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Welcome back to Trendy or Timeless, a series here on Anything Goes where we analyze various clothing items and fashion trends, and I determine whether I think they are trendy or timeless. And today, we're specifically focusing on the 80s. Why? Seems kind of random. Well, to me, it's not because I'm convinced that within the next few years, the 80s are gonna have a comeback. I've started to see the 80s slowly but surely trickle back into the zeitgeist over the last year or so. It started, at least in my mind, at last year's Met Gala. I was doing my interviews on the carpet, and all of a sudden, in comes Doja Cat wearing a spot on 80s outfit. And I remember clocking her and being like, whoa, that's different. I hadn't seen anyone do an 80s look like that in a long, long time. And I'm not sure if that sort of opened my third eye to seeing 80s moving forward and everything, or if that was just the first 80s vibe that I personally had seen. Since the last time 80s vibes were sort of in, which I feel like was in what, 2017, 2018. I feel like there was kind of an 80s moment back then or that was kind of more of like an early 90s moment. I don't know. Anyway, since then, I've started to see 80s vibes trickling back in. Okay, another example would be on the Runway. Saint Laurent got some 80s going on. Versace, the latest collection, very 80s. And then there's a little bit of 80s going on in one of the more recent Schiaparelli shows. It even. It's even happening in music though, too. Like in Sabrina Carpenter's latest album. There's some 80s sounds going on in there. And it makes sense to me because we've been doing the 90s, early 2000s thing for like five years now, give or take. We gotta move on to something else at some point. I wouldn't have expected it to be the 80s, but because I'm starting to see it trickle back in, I'm like, I guess that's what we're doing next then. And so today I thought to prepare us all for the potential 80s revival, we would analyze some 80s fashion trends and discuss if they're trendy or timeless to help prepare us for when these things are in the stores. I briefly interrupt this episode to let you know that this episode is presented by Venmo. Okay, hear me out. Apparently you can earn cash back with your Venmo debit card. All you have to do is join Venmo Stash and boom. You get cash back when you shop at your favorite brands. It's kind of an awesome flex. With Venmo Stash, you can get up to 5% cash back at your fave brands. Just pick a bundle of your go tos you to shop with your Venmo debit card and earn cash back at them. And you're free to mix things up. You can easily swap out your bundle of brands every 30 days. Start earning when you do more with Stash. Venmo Stash terms and exclusions apply. Max 100 cash back per month. See terms at Venmo Me Stash terms. Now back to the episode starting with power suits with shoulder pads. Like, gorgeous, beautifully tailored, beautifully colored, sharp, powerful suits for both men and women with big, broad shoulders. Think like a deep maroon, stiff, monochromatic. That's what I think of when I think of a power suit. Shoulder pads are very 80s. Shoulder pads aren't just present in power suits, but those two things go hand in hand. So I thought I'd lump them together as one trend. On a personal level, I actually really like this trend. I love a beautifully tailored suit. I love big built out shoulders. I love shoulder pads. I love the silhouette. I don't like a shoulder pad when you can see the seam of the shoulder pad on the shoulder. But when a shoulder pad is done well, it's done properly. I'm down for a shoulder pad. So that's how I feel about that personally. But I actually also think that this is timeless as well. And, and I'm not saying that because I, I enjoy a power suit and a shoulder pad. I'm saying that because I think a suit and a dramatic silhouette is forever. I mean, I think it depends on, on the pattern. It depends on how big the shoulder pads are. Like, listen, within reason here, I think that a power suit and a shoulder pad is forever. And to be honest, I'm ready to call my stylist Jared and say, let's do this now. Why haven't we done it sooner? Because we forgot about the 80s. To be honest, to me, it's one of my least favorite, like decades of fashion. I don't love 80s vibes. Doesn't come to mind when I'm trying to reference a decade of the past. I rarely am like, ooh, let's do an 80s vibe for this. Like, that's just not inspiring to me usually. But we're starting off strong here, literally with the power suit and the shoulder pad. I'm into it. Timeless. Moving on to oversized Blazers. Okay, think a blazer, but a little bit too long and the shoulders are