1. Neon Everything
In the ’80s, neon was everywhere—clothing, accessories, even makeup. The brighter, the better. People were drawn to these vibrant, eye-popping colors, thinking they added energy and fun to their wardrobes. Fluorescent greens, yellows, and pinks were often paired together for maximum impact. As exciting as they were in the moment, these bold colors didn’t always flatter everyone. Looking back, it’s hard to see the appeal of wearing head-to-toe neon, especially when the fluorescent shades would clash with almost anything else. But at the time, it felt like a fashion revolution, a statement about youth and rebellion. Now, many of us look back and wish we’d kept those neon pieces in the back of the closet.
Despite the occasional cool factor of neon accents, the trend quickly became overdone. It seemed like everyone was sporting neon accessories, from bracelets to shoes, and it was easy to look like you had stepped into a highlighter. Today, we can’t help but cringe at the thought of wearing a neon-green leg warmer over white tights. The ’80s neon obsession was truly one for the history books—just maybe not one we need to revisit.
2. Mullets
The ’80s were a golden age for quirky hairstyles, and the mullet was arguably the crown jewel of the decade. Short in the front, long in the back—it was a hairstyle that screamed “business in the front, party in the back.” Many rock stars, including Billy Ray Cyrus and David Bowie, were sporting mullets, which contributed to the trend’s widespread appeal. While it was fun and rebellious for its time, it’s difficult to understand why anyone would choose such a bold cut today. The mullet’s tendency to fall flat or become unruly after a few hours didn’t help either.
As the years have gone on, the mullet’s reputation hasn’t exactly been redeemed. In fact, it’s now considered one of the more unfortunate fashion choices of the ’80s. Some might argue it had a certain charm, but most of us are content to leave that style buried in the past. For anyone who rocked a mullet in their youth, it’s probably time to retire the look for good.
3. Members-Only Jackets
There was a time when owning a Members-Only jacket meant you were in the know. It was the symbol of coolness and exclusivity, or at least that’s what the brand’s ads tried to convince us. These lightweight jackets, often in metallic or pastel shades, were a staple of ’80s fashion. Everyone from high schoolers to Hollywood celebrities seemed to own one, and they quickly became a must-have item. While they were popular for their sleek design and windbreaker-style material, they weren’t exactly the most practical piece of outerwear, especially when it came to the unpredictable weather of the era.
Looking back, it’s hard to believe that a simple jacket could be the key to a sense of belonging or status. The trend may have had its moment, but nowadays, the jacket feels more like a relic from an age that’s better left behind. Most of us now associate it with cringe-worthy ’80s fashion moments rather than as a true wardrobe staple.
4. Parachute Pants
Parachute pants were all the rage in the ’80s, especially among the breakdancing crowd. These pants, made from shiny nylon fabric, were designed to be both lightweight and flexible, making them perfect for athletic movement. The problem? They were often over-the-top in design, with zippers, buckles, and a baggy fit that didn’t do anyone’s figure any favors. While they were ideal for showing off dance moves, they weren’t the most flattering or practical pants to wear in everyday situations.
Today, the thought of slipping into a pair of parachute pants is almost laughable. They were fun for a brief moment, but the extreme bagginess and shiny material make them look outdated. Parachute pants are one of those ’80s trends that we’d rather not revive, no matter how many times we see them pop up in nostalgic references.
5. Acid-Wash Denim
Acid-wash denim was all the rage in the ’80s, thanks to its unique, faded, and often uneven look. From jeans to jackets, the trend took over casual wear and gave denim a completely new spin. While it offered a cool, grunge-inspired aesthetic, acid-wash denim wasn’t always the most flattering or easy to pull off. The extreme contrast between the light and dark patches made it hard to pair with other clothes, and let’s not forget about the stiff texture of the fabric.
As much as acid-wash denim felt like the ultimate in “rebellious” fashion, it hasn’t aged well. Most people now look at acid-washed jeans and wonder why they ever seemed like a good idea. While some might argue that they have a certain retro charm, they’re best left to the ’80s. The high-waisted, acid-wash jeans are one trend we can be thankful to have moved past.
6. Leg Warmers
What started as a practical necessity for dancers quickly evolved into a full-blown fashion trend in the ’80s. Leg warmers were worn by nearly everyone, regardless of whether they were hitting the gym or simply trying to add an extra layer of style to their outfit. Often paired with skirts, mini-dresses, or leggings, they were a fun, quirky addition to any look. However, the trend didn’t age as well as some of the other ’80s styles. After all, how many times can one person wear knit leg warmers without feeling like they’re stuck in an outdated workout video?
While leg warmers were undeniably cute at the time, they now seem more like a fashion faux pas than a stylish accessory. They were fun in the moment, but wearing them today feels a little like stepping into a time machine—without the charm. It’s safe to say that most of us are happy to leave them behind, sticking to more modern (and practical) footwear options instead.
