Teen Styles in the '80s

Teenagers in the 1980s wore leg warmers regularly, despite the weather.

The 1980s were a time of interesting fashion for teenagers and adults alike. Trends were inspired by movies such as "Sixteen Candles," "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and "Flash Dance." Celebrities like Don Johnson, Madonna and Michael Jackson also added to the styles, which included Ray Ban sunglasses, shoulder pads and leg warmers. The '80s fashion trends were usually short lived, but while they were hot, they left teens clamoring for neon colors and jelly bracelets.

Tops

Bright colors and big shirts were the name of the game when it came to tops in the 1980s. Oversized sweatshirts and brightly patterned button down shirts were popular with both boys and girls. Izod polo shirts, with the collars up, were another fashion trend that was common among '80s teenagers. Members Only jackets and blazers of varying colors were worn regularly by both genders. Female shirts often also sported a pair of shoulder pads on the inside.

Bottoms

Acid washed jeans, leggings and parachute pants all evoke the '80s. Teenagers wore lots of acid washed jeans, usually with rips in the knees. Boys who were going for more of a preppy '80s look would also sport khaki pants. Girls would often wear tight leggings either with a baggy sweatshirt or under a miniskirt. Parachute pants were another option for both males and females. The tight-fitting pants were made out of the same synthetic material as parachutes and normally featured multiple zippers for decorations.

Accessories

The '80s were all about accessories, especially when it came to teen fashion. Girls frequently sported multiple jelly bracelets and earrings were big and long. Necklaces were also normally big and girls usually wore more than one at a time. Both genders wore sunglasses and lots of boys also sported fedora type hats. Wedge or jelly shoes were the favorites for girls and boys tended to wear high top tennis shoes or penny loafers, complete with a shiny penny.

Hair

Hair was big in the '80s, in both size and in importance. The stylish, teased hairdos of the time required large amounts of hairspray to stay up. Mullets -- the short in front, long in back haircut -- were popular for boys during that time period. Favorites for girls included side ponytails, high bangs and asymmetrical hair cuts.

References

• Like Totally 80s: What did People Wear in the Eighties?
• The Great 80s: 80s Fashion