cutting off. Not at the top of the shoulder, but rather a little bit down the bicep. On a personal level, I don't love an oversized blazer. It's just, to me, kind of maybe messy. Like, when I think of a blazer, I think of chic, sharp, tight tailoring. Right? To me, a blazer is supposed to be well fitted with well tailored. And so an oversized blazer, to me, kind of feels gimmicky in a way. There are some, like, cute photos out there of, I think, Jennifer Aniston. I have this one photo in my head of Jennifer Aniston wearing an oversized blazer. And, like, is it cute? Yes. But it does feel a bit gimmicky to me because it doesn't fit properly. Do you know what I'm saying? Like, I think because the nature of a blazer is good tailoring, it being oversized feels silly. But, like, listen, I think a really, really simple oversized blazer, like, perhaps like a black, oversized blazer like that to me, could be timeless. I think an oversized blazer that. That is, like, barely noticeable, that it's like an oversized blazer. Like, imagine this. Okay? I'm imagining, like, an all black outfit. Black slacks, black turtleneck, black oversized blazer like, that, to me, feels timeless. But, like, if it's obvious that an oversized blazer is being worn because there's contrast in the outfit, like jeans in a T shirt, and then an oversized blazer, that, to me, feels less timeless. But then I'm torn because a blazer is such a classic jacket, that part of me is like, could a blazer ever go out of style even if it's oversized? Maybe not, because it's such a timeless style of jacket. I don't love it personally, but it's definitely technically a timeless shape. So I am a bit torn. I'm gonna go with trendy. I think a blazer that fits properly is timeless. I think there are a few rare occasions where an oversized blazer could be timeless if it's super understated. It almost doesn't even read like an oversized blazer. Like, technically it is, but it doesn't read that way. Wait, but then does that make it timeless? Wait, I think I just changed my mind. I do. I see. I do think you can make it work. You can make it work. Wait, I think I just changed my mind. Okay, now you know what? Timeless oversized blazer is timeless as long as it's styled in a way where the Oversized blazer isn't like the focal point of the outfit. Okay. That's my answer. Moving on to high waisted jeans. I'm talking really high waisted. Okay. I'm not talking about like, you know, cutting off at the belly button. I'm, I'm talking about going an inch above. This is another thing that I don't like. I do not like high waisted jeans. Um, I do find them to be gimmicky. Like jeans don't need to go up that high. I feel like my evidence for high waisted jeans being trendy is how I feel about them right now and how most people feel about them right now. They feel cheugy, they feel of a different time. You know what I'm saying? Like high waisted jeans were super in when I was maybe in high school, I think maybe middle school, middle school or high school. And now no one's looking for high waisted jeans. And I feel like the conversation around a high waisted jean is ew. I think they might come back. Unfortunately, kind of, I don't really care. I mean like, it's not like a skinny jean. Like I feel like a high waisted jean is definitely less polarizing than a skinny jean, but I'm going to say trendy. I do think that there are rare occasions where a high waisted jean could be styled in a way that feels modern and unique and interesting. You know, it's sort of a basic enough clothing concept that you could definitely get creative and find a way to make it feel interesting enough that it's almost timeless. But I think 90% of the time a high waisted jean is trendy and so to me it's going in trendy. I think the only timeless waist height for jeans would be like mid, like classic middle height waisted jeans. Mid waisted jeans like a Levi's 501. A low waisted jean, like that's not timeless. We've all watched that come in and out now twice in our life. I think the high waisted jean falls into the same category. Trendy. This episode is brought to you by ebay. Tell me if I'm alone here, but shopping used to feel more fun before all the algorithm fed blah and the endless sea of dupes. But I have a confession. I found that fun feeling again on ebay. It's not mindless scrolling, it's a fashion pursuit. And when you score that rare sneaker or that bag you've been manifesting, it's a rush. Ebay has millions of pre loved finds from hundreds of brands backed by ebay. Authenticity guarantee eBay things people love this episode is brought to you by Squarespace. If you want a website that actually looks like you, not some boring template, Squarespace has these incredible AI powered