Ah, the ’80s—a decade of big hair, bold fashion, and even bolder choices when it came to yearbook photos. Back then, we thought we were the coolest kids around, striking poses and rocking styles that, in hindsight, were a little… questionable. Those yearbook pages were filled with trends that seemed like a good idea at the time but now leave us laughing—and maybe cringing—when we flip back through them. From gravity-defying hairstyles to awkward poses, here are 14 cringeworthy yearbook trends from the ’80s that still make us chuckle today.
1. Sky-High Bangs
Nothing says ’80s like bangs that could defy gravity. Armed with a can of Aqua Net, teens teased their hair into towering masterpieces that added at least three inches to their height. The higher the bangs, the closer to cool—or so we thought. Looking back, those sky-high styles seem more like a competition to see who could touch the ceiling first.
2. Feathered Hair
Channeling their inner Farrah Fawcett, both guys and girls rocked the feathered hair look, with layers perfectly flipped out on the sides. It took time, patience, and a whole lot of hairspray to get those waves just right. But today? That feathered look feels less glamorous and more like we all just walked through a wind tunnel. Still, there’s something undeniably nostalgic about those soft, fluffy layers.
3. The Laser Background
Remember those neon pink and blue laser beam backgrounds? They made us feel like we were posing for a sci-fi movie poster, even if we were just in math class the period before. At the time, they were cutting-edge cool, but now they scream retro cheese in the best way possible. Nothing says “I’m ready for the future” like standing in front of fake lasers.
4. Denim on Denim
Double denim wasn’t just a fashion choice—it was a statement. Kids proudly wore jean jackets over jeans, sometimes even throwing in a denim shirt for good measure. While we thought it made us look effortlessly cool, today it feels more like we were walking Levi’s advertisements. The Canadian tuxedo might have made a comeback, but those yearbook photos prove the ’80s did it loudest.
5. Over-the-Shoulder Glances
Nothing was more dramatic than the classic over-the-shoulder pose. You’d turn your head just enough to flash a mysterious smile while your hair cascaded down your back. At the time, it felt like pure sophistication, but today it comes off as hilariously forced and overly serious. It’s as if we all thought we were auditioning for a soap opera instead of posing for the yearbook.
6. Matching Outfits with Friends
Best friends had to prove they were inseparable by coordinating their outfits for group photos. Whether it was matching windbreakers, neon shirts, or identical scrunchies, these looks were all about showing off that unbreakable bond. But flipping through those pages now, it’s hard not to laugh at how seriously we took our fashion coordination. It’s adorable, cringey, and oh-so ’80s.
7. The Mullet
Business in the front, party in the back—the mullet was the ultimate hairstyle for kids who wanted it all. From subtle short-in-front, long-in-back cuts to full-blown flowing locks, the mullet reigned supreme in the ’80s. At the time, it was seen as effortlessly cool, but today it’s more of a punchline than a style choice. Still, there’s no denying the confidence it took to rock one in your yearbook photo.
8. Huge Glasses
Oversized, thick-rimmed glasses weren’t just for better vision—they were a fashion statement. The bigger the frames, the better, with some glasses practically covering half your face. Back then, they were trendy and futuristic, but today they make us wonder how we even held our heads up. Ironically, big glasses have made a comeback, but nothing compares to the sheer size of those ’80s frames.
9. Neon Everything
If your outfit didn’t glow like a highlighter, were you even trying? Neon colors were everywhere—shirts, accessories, and even shoelaces—and we wore them with pride. At the time, the brighter, the better, but now those blinding colors feel more like safety gear than fashion. Still, those fluorescent outfits make flipping through yearbooks a truly eye-popping experience.
10. Varsity Jackets in Every Photo
Whether you were on the football team or just wanted to look like you were, varsity jackets were the ultimate status symbol. Kids wore them in every photo, sleeves rolled up just right, often with their name embroidered on the chest. While they felt like a badge of honor back then, today they give off serious “peaked in high school” vibes. But hey, we earned those letterman patches, right?
11. Awkward Prop Poses
For some reason, the ’80s were all about adding props to yearbook photos. Whether it was resting your chin on your fist, holding a random flower, or casually posing with a musical instrument you barely played, props were everywhere. At the time, it felt artsy and sophisticated, but now those stiff poses just look hilariously staged. Nothing says “teen angst” like awkwardly clutching a clarinet.
12. Puffy Sleeves and Shoulder Pads
The bigger the shoulders, the more fashionable you were—or so we thought. Puffy sleeves and shoulder pads made everyone look like they were ready to tackle both fashion runways and a football game. While it added a certain drama to our photos, today those exaggerated shapes just make us wonder why we wanted to look so… square. But back then, it was all about power dressing, even for picture day.
13. Matching Tracksuits
Tracksuits weren’t just for gym class—they were a full-on fashion trend in the ’80s. Brightly colored, often made of shiny nylon, and sometimes squeaky when you walked, these matching sets were the height of cool. We thought we looked athletic and stylish, but now they give off major “dad on vacation” vibes. Still, they were comfy, and you’ve got to respect that level of commitment to coordination.
14. The Floating Head Effect
One of the strangest yearbook trends involved having a “floating” head superimposed over your regular photo. It was meant to look artistic, like a dreamy reflection or deep thought, but in reality, it just looked a little creepy. The double exposure effect left us with ghostly images that now seem more like a Halloween decoration than a school portrait. But back then? It was cutting-edge cool.
Looking back at these yearbook trends from the ’80s, it’s clear that we weren’t afraid to make bold, unforgettable choices. Sure, they might make us laugh (or cringe) now, but those photos capture the spirit of a time when bigger was better, brighter was cooler, and everyone was just trying to stand out. And honestly? We wouldn’t trade those cringeworthy memories for anything.
