and digital music being so easy and hassle-free 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 for the history books.
Jeanne Boleyn (talk) on Wikimedia
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.
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 bad impact on the environment makes this one worthy of leaving behind.
9. Powdered Drink Mixes
The 80s were an era of convenience, even seeing it so that drinks could be made in powdered form (anyone remember Tang)?
. With a variety of flavors to choose from, people were attracted to its incredible ease of use. However, in today's world, people generally gravitate towards more natural and healthy forms of eating, with artificial flavors and colors being a big turn off.
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!
1. Arcade Games
During the 80s, going to the arcade was a central part of youth culture, growing up, and making friends. Who could ever forget iconic titles like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, or Donkey Kong? So much nostalgic will always remain in those games. The communal and competitive atmosphere of this hangout spot was so amazing, we'd love to see it make a return.
2. Neon Fashion
Hold on, just hear us out! When we say we want to see neon fashion return, we're not talking about spandex or weird workout wear, we're talking about bold fashion statements! Today, people love neutral, muted colors compared to the lively and vibrant world of the 80s.
All we're saying is, we wouldn't complain if people wanted to give fashion a certain spirit and life back that's inspired by this decade.
3. Synth-Pop Music
Are you a fan of "Take on Me" by A-ha or "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell? If the answer is yes, you're likely a fan of synth-pop music from the 80s and would be more than happy to see it come back. These fresh, danceable tracks have such a fun and upbeat vibe, it'd be hard to say no!
Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash
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!
7. Breakdancing
A surprisingly popular dance genre in the 80s was breakdancing or breaking, a key element to the hip hop movement back in the day. If you've ever seen someone doing in this style, you'll know how captivating it is and how it can immediately draw in a crowd. While this sport hasn't completely died down, it'd be cool to it grow back into mainstream popularity again.
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.
9. 80s TV Show Reboots
The 80s was a great age for TV shows, producing hits like Family Ties and Growing Pains. There was just something so attractive and engaging about the aesthetic of this era!
And with shows like Stranger Things captivating audiences with their 80s inspiration, there's a growing demand to see more shows like it in the future.
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.