design tools that make it super easy to create something unique. Plus, if you're offering services, you can manage bookings and payments all in one spot. It's simple, stylish, and totally doable. Go to squarespace.com emma for a free trial and when you're ready to launch, use code emma to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. Okay, moving on to another type of jeans. Tapered slash pegged jeans. Okay, imagine jeans that are tight on the top, or not like super tight on the top, but like, you know, snug around the waist. And then the silhouette of the pant kind of balloons out around the thigh and knee. And then around the knee, start to close back in towards the ankle, and then it's tight around the ankle. Now, according to my dad, because I discussed all these things with my dad, because he lived through the 80s, was sort of into fashion during the 80s, so he knows, he was like on the ground, you know what I mean? He reported to me from the ground, which was incredibly helpful. Apparently there were two ways to accomplish this sort of shape with jeans. Either a pair of jeans that just already has that shape, it's cut with that shape, or a pair of slightly wider leg jeans folded at the bottom in such a way that made it tight around the ankle. Okay, if you were to like take your pant and then fold over the flap. Like, if there's like, it's, there's like gaping fabric, fold over the gaping fabric and then roll up, right? So then it is tight around the ankle. This, to me, is one of the worst shapes for a pant possible. I can't think of a more hideous shape for a pant. They look goofy, they look silly. It's an unflattering silhouette. I found when it comes to dramatic silhouettes in clothing, a more flattering option would be to have volume up at the top, perhaps around the shoulders, and then volume around the ankle. That's a beautiful, dramatic shape to have, say, you know, like a flare pant and a shoulder pad up top. And perhaps, you know, maybe tighter tailoring around the ribs, waist, thigh, knee, because that creates a nice sort of, I guess that would be sort of like an hourglass shape in a way. Another potentially gorgeous shape could be just volume waist down, like with a gown, you know, a Lot of gowns tend to be more tailored on the top. And then there's volume, I guess, ribs down. That creates a really nice shape. It just flows nicely. It almost never is flattering to have volume between like the knees and the breast. Like, that's not flattering. You know what I'm saying? It, it makes you look shorter. When the focal point, the volume is in the center, it doesn't flow to me. So I absolutely hate the shape of pant. But that's not how we determine if things are trendy or timeless. The criteria is, will this be cringe in five years? Is this cringe now? Uh, and I think the answer with t tapered pants, balloon pants, peg jeans, trendy, because I, I don't like. No one right now in this current moment will touch that shape of pant with a ten foot pole. I mean, maybe there's some people out there, they're into it, but other than that, I, I'm not seeing this, this shape of jean around for a reason. Because they're unflattering and they're a little bit silly. They're silly because they're unflattering. It's like, why would you ever choose that shape of jean? It makes no sense. Moving on. Let's move on. I think I've made my point clear here. Moving on to acid wash. It's like regular blue denim, except it has a bunch of white splotches all over it. Looks like somebody threw bleach into the washing machine with a pair of normal jeans and then they came out and had a bunch of speckles all over them. I actually had a pair of acid washed jeans. They were Super 80s, actually. They were. Guess I had them in, I think like 2018. And I actually really love those jeans, mainly because they fit really good and my butt looked amazing in them. And that did not happen a lot back then. And it still doesn't. In retrospect. I think they are ugly. It's unpleasant to look at, it's splotchy, it's irregular, it's chaotic, it's fatiguing to the eyes. It's a very extreme pattern. And I will say acid wash comes in different flavors, if you will. The early 2000s, there was like a different kind of acid wash that was less like speckly as the sort of classic 80s acid wash. Let's just focus on the classic 80s acid wash. I truly think absolutely hideous and I think trendy. I think it's too extreme of a wash. And to me, the only classic wash of A blue jean is a natural blue jean. And it can vary depending on how worn in the jeans are. Right. Like for example, raw denim that's timeless dark wash, like a classic chic, simple dark wash, classic medium wash. Sure. Classic light wash, sure. As long as they look like