Update: I’m adding one more at the top of the list.
I ask if the 80s should come back, even though it’s sort of a moot question because it’s clear that the 80s have come back, and SXSW puts all questions to rest. For instance, the lead singer of the band Rosie & the Goldbug not only tried to sound just like Cyndi Lauper, she tried to compete with her in the goofy clothes department, as you can see in the picture.
The streets of downtown Austin are awash in neon colors, checkers, brightly colored Converse, slouchy boots, and even, as you see in the picture, leotards. Initially, I was just against it. But, upon further reflection, I’ve decided that I’m actually pro-80s (and even the early 90s are coming back!—-flannel everywhere!) in many ways, and so I’m ambivalent about this trend. I thought I’d do an analysis of the pros and cons, and open it up to debate.
Pro: Cut-up T-shirts. People make fun of the most ubiquitous version of the cut-up shirt look, which is the off-the-shoulder sweatshirt. Be that as it may, but other forms of this fashion—-cutting off sleeves, using scissors to slant your shirt’s hemline, pencil skirts with angled and hemless bottoms, etc.—-are amazing. It’s DIY, it’s playful, and it’s sexy without trying too hard.
Con: The no-pants look. Repeat after me: Leggings are not pants. I’m iffy on leggings at best, especially in this heat, but if you wear them under a dress or a pair of hot pants, you look good. If you wear them how I’m seeing women wear them—-as an alternative to pants to be worn under shirts that barely cover your butt, if that—-you fail. I saw a woman wearing cute hot pants, a T-shirt, and leggings, and she looked good. Too bad the woman I saw wearing a large man’s shirt with a white belt and white leggings couldn’t take a page from her book.
Pro: The return of stripes. I never quit liking horizontal stripes and wore them proudly through the dark days when no one else did and people said I looked like a sailor. Now they’re back, and the only reason I’m sad about this is that stripes have stopped being My Thing and now don’t look different at all.
Con: The return of obnoxious checkers. God, I saw a guy wearing checkered sunglasses to match his checkered tie yesterday, and I wanted to throw up.
Pro: The return of the skinny tie/narrow shirt thing. Sharp fashion went through New Wave into the mainstream in the 80s, and this look was the happy result. You look sharp but not dressed up, and it’s a way for guys to be sexy. Skinny ties and shirts may not work if you’re a bit heavier, but some guys that are more bear-ish can pull off the suspenders look.
Con: NEON. Hateful, hateful neon. I sort of see the appeal a little bit—-bright colors are fun. Bright pink is acceptable in moderation. Lime green is actually a neat color. But when you are talking that neon baby blue, it needs to end, now. It was stupid the first time, and it’s stupid now.