1. Neon Spandex
In the ’80s, spandex was not just a material of choice for gym-goers and dancers—it was an everyday fashion statement. And when you mix spandex with neon? Well, that was a whole new level of wild. From neon yellow to hot pink, these colors were anything but subtle. While spandex might have promised comfort and stretch, the intense neon hues often turned it into an eye-sore. Wearing neon spandex pants or leggings in the ’80s meant you were definitely standing out, but probably not in the most flattering way. Instead of looking sleek or chic, you looked more like a highlighter on legs. Plus, the shininess of the fabric made everything look even more intense, like you were trying to catch everyone’s attention in the most blinding way possible. Paired with equally bright accessories, it’s no surprise that this fashion trend is something many would love to forget says InStyle.
Although spandex in its most basic form has made a comeback in activewear, the neon version was over-the-top, with the potential to look almost cartoonish. The fabric’s clingy nature already did enough to draw attention, but the neon palette pushed it into territory that many people prefer not to revisit. Let’s not even mention how uncomfortable the material could be when it didn’t breathe well. It was often more about the spectacle than the practicality of what you were wearing. No one could argue that neon spandex wasn’t bold, but it certainly lacked the timeless elegance that many fashion trends strive for. Today, we stick to spandex in more neutral or understated colors, leaving the neon version firmly in the ’80s.
2. Acid-Wash Denim Jackets
Acid-wash denim had its peak in the ’80s, but it didn’t take long for the trend to turn into a disaster. These jackets, which were drenched in bleach for that distinctive faded look, screamed “I’m edgy”—but more often than not, they ended up looking more like a fashion mistake. Acid-wash denim jackets were particularly notorious for their odd, uneven wash patterns that made them look like they had been washed with sandpaper. The design choices weren’t flattering, either—often, the jackets were bulky, and the material was stiff, giving off an unkempt, out-of-place vibe explains BuzzFeed. Even when paired with a simple pair of jeans, the acid-wash effect was so overpowering that it often left people looking like they were wearing a full-on denim suit that belonged more in a rock video than real life.
Beyond just the jackets, acid-wash denim extended to pants, skirts, and even shorts, but the idea didn’t fare much better in those forms. The faded look was supposed to add a sense of ruggedness, but it quickly turned into something that felt too artificial. The washed-out look, rather than being cool or effortless, often came off as cheap or unfinished. Acid-wash denim was a fashion statement that quickly overstayed its welcome. Today, we remember it as one of the most cringe-worthy trends that shouldn’t make its way back into mainstream fashion anytime soon says Vogue.
3. Punk-Inspired Studded Leather
The ’80s were a time of experimentation with punk culture, and what better way to channel that spirit than with studded leather jackets? While some may argue that the studded leather jacket is an iconic piece of fashion, it was often overdone during the ’80s, and not in the most stylish ways. Leather jackets covered in metal studs were seen as the perfect rebellious accessory, but in practice, they often looked more like someone had gone a bit too far with the DIY aspect. The jackets were bulky, heavy, and designed to stand out, but they often ended up making their wearers look like they were auditioning for a low-budget action movie. In the ’80s, it wasn’t uncommon to see oversized jackets with more studs than was necessary, making the whole look feel chaotic and disjointed.
Wearing a studded leather jacket could also make someone look like they were trying a bit too hard to be “tough.” Instead of feeling like a natural part of an outfit, these jackets were often worn to assert dominance over fashion rather than fit into a cohesive look. Paired with ripped jeans or even skirts, the punk-inspired leather just didn’t have the same sleek edge that it might have had in the past. While it might have had a place in subcultures like punk rock, when adopted by mainstream fashion, it quickly became one of those looks that felt more forced than fierce.
4. Off-The-Shoulder Sweaters
The off-the-shoulder look was one of the most questionable fashion statements of the ’80s, and it’s not hard to see why. While it seemed to have a certain effortless, relaxed vibe, it ended up feeling far more impractical than stylish. Sweaters with one or both shoulders exposed were meant to convey a sense of casual chic, but they often fell short of that ideal. Instead of looking elegant or sexy, they usually came off as awkwardly disheveled, like the wearer couldn’t quite figure out how to put on a sweater properly. The problem was that it was hard to find a balance between casual and sophisticated with the off-the-shoulder style. It often ended up looking sloppy, and the constant adjustment to keep the sweater in place wasn’t ideal.