they achieved their color naturally. I think timeless. Even if technically they were purchased pre worn in pre lightened. Because all denim starts raw, super dark, you know, and then over time it lightens. That's sort of how the, the various washes of denim were formed. And so I think anything that looks like it happened naturally is timeless. Acid wash does not look like it happened naturally. It looks chemically induced. I don't know. When it comes to jeans, I think the only timeless style of jeans truly in my opinion is, is a straight leg, mid waist natural blue wash of denim. I've seen so many different jean trends in my life. Skinny jeans, boot cut jeans, low waisted jeans, super high waisted jeans, colored jeans. Like fun colored jeans. Like the only thing that has stood the test of time has been like a Levi's 501 really? And like a wrangler, like a straight leg wrangler in, in jean styles similar to that. That's just where I stand on jeans. Okay, moving on to massive chunky layered statement jewelry accessory maximalism. Think like massive gold earrings. Think a bunch of resin acrylic bracelets. Bangles all over the wrists. Think a big chunky gold necklace with like a big, big pendant on it with like a big red like jewel in the center. Big bold statement jewelry. I actually really like statement jewelry. I mean, I think there are so many variables, you know, like I don't like all statement jewelry and I actually personally don't wear statement jewelry almost ever. I can't remember the last time I wore like a big statement piece of jewelry. It's been probably years, to be honest. Even when I'm going to an event and it maybe is more appropriate to like really dress up and go full fashion mode. I can't remember the last time I really leaned in to the statement jewelry. It's just not really my style and it tends to overpower me. I feel like, I don't know, I don't seem to wear it well, but I actually like it. Like I love like a big earring with you know, like an interesting design. Like I think it's really fun stacking a bunch of resin bracelets. I'm really torn. On one hand. I feel like statement jewelry in one way or another can, can always be made cool. But Then, on the other hand, there are moments where maximalism is really not in. Gaudiness is really not in. And there's moments in time where it feels costumey, and then there are moments in time where it feels very fashionable. I feel like I'm leaning towards trendy, but I think if it's truly your personal style, like, this is one of those things where if it's really your personal style to wear statement jewelry, and you're super into jewelry, I think it can be timeless on an individual level. But I think overall, I'm gonna say trendy, but I'm really hesitant. Like, I'm only, like, 75% sure that I think. I think trendy. I don't know. I might change my mind on that, but that's where I stand right now. Whenever I'm really conflicted on whether something feels trendy or timeless, I think about what it would look like in an image from a hundred years ago. Like, how out of place would that particular item seem? And I know that one time, actually, twice, two times on this podcast, I've said that I think the Labubu is a timeless design.
Like, all of you are gonna lose your trust in me. But if I think of a hundred years ago, I could imagine, like, a little kid holding a little Labubu that their family got from, like, a local toy maker because it's a genuinely interesting, cool design. Can I imagine the Labubu strapped onto, like, a handbag a hundred years ago? No, but I could imagine, like, a little kid holding a Labubu a hundred years ago in an old photo, and that doesn't seem that wild to me. Why are we talking about Labubus? Why did I bring this up? I don't want to talk about Labubus today. Like, I. I really. I can't. Can I be honest? I can't talk about a Labubu for, like, at least the next five years. So I'm going to wrap that up. But weirdly enough, to me, like, that makes sense. And again, you might be losing your trust in me right now. Emma, I. I can't listen to your trendy or timeless episodes anymore. You're telling me you can imagine a Victorian child holding a Labubu? Weirdly, yes. Like, sorry, yes. Okay, maybe not a Victorian child. I don't even know how long ago that was. I forget. Anyway, okay, I'm looking up images of Victorian children with dolls and stuff. Yeah, I could totally see them with a little Labubu. I'm not even kidding. But, like, they were holding Little dolls, they were holding little teddy bears. Like, the teddy bear started as a trend and then now it's considered a timeless toy. It's like, I don't know, I. I don't know why I feel this way, and I don't know why I'm also dying on this hill. It's like, I should