With the release of the final season of Stranger Things over the coming months, ’80s culture and fashion are on the rise. Stores like Wrangler and Gap are collaborating to bring ’80s-inspired clothing, such as leather jackets, to consumers in mass-produced quantities. Radio stations are starting to stream more songs from this era, and malls are having a massive shift in popularity as well.
With a show like Stranger Things not only bringing back the popularity of a colorful decade but also its nostalgia, here are some quick and easy ways you can partake in the throwback fun. You don’t need a Walkman or cassette to embrace the iconic fads of this iconic era!
Foam Hair Rollers
If there’s one thing that defined the ’80s lookbook, it’d be big hair. Perms, blowouts, and the Farrah Fawcett cut were all the rage in this era, and for those looking to replicate this look, it’s not as complicated as it may seem! Purchase some sponge or foam hair rollers from Amazon and roll your hair into the clips, using the smaller clips in the front for tighter curls and the larger rollers in the back for a looser, more blown-out look. You can also add a couple of berets and neon scrunchies to your hands and hair for a complete ’80s look.
the WSQK music station
One of the most prominent pieces of promotion that has come with the release of Stranger Things has been the WSQK radio station, a station dedicated to playing only hit songs from the ’80s. Your favorite tunes from Madonna to Duran Duran are bound to be played on this station. Add in the ’80s-themed ads and Hawkins news briefs, and you’ll really feel immersed in this era, feeling like a Hawkins teen catching up on schoolwork.
vintage jewelry or clothing
If you love to thrift, now’s your time to shine. Bold patterns like stripes, dots, and neon can encapsulate the vibe of the ’80s, as can big heels and bright bags. Layering up on vintage pieces can help bring a natural, timeless look with a little retro flair.
Your go-to converse
On the note of fashion, nothing screams ’80s nerd more than Converse. While red or black are the classic colors, feel free to experiment with any colors and both high and low tops. Check out the Stranger Things x Converse collab if you’re looking for a new pair to personalize, too.
At-home gossip night
A quintessential experience highlighted in almost all ’80s entertainment is a girl calling her best friend to gossip while painting her nails. The trope is real, and oh-so-fun to act out in real life. Pick a bright pink or blue nail polish, sprawl across your barely-made bed, and pick up the phone. Bonus points if it’s a landline or your iPhone is on Do Not Disturb mode! Try to give this gossip session all your attention like they did back in the day.
Polaroids
There’s something special about physical media that we don’t appreciate as much anymore. With the rise of digital cameras and the Polaroid trend a few years back, now’s the time to dig up these relics and embrace the past. Shoot a couple of shots of your friends on film while getting ready for a night out. The agonizing wait for the film to develop to see how you look is all part of the fun.
Sticker decor
Going along with the last tip, decorating your technology with stickers can not only make your cameras feel like you, but bring some ’80s fun and color to otherwise boring gray pieces. Make your tech your own with bold stickers and gems, and embrace the girliness of the process.
If you’re feeling in the mood to go out, the mall and the arcade are always great places to show off your new ’80s groove. Maybe even check out a roller-skating rink while you’re at it! All in all, have fun and embrace the looks of an older era with a tech-free day, living in the past.
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