As the remnants of a humid, muggy summer leave us all behind, cool and crisp tones of autumn bring a fresh start to the beginning of the new season. Fashion trends follow in the likeness of the recycling of the seasons; what goes around comes back around. One of the heavier hitting trends that’s made its transition from summer to autumn is all things 80s! From everyday, streetwear, fashion week and runway, to extending its influence to mainstream media and television, several 80s fashion trends have made it clear they’re here to stay. Well, at least unless the next changing of the seasons.

Working from the top down, accessories have expertly executed 80s influence. The scrunchies of today are worn as hair accessories, staying true to their nature. However, the hair tie is also commonly worn on the wrists, as opposed to bracelets. Scrunchies have been seen in various textures and patterns, like silk, velvet, corduroy, polka dots and graphic shapes just to name a few. Television has also caught wind of the scrunchie trend. More recently, the newest season of  Netflix’s, “Stranger Things” came out this summer. The show captures the essence of the nostalgic decade. Actress Millie Bobby Brown’s character, Eleven, is seen donning a bright, yellow scrunchie pulled up in a neat half-up half-down hairstyle during the season. 

Not only is the scrunchie making its presence known in television, it is also finding its prominence in both everyday and street wear. The social media platform, TikTok has helped launch the VSCO girl aesthetic. VSCO girls are known as always having and wearing multiple scrunchies in their hair and on their wrists. Moreover, scrunchies seen in higher fashion streetwear are used in the hair to make statements, tie outfits together and add dimension. Celebrities, like Lizzo, a leading singer and rapper in the music industry, have also been seen utilizing scrunchies. Without a doubt, the scrunchie trend is here — just more polished, stylish and versatile.

Moving down from accessories, tops and outerwear have started to adopt the seemingly non-stop progression of 80s influence too. From major motion pictures, like “16 Candles,” to “Footloose,” this born-again style of sleeve was the star of any dance scene. The modern puffy sleeve often offers tops with a square neckline and has a floral, polka dot or solid color design. 

Outerwear is becoming more and more influenced by the 80s and leather has shifted to accommodate for the growing trend. For example, bold leather outerwear pieces were all over New York Fashion Week this year. Fringe on leather coats, once made popular by the movie, “Ferris Bueler’s Day Off,” are popping up on fashion influencers’ social media.  Blazers are another form of outerwear that have been feeling the 80s trends. Think of the classic 80s film, “Heathers.” Matching sets like the kind featured in the film are coming back into style, but with modern takes. Influencers and streetwear aficionados have been spotted mastering the 80s blazer look by pairing an oversized blazer with spandex biker shorts and chunky sneakers, or heels for a dressier feel. 

The iconic patterns and colors of the 80s have infiltrated high fashion brands, influencing 2019 runway looks. Reported colors of the most recent New York Fashion Week include hot pink, neon orange and blue. It seems like neon is the new black, as NYFW sets the tone for the rest of the year’s fashion do’s and don’ts. 

If you’re someone who has not always been a huge supporter of 80s fashion, its transformation into the modern world might have you pulling your hair back with a scrunchie and reconsidering.  

Editor’s Note: Information from Teen Vogue, Refinery 21 and VanityFair was used in this article.