probably just let it go. Let's move on. Let's move on. Let's go back to the 80s. Okay, next we have classic 80s. Bright neon colors, busy patterns, animal prints, weird geometric, bright colored, chaotic prints. Just like the brightest, most busy patterns and prints you could possibly imagine. I really don't love this vibe, to be honest. I don't love this vibe. It hurts my eyes. It kind of feels like a Halloween costume to me. Can't really unsee it. If I see someone wearing all neon, a bunch of, you know, like, with like cheetah print and then there's like polka dots and it's like, to me, it feels like an 80s Halloween costume. It's so bright, it's so loud, it's so fatiguing that we, we all get sick of it pretty quickly. Like, I feel like anytime we have like a neon wild pattern phase, we're out of it within two years. As a society, I think this is an obvious trendy. To me, we've seen it come in, we've seen it go out. It's just. And it never lasts trendy. Moving on, moving on to bold, colorful, graphic makeup. Okay, think like a green smoky eye with like a navy blue, sharp, angular, sort of winged out, smoked out liner with like red in the tight line and like sharp lines, Dark mascara and like a bright lip. Think just bold, graphic 80s makeup. I actually recently did kind of an 80s inspired makeup look for the Mugler fashion show this last fashion week that I attended. And I absolutely loved it. It's a lot of makeup. It's very. It can be a little bit overpowering on the face, but I love it. And I'm about to say something. Oh, shit. I. Fuck. I just did my 100 years ago test in the 80s makeup. Did not. Did not stand up. It did not. It's not. It doesn't work. Because I was about to say that. Well, hear me out. I actually think that my own test might not apply for this specifically. Let me explain. Yes, 80s makeup in a photo from a hundred years ago would look out of place. It would look ridiculous. It wouldn't make any sense. However, I do think that this particular style of really graphic makeup is so artistic and it's so. I'm trying to defend it, but I actually don't think I can because I weirdly want it to be timeless, but I don't think it is. I want it to be timeless because this, this category of makeup has so much potential. Like, there's so much you can do with it. There's so many ways you can personalize it, and I think it's the most timeless version of full glam. I think 80s graphic, colorful makeup is more timeless than the 2016 full glam makeup look. You know, brown smokey eye, matte lip, big, you know, built out eyebrow. We all remember it. If you don't remember it, I don't wanna say good for you. I almost said good for you, but that was kind of a fun time. But the makeup was not good. Like, that was not good. That was not timeless at all. And I think we all know that now. I think the only true timeless sort of makeup is makeup that accentuates your natural features. You know, like a little bit of mascara, you know, a little bit of lip stick. That's like a classic color, like a red or, you know, something that sort of matches your natural lip. Perhaps a little blush, a little foundation, maybe, you know, natural. I think that's the only truly timeless makeup. But I want 80s makeup to be. To be timeless because I do feel like from now until forever, I want to believe that we can all do an 80s graphic eye if we want, and it will work. But I don't think that that's true. It's trendy. I really do think it's trendy, but I'm sad to say it. It's such a creative style, such an artistic style. I think you can do a really colorful graphic eye look whenever and make it work. But see, that's the thing with all of this. Like, even if something's trendy, if it's truly your style, it's timeless. If you love tapered jeans, if you absolutely love them and they are so your personal style, for whatever reason, I don't know why they would be, because I cannot stand them. But I also respect our differences. And so I think that's why I want to put this style of makeup into timeless, because I'm like, it's so creative. Like, anyone who's doing this type of eye look is clearly very deeply into makeup, loves makeup, and that's a part of them, you know? So listen, I'm going to stick to trendy, but just know that it hurts. It hurts to do so I have to follow My criteria, which means that a loo boo is timeless and no one should trust me and everyone should take everything I say with a grain of salt. But I have to stick to my bizarre criteria that only makes sense to me. Okay, moving on. Moving on to jazzercise core. Imagine shiny spandex leggings with a high cut leotard on top. Leg warmers, little sweatband around the head and around the wrists. Think campy exercise gear. 80s workout video core. See, here's