Neon colors, Atari, Highlander, and Kurt Vonnegut…. all things that remind you of Ready Player One. Wait, I mean the 1980s. No Ready Player One. Ugh I’m so confused. Well if you’re wondering why everyone around you is wearing ‘80s fashions, why there's so many remakes of ‘80s movies, and you’re reading a book featuring '80s pop culture references...
WELCOME!! You’ve entered the '80s renaissance! Better known as the 20-teens.
I am totally guilty of adding a few '80s fashions to my wardrobe, and after reading Ready Player One, I’m totally fine with adding even more. I mean guys, it was a pretty cool decade.
A quick synopsis of the book: It's the future, and everyone lives in an online world called the OASIS. The creator of the OASIS is a big video game nerd and was obsessed with the 1980s, so a lot of the online world is based on those two things. The creator, Halliday, dies and leaves his multi-billon dollar fortune hidden within the secret online world where players can find this fortune only by knowing trivia and facts about the '80s. The book then follows a young man, Wade Watts, on his quest to find the hidden treasure in the OASIS.
Beside thinking about the '80s after reading the book, I also wondered why some of my favorite childhood video games didn’t get referenced. Did no one play Aladdin on their NES? Or The Lion King? I mean really? Did I play uncool video games? (Is there such a thing?) I guess I’ll have to just ask the author, Ernest Cline, next time I see him.
What I don’t have to ask about, however, is how to bring a little 1980s style back into your wardrobe without looking like you’re a member of the Culture Club.
COOL IN THE '80S... AND COOL TODAY
Denim jackets- This can really go with anything. For a really chic summer look, pair with a maxi dress.
Tying your shirt- You don’t have to be a skinny mini to take advantage of tying your shirts. These look great with jeans and a loose shirt. Also mid-drift not needed in order to achieve this look. You can easily tie the top around your waist so it's safe for work.
-Key to success: Use a shirt that’s a little too big on you (one size up or a guy’s shirt) or a top that’s really long (what you usually wear with leggings) and tie in a bow or knot around your waist. Some tops now come with the ties but if it’s big enough you don’t need the ties. Button-ups are the easiest to do this with.
Neons (my favorite)- Neon colors can be mixed with ONE (2 at the most!) other pop of color for a color block effect or mixed with neutrals like grey, beige, or nude for a chic look. You can find neon in a dress, top, jeans, or if you don’t want to make a full investment, gets some neon bangles or neon clutch.
-Key to success: Don’t wear too many pop colors. It will also be easier if you get the item in a solid. Patterns can some times be louder than the color.
Tip: Don’t wear too many '80s styles at once. Pick one and pair it with a modern cut or style.
COOL IN THE '80S... AND NOT COOL TODAY.
There are still a few things we’d like to leave in the ‘80s. If you’re totally into anything listed below, take a DARE flashback and Just Say No!
- Acid Wash
- Purple Eyeshadow
- Teased Hair
- Scrunchies (sorry, not yet ladies)
About the Author: Sarah Reeves studied Apparel Merchandising and Entrepreneurship at Auburn University. After school she moved to New York and worked for J. Crew Corp before opening her own overstock boutique in Austin, TX called 
