1980s Looks for Teens

Big hair was totally in during the 1980s.

Looks for teens in the 1980s were all about vibrant color, acid washed denim, big hair and accessories like leg warmers. But above all else, it was a fun and wild departure from the hippie and earthy look of the 1970s. Many looks were unisex, like leather jackets and and fingerless gloves, while others were focused on girls like translucent and colorful flats called Jellies. Music videos on MTV, performers like Madonna, teen films and shows like "Degrassi High" made 1980s teen fashion infamous and ingrained in our psyche today.

Big Hair

Hair made a bold statement about individuality in the 1980s. Regardless of what clique teens belonged to, their hair was usually similar. Girls often wore their bangs teased into a term everyone called "the high five." The look involved curling up your bangs with a curling iron into a single roll. Next, girls teased up the curl until it stood straight up and was sprayed heavily. Big hair was in and girls would also spray out their hair and add hair wax to keep it large. Guys often wore their hair long in the back and short in the front.

Denim Was In

Acid wash denim was coveted by teens in the 1980s.

Acid washed or stone washed denim was a hot fashion statement for teens in the 1980s. Many guys and girls would peg their pants. This was done by pulling on the excess denim at the pants' hem line, folding it over onto the bottom of the pants tightly, then rolling up two to three times. This created a slightly flared pants look with the bottoms neatly tailored.

Fingerless Gloves Were A Must

Everyone wanted to get their hands on fingerless gloves.

Fingerless gloves were worn by both guys and girls during the 1980's. They were worn as an accessory throughout the year, and not for warmth. Rhinestone studs, lace or frayed embellishments were especially popular. Madonna fueled the fingerless glove craze with her signature lace and ruffled look.

Leg Warmers Ruled

Leg warmers were just as popular in the summer as winter.

Leg warmers were a hot commodity for teen girls in the 1980s. The most popular leg warmers were brightly colored in pink or green and were worn with colorful sneakers or translucent, rubbery flats called Jellies. Leg warmers were worn under skirts, over leggings or on bare legs.

Leather Jackets Were Ace

Leather jackets were hot in the 1980s.

Leather jackets were wildly popular in the '80s for both sexes. Black and dark brown leather jackets were often adorned in extra zippers at the sleeves, rhinestones or other faux jewels to add an accessory boost. Many girls topped an outfit of mini skirt, leg warmers, big hair, heavy eye makeup, oversized hoop earrings and fingerless gloves with a leather jacket for a hot look.

Shoulder Pads Rocked

Both guys and girls coveted and extra boost in their clothing and jackets with shoulder pads. The girls' version was by far the more lavish and were grossly oversized. Sometimes they were exaggerated to the point of adding inches to your natural shoulder span. Shoulder pads were common in blazers, jackets and even T-shirts.

References

• Fashion History 1980s Typical Hairstyles

Resources

• 80's Fashion and the 1980s Look
• The Great 80s