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The Return of 80’s Fashion: Leggings

posted by ChickSpeak
Monday, January 4, 2010 at 1:49pm CST

“Fashion is repeating itself” or at least that’s what my mom says every time she has seen me in my latest ensemble. She explains to me that all the fashion she wore growing up is the same clothing I wear today in 2009.

Fashions in the 1980s were cool and very dramatic. Everything was oversized and overdone. Things like blue eye shadow and big feathered hair was considered cool. The 80s fashion consisted of things like the ballet flats, oversized sweatshirts, neon clothing, acid washed skinny jeans, huge doorknocker earrings, thick waist belts, leather gloves, leg warmers and the most popular item: leggings.

Leggings are the new must have of 2009 and possibly 2010. Almost every girl today owns at least two pair of leggings. They may have a plain black pair or maybe even a colorful pair. Today leggings don’t just come in black. They’re lace and sequins leggings and they’re also leggings that resemble jeans. Brightly colored leggings with zippers and buttons down the side are also very popular.

Amber Oderinde, a former student of Southern Illinois University Carbondale says she owns about 20 pair of leggings. “Leggings are versatile and go with pretty much everything,” Oderinde she. “Besides, who doesn’t like leggings, they are just so cute.”

Leggings are really quick to throw on and can be matched with almost anything. You can dress them up or down. This is a piece of clothing that I believe will never go out of style.

My mother believed that none of the 80’s attire she wore would ever go out of style. However, they did, but today they are currently part of one of current fashion trends.

I personally own about twelve different pair of leggings because they look great with almost everything. You can pair your leggings with a nice blouse, a casual button down, a t-shirt or sweater. You can also pair your leggings with gym shoes or a great pair of boots, or even better, a platform heel.

These flashy items can be found almost anywhere, but the most popular go to place to go for leggings are American Apparel stores. Here you can find them in every color, style, and material. Macy’s is also a great store to find fashionable leggings for discounted prices. As well as, New York & Company this has a wide variety of stylish leggings that are perfect for any occasion.

Maybe if leggings go out of style and make a stylish comeback again, I can share fashion tips and the information my mom shared with me, with my daughter. I can explain to her how fashion repeated itself, only thing is, I’ll have about thirty pair of leggings to pass along to her.

Shaneika Booker is a senior studying Journalism at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. When she’s not writing stories for ChickSpeak, she’s blogging and Twittering like CRAZY, changing her hairstyle every week, or just sitting around watching SpongeBob on Nickelodeon. She plans on relocating from the Windy City and working in the entertainment world at a popular magazine company in Atlanta or NYC. Wondering if my Mom has any cool vintage 80’s gear that I could borrow?

Sources: New York & Company, Macy’s, American Apparel, Liketotally80’s, Tripletsandus

Find the photo here.