the problem with this sort of aesthetic, right? When it's on the nose, it looks like a Halloween costume. I haven't seen somebody actually exercising in a look like this ever in my life. I've only ever seen this look during Halloween. Now listen, if you were to break it down. Let's break it down, actually. Might as well starting from the bottom. Leg warmers. I think leg warmers are trendy, but I do think that if they were truly being used for warmth. See, I need to know the history of leg warmers. Hold on. Okay, see, no. Leg warmers originated with dancers in the 1970s and 80s who wore them to keep their calf muscles warm and prevent injury before and after performances. See, I was going to say, like, if leg warmers originated a long, long time ago and they were used for a particular purpose beyond socks, I was going to say maybe, maybe timeless. But they originated in the 80s in. In such a way that's sort of unnecessary. Like, they are kind of unnecessary. No one's almost ever wearing leg warmers for function. They're almost always for fashion. I feel like a more timeless option would be another 80s trend, which would be a scrunchie sock. Yeah, maybe it might have moments where it's more relevant in the zeitgeist, but overall, I think you can always style a chunky sock in a way that makes sense. But a leg warmer, trendy. And it seems to come back in different ways. More recently, it came back in through ballet core. Yeah. So like, okay, a leg warmer, trendy. Now let's talk about a legging. I almost believe that a legging, due to its functional benefits, has become a new timeless item. Now hear me out. I don't. I. I think wearing leggings as a fashion statement is a trend. I think wearing leggings for function is timeless at this point. I think even though if you were to see a photo of somebody 100 years ago wearing a legging, it'd be like, what? What's going on? Because it was kind of inappropriate, I think because you could see so Much body. I don't think that was appropriate a long time ago. But leggings serve such a functional purpose. We wear leggings to exercise. And they are undeniably the perfect exercise pant. There's not excess, excess fabric. They're comfortable, they're sweat wicking. Like, I think that they've become a new timeless item for their function. For fashion, not so much. But I, I, I would call a legging a new athletic classic. Okay, next, moving up to the high cut leotard. It's like a regular one, except the hip bone is exposed. Cause it goes up really high. Weirdly, I actually feel like this shape is timeless. Hmm, no, no, maybe I don't actually. I was thinking timeless. Cause I'm like that dramatic shape I think could be styled in so many different ways. And it's a simple enough sort of garment that I feel like it could be timeless. But I actually think the only timeless sort of leotard would be one that's just a normal cut. And I mean, I don't even know if a leotard's timeless. It's like kind of a niche item. And no one's wearing a leotard to exercise unless you're a gymnast usually. See, it's almost, it's almost such a niche item that it's like maybe that makes it timeless. But no, I don't think so because I'm thinking about like there was a Trend maybe in 2019ish, if I'm remembering correctly. Maybe in 2018, maybe in 2020. I can't remember. Anyway, around that time a few years ago, it was a trend to wear a bodysuit or leotard, technically that had a high cut and then you'd wear pants and then you could see the hip bone. And that went out of style. Okay, that is cemented my opinion. Trendy for that, trendy for that. And then last but not least, sweatbands. Who's wearing sweatbands? No one's exercising in a sweatband. It's strictly for Halloween costumes only. Although to be honest, I actually think a sweatband would be kind of useful and we should bring them back for function. If they actually work. Maybe I'll wear a sweatband to. Well, I guess people who play tennis wear sweatpants, right? Or is that just like 80s tennis? I don't know. I don't know enough about sweatbands. But to me they're such like a niche item, I just, let's just call them trendy. But it's like, who cares? I briefly Paused this episode to let you know that this episode is brought to you by Uber. You should check out Uber 1 for students. It comes with a bunch of perks like $0 delivery fees, up to 10% off eligible orders, and 6% back in Uber credits on rides, plus daily freebies from your favorite brands. Try it out now and get your first four weeks free. Become an Uber one for students. Member and start saving on Uber and Uber Eats eligibility and member terms apply. Now back to the episode. Okay, moving on to fanny packs. I don't like a fanny pack either. I'm sorry I'm being so negative, but