When it came to the 1980s, teenagers were some of the most fashion conscious people around. 1980s teenager fashion was bold and unique, and it also mimicked the fashion of their adult counterparts.

One of the most defining decades in the world of fashion was the 1980s. This era saw the emergence of some of the most prominent trends in the industry. From the shoulder pads of disco to the miniskirts of feminism, the 1980s were defined by a wide variety of fashion fads.

For teenagers, the 1980s was an era of experimentation and discovery, with many trying on new fashions and trends for the first time.

Teenager 80s Fashion

There were so many cool and hip 80s fashion trends for teenagers it was tough to narrow it down to a concise list. However we compiled what we feel is a list of the most memorable trends worn my teenagers of the 1980s.

Here’s our picks for the best 80s fashion trends for teenagers:

1. Casual Styles

When we think of 80s fashion, we tend to think of the more outrageous styles. However many teenagers of the day actually sported casual clothes as their fashion of choice.

The casual fashion style of the 1980s was perhaps the most fashionable style of the decade. The fashion style was characterized by comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without much fuss or style.

Not every teenager in the 1980s was into over the top fashion, and there were quite a few that just wanted to get through their awkward teenage years without being noticed.

2. Neon Colors

On the flipside you had teenagers that were rebellious and outgoing. The 1980s were a time of bold, neon colors, loud patterns, and high fashion. Neon clothes were everywhere, from the bright colors of fashion, to sports cars, to the neon colors on light displays in department stores and bars.

Neon colors were also used to dress teenagers in the 1980s, with neon colors used for everything from clothing, accessories, shoes, and socks.

Neon colors were also used to decorate the hair and fingernails of teenagers, and it wasn’t uncommon to be dressed from head to toe in these bright colors during the 1980s.

3. Bomber Jackets

In the 1980s, the bomber jacket was one of the most popular clothing items for teenage boys, but they were worn by girls as well. It was a fashion item worn by people of all ages, and it was made popular by hit 80s movies like “Top Gun”.

You could see bomber jackets being worn by teenagers and people in their sixties, which proved just how versatile they were as a fashion item.

The bomber jackets in the 1980s came in various styles and colors, and you could find them at a wide range of prices from reasonably affordable to shockingly expensive.

4. Reebok Sneakers

One of the most popular trends for teenagers in the 1980s were Reebok sneakers. Typically these were white, and they were much bulkier than the sneakers of today.

They were both worn as a casual fashion for teenage boys and girls, and they were popular because they easily matched outfits and were comfortable as well.

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5. Jelly Shoes

Jelly shoes were one of the most recognizable 1980s fashion for teenage girls. They were characterized by stretchy rubbery material that often had holes in them for breathability.

Not surprisingly jelly shoes also came in a variety of bright colors, which of course made them fashionable during the 1980s. They were trendy, remarkably comfortable, and are in fact still worn today by some women.

6. Denim Jackets And Jeans

When it came to teenage fashion in the 1980s, denim jackets and jeans were everywhere. Whether it be for a night out on the town, or just hanging out with friends, denim anything was always a good choice.

In the 80s popular brands like Jordache and Levi’s were the brands of choice, and just about everyone no matter what end of the fashion spectrum you were on at least owned something denim.

7. Crop Tops

A teenage fashion that we are probably glad was left in the 1980s was crop tops. These were basically shirts that showed off your midsection, and they were especially popular amongst teenage boys who were athletic and involved in school sports.

It’s crazy to think that crop tops for men were a common fashion that people thought was normal during the 80s. In fact if you were in great shape, it was even considered attractive to wear them.

8. Fanny Packs

If you were looking for something that was both fashionable and functional, look no further than the fanny pack. These were basically little bags that strapped around your waist that let you keep a few important belongings.

The 80s fanny pack also came in bright colors and designs, which of course made them a popular accessory in the 1980s.

9. Letterman Jackets

You worked hard to make varsity, and now you need to show that off with a Letterman Jacket! These were thick jackets that usually had a variety of patches on them like your school logo or mascot, and they were usually worn by the popular kids in your school. They let everyone know that you were a jock, and these were often worn every day by their owners.

Letterman jackets were also often worn by teenage girls as well. Whether they were on their own respective sports team or they wore the one that belonged to their boyfriend, these jackets were ubiquitous in high schools all across America during the 1980s.

Is 80s Teenager Fashion Still Popular?

These days 80s teenage fashion obviously is not as popular as it once was. You don’t really see much of the more outrageous colorful trends as teenage fashion has definitely toned down as time has gone on.

That doesn’t mean there’s no hope that some of these fashion trends won’t return, as people always have nostalgic feelings from memories of their youth. Only time will tell, but for now it seems these 80s teenage fashion trends have been left in the 1980s.

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