So I got super curious about how women actually dressed back in the 80s, you know? Like beyond what we see in Stranger Things. Started digging through old family photo albums at grandma’s attic last weekend. Dust flew everywhere when I opened those cardboard boxes!
Found Mom’s Party Pics
Spotted mom’s 1985 prom pictures first thing. Her shoulder pads were HUGE! Like actual football pads sewn into that bright pink dress. Tried recreating that look with my old blazer stuffed with dish towels. Walked around the house all afternoon – shoulders looked crazy wide but weirdly powerful?
Thrift Store Haul Mission
Hit up three thrift shops downtown Tuesday. Checklist in hand:
- Teased hair supplies (found super sticky hairspray)
- Neon anything (scored lime green leg warmers)
- Stonewashed denim (jacket with ripped elbows!)
Almost bought scrunchie packs but remembered mom saying they were wrist decor too.
Full 80s Transformation Attempt
Saturday morning experimental disaster:
- Burned fingers curling hair with ancient iron
- Blue eyeshadow somehow got on ceiling
- Couldn’t walk straight in jelly shoes
Ended up looking like a clown puked rainbows on me. Sent selfies to cousins – they laughed till they cried.
What Actually Worked
Weirdly love the high-waisted jeans now? Paired with oversized band tee and chunky plastic earrings – actually wearable! Main lessons:
- Shoulder pads make you stand different
- Everything was either spandex stiff or baggy
- Makeup was basically paint
Grandma confirmed later: “We dressed like traffic cones so men would notice us.”