Moreover, these sweaters were usually paired with bulky jeans or skirts, which made the entire outfit feel disproportionate. Instead of creating an elegant line from top to bottom, the off-the-shoulder sweaters often made outfits look frumpy, especially when paired with accessories that were equally oversized. While it might have been a go-to style for casual nights out, the look didn’t age well and often felt more forced than natural. Today, off-the-shoulder styles are more carefully designed to flatter, but back then, it was just another example of ’80s fashion gone wrong.
5. Hyper-Color T-Shirts
Hyper-Color t-shirts, which changed color when touched, were marketed as the future of fashion in the ’80s. They promised a fun, interactive experience, allowing people to express themselves in a way that no other t-shirt could. Unfortunately, the novelty wore off quickly. The color-changing process was often unpredictable—sometimes, it would only change in random spots on the shirt, and other times, it looked like someone had spilled something on you. Even worse, the colors didn’t always work well together, and the patterns were often garish, making people look more like a walking, color-changing billboard than a fashion icon. The idea sounded cool at first, but in practice, it was simply too much to handle.
The shirts didn’t just change color due to heat—they also became a little too much of a spectacle. Everywhere you went, you’d see people’s shirts changing in odd spots, and it soon became a distraction. The colors often didn’t complement each other, and the novelty faded faster than anyone anticipated. Eventually, hyper-color shirts became just a weird relic of the ’80s. Today, they are often worn as a fun, ironic throwback, but back then, they were just a strange and short-lived trend that most people would prefer to forget.
6. Wide-Legged Pants
Wide-legged pants were huge in the ’80s, but they often didn’t have the effect people were hoping for. While they were intended to give off a laid-back, stylish look, they ended up making people appear shorter and wider. The voluminous fit could swallow up anyone’s shape, leaving people looking like they were drowning in fabric. The pants weren’t just wide at the bottom; the entire leg was loose and billowy, often paired with oversized jackets or shirts, which only exaggerated the boxy look. The idea was to make a bold fashion statement, but in reality, these pants did little for the figure.
Pairing them with a tucked-in top only made things worse. Not only were the pants unflattering, but the top-heavy proportions created a look that wasn’t balanced. The overall effect was awkward, and it was clear that the style didn’t work for most body types. The wide-legged trend may have been embraced by certain high-fashion circles, but for the average person, it was a difficult one to pull off. The combination of oversized pants and tops made it clear that sometimes less really is more when it comes to fashion.
7. Brightly Colored Blazers
Blazers in every color under the sun were a signature style of the ’80s, but the colors were often too bright and loud to be taken seriously. Think electric blue, hot pink, or bright yellow—clashing colors that didn’t necessarily complement each other, and often ended up looking like a mistake. The oversized, boxy fit added to the disaster. Blazers were already meant to make a statement, but the ’80s versions made it almost impossible to wear without feeling like you were heading to a costume party. These brightly colored jackets, often paired with matching trousers, created an unappealing, almost clownish vibe that didn’t do anyone any fashion favors.
The problem with brightly colored blazers wasn’t just their colors—it was how they were often styled. People wore them with the most unlikely combinations, often pairing them with skirts or shirts that didn’t match in the slightest. The blazer’s stiff, oversized fit, combined with the garish hues, made it a truly challenging piece to pull off. The trend may have worked in small doses on certain individuals, but for the most part, it just came across as ridiculous. Today, we prefer our blazers in neutral tones, with a more fitted silhouette, making them much more wearable and versatile.
8. Jellies
Jelly shoes might have been fun and colorful, but they were far from fashionable. These translucent plastic sandals became all the rage in the ’80s, often worn by children and adults alike. The problem with jellies wasn’t their style so much as their practicality. Made from plastic, these shoes were incredibly uncomfortable, especially in hot weather, as they didn’t allow for any breathability. They were sticky, sweaty, and often left blisters after just a short period of wear. Not to mention, the odd clunky designs and overly bright colors did little to enhance an outfit.
Jellies may have been a fun, nostalgic trend for some, but they did nothing to elevate the overall fashion scene. The shoes often clashed with more sophisticated looks and were better suited for a trip to the beach or playground. Their awkwardness made them one of those trends that people look back on with a sense of humor, wondering why they ever thought they were a good idea in the first place. As cute as they may seem in retrospect, jellies just didn’t have the staying power to become a timeless trend.
