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It?s hard not to love a time as bright and bold as the 80?s. You can almost hear the collective gasp of students just thinking about the workout gear as street-wear, the makeup, and worst of all, the hair. But the fashion world is no stranger to taking on old styles and breathing new life into them. Before you raid your parent?s attic for your mother?s old crimping iron and circus makeup, see what designers are offering in the way of updated 80?s duds, because nothing is booming bigger right now than the return influence of a, like, highly awesome era.
Even if you don?t realize it, there probably isn?t a day when you walk across the drillfield and don?t see an article of clothing on a girl that doesn?t have some root in 80?s fashion. Jean jackets, not unlike the ones worn in our elementary school days ? and not unlike the sizes of those jackets either ? are very versatile and big for breezy autumn and spring. Leggings have also made a dramatic turn, but instead of oversized sweaters, the most popular pairing is with mini-skirts. This brings up one of the biggest benefits of the 80?s-inspired trends: they all encourage comfort. Wearing leggings under a mini-skirt allows girls today to feel more comfortable, and in a way, makes the 80?s fashion trend very accessible.
Another noticeable return is that of the long, fitted tunic top. Dorothy Egger, owner of the Mad Dog boutique on south Main Street, said, ?I started to notice an increase in the 80s inspired clothing coming into the store this summer.? Needless to say, the tunic top is one of her biggest sellers.
This is a very multipurpose top and can be worn with skirts, pants or leggings. Also straight from the era is the pairing of the tunic top with a thick funky belt that can sit anywhere from mid-torso, to low waist; but most importantly, it is worn over the tunic top. Egger warns to be careful when trying this look, however, because ?belts worn too high can cut off the torso, and make you look short-waisted.?
Accessories have not been forgotten in this fashion recycling, and everywhere you look you can see girls with thick, chunky wooden bracelets and long, layered chain necklaces. ?I didn?t realize that the long necklaces were based in the 80s. I like them because they?re fun, and you can dress them up or down,? said junior human nutrition food and exercise major Lisa Harkness.
Renewing their fashion license, pointy-toed stilettos can be seen getting stuck between the wooden slats of an apartment complex staircase on more than one weekend occasion. As well, aviator sunglasses, for guys and girls, are always a fun addition to any outfit.
As with all trends, there are some risky areas. Amidst many mixed emotions, skinny-legged jeans have also found their way into 2006. However, cautious is the word with this trend. Long legs and a slim waist are key to looking sleek and not lumpy. Backs and shoulders are the new bellies, and low-back and off-the shoulder tops are all over stores like Mad Dog. These tops can be very flattering and sexy. The most important part of the 80s was the spontaneity, the glamour, and the excitement. There is a limit to the 80s trend, though, and perhaps too much can almost never a good thing. Egger said the key to pulling off the 80s look is, ?knowing what looks good on you, when a trend suits you and when it doesn?t.? As far as what she hopes remains buried in the tombs of fashion? ?Shoulder pads. If they bring those back, I quit.?
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