Fashion has always been a way to express individuality, but looking back, some of our choices were… let’s call them “bold.” In the 60s, 70s, and 80s, we wore accessories that seemed stylish or rebellious at the time, only to become cringeworthy as the years rolled by. Yet, those accessories defined us—whether we were making a statement or just trying to fit in. Let’s revisit 12 of the most embarrassing fashion accessories from the past and remember the charm (and horror) of those days.
1. Mood Rings
These “magical” rings claimed to change color based on your emotions but really just reacted to the temperature of your finger. In the 70s, everyone wore them as if they were unlocking secrets of the soul. Today, they feel more like a vending machine novelty.
2. Shaggy Sheepskin Vests
These fuzzy, oversized vests were boho staples in the 70s. They looked earthy and free-spirited but felt itchy and often smelled like a barn when they got wet. Still, they paired perfectly with bell-bottoms and platform shoes.
3. Headbands Across the Forehead
Inspired by hippie culture and later adopted by rockers, wrapping a headband around your forehead seemed so effortlessly cool. The reality? It left indents on your skin and didn’t even keep your hair out of your face.
4. Leg Warmers
Leg warmers weren’t just for dancers in the Fame era—they were everywhere in the 80s. Paired with leotards or jeans, they made no sense unless you were rehearsing for Broadway. Yet we rocked them with confidence, even in the summer heat.
5. Puka Shell Necklaces
Whether you were a surfer or just wanted to look like one, a puka shell necklace was the ultimate accessory in the 70s. These chokers screamed “beach vibes,” even if you’d never set foot on sand.
6. Feathered Roach Clips
These colorful feathered accessories were meant to mimic Native American styles and ended up clipped to everything from hats to hair. Many didn’t realize their original purpose—and their popularity feels wildly out of place today.
7. Zippered Parachute Pants
Made famous by breakdancers and pop icons, parachute pants with countless zippers were the height of edgy fashion in the 80s. But they were noisy, uncomfortable, and impossible to wear without drawing attention to yourself—exactly what we wanted at the time.
8. Slap Bracelets
A phenomenon of the late 80s, slap bracelets were a mix of fashion and playground toy. You’d slap them against your wrist, and they’d coil up snugly. Fun at first, but they often pinched or snapped apart, leaving you with a scratched arm and embarrassment.
9. Huge Plastic Hoop Earrings
The bigger, the better was the motto for earrings in the 80s. Bright neon hoops made of plastic dominated fashion, even if they weighed down your ears and caught in your hair. You could hear them clanking as you walked, but that was part of the charm.
10. Lava Lamp Necklaces
Yes, mini lava lamps on necklaces were briefly a thing. These psychedelic accessories looked cool, but they were heavy and didn’t actually glow unless you held them up to the sun. A fun idea, but not exactly practical.
11. Wallet Chains
Originally a biker trend, wallet chains found their way into mainstream fashion. They were clunky, noisy, and often got stuck on random objects. Still, they were the ultimate symbol of rebellion—or so we thought.
12. Chunky Rhinestone Brooches
Every grandma seemed to own a collection, but in the 60s and 70s, even younger folks wore these sparkly brooches pinned to sweaters and dresses. They were flashy and over-the-top, but we all believed they added a touch of “class.”
Back then, these accessories felt essential to expressing ourselves, even if they make us cringe today. Which ones do you remember wearing? And do you still secretly love any of them?