9. Power Suits with Skirts
Power suits were all the rage in the ’80s, but the combination of a massive, boxy jacket with a skirt was far from flattering. Designed to give women a commanding presence in the workplace, the oversized suit jacket was paired with a pencil skirt or sometimes an even more voluminous skirt. The problem? It was too much of everything. The jacket was too big and the skirt too stiff, and when put together, they created an unflattering silhouette that didn’t do justice to anyone’s figure. The idea of exuding power through clothing may have been a good one, but this combination left people looking more like they were playing dress-up than making a statement.
The power suit with a skirt often felt more like a costume than a carefully thought-out outfit. The bright colors and exaggerated shoulder pads only made it harder to pull off, leaving wearers looking like they were drowning in fabric. Over time, this look was replaced with more streamlined, modern styles that kept the essence of the power suit but removed the excess. Today, power suits are far more polished and tailored, making them wearable for any professional setting, without the awkwardness of an oversized jacket or skirt.
10. Parachute Pants
Parachute pants were an attempt to make comfort fashionable, but in practice, they were anything but stylish. These pants, made from shiny, lightweight material resembling that of a parachute, were supposed to look edgy and futuristic, but they often appeared more like something you’d wear while skydiving or engaging in extreme sports. The baggy silhouette and fabric that rustled with every movement made them impractical for daily wear. When people wore parachute pants, they often looked like they were trying to jump straight out of a dance video rather than engaging in any sort of normal activity.
The pants were typically paired with oversized jackets or hoodies, which only added to the unflattering bulk. The whole ensemble gave off a vibe of trying too hard to be cool while sacrificing comfort and style in the process. The pants were often colorful, adding another level of absurdity to the look. They were less about creating a well-rounded outfit and more about making a statement that didn’t always land as intended. While they might have been a hit in dance circles or among breakdancers, outside of those subcultures, parachute pants just didn’t resonate with anyone else. Today, they’re mostly seen in thrift stores or as a joke, as they’re one of the most questionable ’80s trends.
11. Double Denim
Double denim, also known as the Canadian tuxedo, reached its peak in the ’80s, but it’s safe to say that it didn’t age well. The idea was simple—pairing a denim jacket with denim jeans—but the result was often far from chic. Instead of looking like a coordinated, effortless outfit, people in double denim often resembled a walking denim advertisement. What made it worse was the overwhelming use of acid-wash denim, which meant that the whole look could often be too much of the same faded, stiff fabric. When paired with other ’80s staples like neon or oversized accessories, it became a cacophony of bad fashion decisions.
Double denim was often a fashion risk that didn’t quite pay off. The matching tones, the mismatched fits, and the sheer volume of denim made it hard to look anything but out of place. The oversized jackets, paired with tight or baggy jeans, made the outfit feel unbalanced and clunky. For some, the look might have been “cool” at the time, but looking back, it feels more like a misstep in trying to make denim a statement piece. Today, double denim is worn with a lot more care and intention, focusing on different washes and fitted silhouettes, rather than throwing everything together in one denim-filled ensemble.
12. Shoulder Pads
Shoulder pads were perhaps the most iconic fashion feature of the ’80s, but they were also one of the most disastrous trends. The goal of shoulder pads was to add a strong, structured silhouette, but in practice, they often made people look wider than they were and gave outfits a stiff, unflattering look. Whether in blazers, dresses, or even tops, these pads created an overly dramatic, angular appearance that didn’t suit everyone. The look was less about flattering one’s natural shape and more about creating an exaggerated version of it. Women’s fashion, in particular, was full of wide-shouldered power suits and dresses that had far too much structure for comfort.
The exaggerated shoulder pads often clashed with the rest of the outfit, creating an odd, disproportionate effect. While they were meant to convey power and authority, they ended up making people look like they were trying to be something they weren’t. The result was often awkward and forced. Today, shoulder pads have made a subtle comeback in certain styles, but the dramatic, oversized versions of the ’80s are best left in the past, where they belong. The look wasn’t empowering; it was just uncomfortable and impractical, proving that sometimes fashion trends should be left behind.