I just really don't like a lot from the 80s other than shoulder pads and power suits. I'm kind of not loving the 80s. It was really bright, it was really busy, it was really hard to look at. Fanny packs are no exception. I mean, listen, I will say fanny packs are convenient. I'll give them that. They are convenient. And I think the concept of like a belt bag is a timeless concept. But the classic shape and design of the fanny pack is so. It's so ugly and so polarizing that that's why to me, despite its function, I think it's trendy. It gets people angry. It's similar to skinny jeans. Like, people hate fanny packs because there's something about them that's just so ugly. Which is unfortunate because it's actually like a really useful design. Honestly, I think we just need somebody to create a belt bag with a new shape that has a new feeling, that doesn't even feel like a fanny pack. Perhaps it even has a new name. Actually, it's weird because designer brands have been making fanny pack esque bags. I mean, maybe for a long time, but I've been noticing them over the last few years. Like designer fanny packs that people either wear around their waist or wear as sort of like a crossbody bag. The designer monogram does not help the design. It to me is still not great. I really want. Maybe they're out there. Maybe. Let me look at. Okay, I just looked up chic, unique belt bag and there actually are some options out there. Oh, wow. Now I'm remembering that I two years ago at Coachella wore a belt bag that kind of looked. I mean, it's not. It doesn't look like a fanny pack, but it was a belt bag. But I didn't even process in my brain as a belt bag because it to me felt so different. It didn't like. Anyway, okay. I think the concept of a belt bag, timeless. I think a Fanny pack. Trendy. Moving on. Leather bomber jackets. Okay. Think like a classic brown, sort of voluminous collared leather jacket. Classic silhouette, pockets cinched around the wrist and around the waist zipper. To me, this is a forever jacket. If you were to buy a leather bomber jacket that fit you nicely, that was somewhat understated, right? Like, no, you know, overwhelming details. I think you could wear that jacket forever, like, unless your personal style really changed. I just, I. I think that that's a piece that you'll never regret. And it can be styled in so many different ways. And it pairs really well with other timeless items, like a white T shirt and a classic pair of 501s and, like, I don't know, a boot. Right? Like, that's forever. So I'm going to say timeless for that. Moving on to leather on leather, put particularly in black. So, like, imagine a leather jacket with black leather pants. I love this. When I say leather, I don't mean, like, doesn't need to be genuine leather. I'm just talking about the look. Faux leather. Whatever. I personally love leather. I especially love it when my hair is bleached. Cause there's something really nice about, like, I don't know, it makes the hair read a bit edgier, which I like. But wearing, like, a faux leather outfit. Ooh. I'm on the fence. Because it's a choice. It's a choice, and it's usually a style choice, right? Like, it's not usually a function choice. You're not wearing leather pants and a leather jacket because it's like keeping you warm or something. You know what I mean? It's like, that's a choice. That's a fashion choice. It feels like it's a phase. Do you know what I'm saying? Leather on leather doesn't feel like forever. It feels like a phase. However, are you ever going to regret having a pair of black leather pants? Are you ever going to regret having a black leather jacket? No. Wearing them together is a styling choice. Separate, they feel more timeless to me. A leather jacket, to me, is timeless for the most part. I mean, obviously there's so many different shapes of a leather jacket, but like a simple classic leather jacket and like a straight leg pair of black leather pants. Ooh.
You know what I'm gonna say? Styled together, trendy, worn separately, timeless. Okay, that's my final answer. Okay, moving on to something I had never even heard of until my dad brought it up. Layered polo shirts. Okay. Imagine taking a polo shirt, putting it on, and then taking another polo shirt. And putting that on on top and then flipping the collar up. Okay. Apparently, this was all the rage in the 80s, according to my dad. Actually, this. This is very similar to the leather on leather. Okay. Because a polo shirt to. To me, undeniably timeless. It's like an oxford shirt. It's like, that is one of the most classic shirt shapes ever. Wearing them together, that's trendy because it's a little ridiculous. It's a little bulky. It's extra. But the thing is, layering allows you to