1. Jelly Shoes
Ah, the jelly shoes, those colorful, squishy footwear that were a staple of every summer wardrobe. They were the perfect combination of style and comfort—or at least, that’s what we thought. With their see-through, rubbery texture, they came in all sorts of neon colors, and everyone from little kids to teenagers was rocking them. The idea was simple: lightweight, waterproof, and available in every shape and size imaginable.
But, looking back, it’s hard to understand why anyone thought they were a good idea. The plastic material was uncomfortable, especially when it came to those blister-inducing straps. They weren’t exactly breathable, either, leading to some seriously sweaty feet. Despite their initial charm, jelly shoes have earned their place on the cringe list, mostly because of how impractical they were in the long run.
2. Side Ponytails
The side ponytail was a go-to hairstyle for many ’80s fashionistas, and let’s not forget the massive, fluffy bangs that came with it. It was all about creating as much volume as possible, with a ponytail positioned high on one side of the head, often tied with a scrunchie. Every girl in the ’80s had at least one photo with this look, trying to channel their inner pop star.
However, it’s safe to say that today, the side ponytail has gone the way of the mullet. While it might have been a fun, quirky way to show off your rebellious streak, it doesn’t exactly scream elegance in hindsight. The unevenness and over-the-top volume just seem out of place in today’s more laid-back, polished hair trends.
3. Parachute Pants
Parachute pants were originally designed for breakdancers, but soon they became a mainstream fashion sensation in the ’80s. These baggy, shiny pants were often adorned with zippers, drawstrings, and various other functional (yet stylish?) features. People loved them for their flexibility and comfort, making them a go-to for dance parties and casual wear alike.
Today, though, they look more like a wardrobe malfunction waiting to happen. The overly baggy fit, coupled with the loud, shiny fabric, doesn’t exactly exude sophistication. And while they may have been a hit on the dance floor, their questionable aesthetic is better left in the ’80s.
4. Hypercolor Shirts
If you were a kid in the ’80s or early ’90s, you probably had at least one Hypercolor shirt in your closet. These shirts, which changed color based on body heat, were all the rage. The magic of seeing your shirt morph from one color to another as you touched it or got warmer was enough to make anyone feel like they were living in the future.
But now, Hypercolor shirts just seem like a gimmick that couldn’t stand the test of time. The novelty quickly wore off, and as it turns out, the color-changing effect wasn’t always as cool as it seemed. Plus, they often didn’t wash well and would lose their “magic” after just a few cycles in the laundry.
5. Mood Rings
Mood rings were another ’80s trend that promised to reveal your emotions in real-time—based on the color of the ring, of course. These rings were supposedly able to detect your mood by changing colors, from deep blue for calm to dark green for anxiety. Everyone from high schoolers to adults wore them, eager to show off their emotional state without ever saying a word.
In hindsight, mood rings seem a little silly, especially since the color changes were more likely linked to the temperature of your skin than your actual emotions. While they may have sparked some interesting conversations, today, we’re more focused on being open and honest about our feelings than wearing them on our fingers.
6. Fanny Packs
The fanny pack was one of the most iconic—and often criticized—fashion accessories of the ’80s. It was practical, sure, offering a hands-free way to carry your essentials while keeping them close by. And let’s face it, it came in a variety of flashy colors and designs that screamed ’80s flair. Whether you wore it around your waist or across your chest, it was an essential part of the trendsetter’s toolkit.
But now, the fanny pack is more of a punchline than a must-have accessory. While some fashion-forward folks have tried to revive it with modern iterations, it still holds a certain level of cringe for many. The association with outdated, bulky designs makes it hard for us to take them seriously today, even if they are technically practical.