participate in trends without purchasing things that are trendy. Does that make sense? Like, you can wear two polos on top of each other, and then in a year, when you're over that, now you have two polos, and no harm was done. Do you get what I'm saying? So, yes, I think layering two polos on top of each other is trendy, but I think there's no harm in playing with it if you have two polos in your closet already. And I actually think it's kind of a cool. I mean, I love layering. Like, I'm a sucker for layering. I love giving something a different feeling. It's the way to add dimension to otherwise pretty simple items. And for the last few years, my personal wardrobe has kept me entertained, despite it being mostly made up of very simple pieces through layering through, you know, manipulating fabrics in different ways, like, you know, layering a tight shirt over, like, a looser shirt and then. Or like, tying the back of a shirt. So I'm gonna say layering the polos is trendy, but it's layering two timeless items together. You can't go wrong. So try it. Have fun with it. That, like, that's the perfect kind of trend to participate in. You know what I mean? Okay, moving on to boat shoes, which are having a moment. Now, boat shoes are not just 80s. They might have had a moment in the 80s, but to me, a boat shoe is timeless. Actually, it's similar to, like, a cowboy boot. To me, a cowboy boot might have a moment at a certain point in time, but because a cowboy boot is hyper specific to an occupation, which is being a cowboy, I guess because it's so strongly tied to a certain esthetic, I think that makes the cowboy boot timeless. There's. There are people who are. Who wear cowboy boots every single day, riding their horse around. Like, my grandfather was like that. Like, to me, a boat shoe feels timeless to me because it's so. It's. It is the shoe for boats. Do you know what I Mean by this, it's like. It is the nautical shoe. So at any point in time since the boat shoe was created, people who sail boats, live by the water, have been wearing the boat shoe. It just feels so ingrained in that particular subculture that, to me, it's like, I don't think that ever really fully goes out. Yeah, I'm gonna say timeless on the boat shoe. Moving on to fingerless gloves. In the 80s, people were wearing various types of fingerless gloves. Leather, fishnet, lace. The list probably goes on. I think the concept of a fingerless glove actually is timeless. I think fingerless gloves are actually very useful and effective. I adore a fingerless glove. I reach for my fingerless gloves more than I reach for my regular gloves. They genuinely serve a purpose. See? But I'm thinking about knit fingerless gloves. That wasn't really the Trend in the 80s. Now, now, hold on. Actually, let me. Whoa, whoa. I almost. No, rewind. Okay, hold on. I just realized something. The fingerless gloves in the 80s were not knit fingerless gloves. They were all strictly for accessory. That's very different. That changes everything, to be honest. Okay. Cause like, a leather fingerless glove, that's not keeping you warm. I mean, I guess if you're, like, riding a motorcycle, it might protect your hand from callousing. But like a fishnet fingerless glove, enough that is only for vibes. Same thing with a leather one or same thing with a lace fingerless glove. I will say I actually just purchased lace fingerless gloves. I had been looking for lace fingerless gloves for so long, and I was at a vintage store. They were selling at the front desk for no reason. Lace finger fingerless gloves. But they were new. They weren't vintage. It was like one of the. You know how, like, at vintage stores they'll sell, like, new sunglasses and new little accessories. That's where I got them. And I'm really excited about them, to be honest, because I've been curious about adding dimension through, you know, something like a lace fingerless glove or like a lace sock or a lace tight. You know, that's. I've been kind of into lace a little bit more lately. I'm gonna say, in general, trendy for these types of gloves because they are really, like. They do feel really costumey, especially like a leather fingerless glove or like a fishnet. A lace fingerless glove to me, feels more timeless, feels more elegant, more understated, and so that feels a bit more timeless to me. The runner up, I would say, would be like a leather Fingerless fishnet is one of those materials that the second it comes in, you need to count its days. You know what I'm saying? Because it's not gonna be long. Fishnet comes in in a big way and then it's out just as quick. I'm gonna say fingerless gloves are trendy, but a little like dainty little lace one or like leather, a simple leather pair that you wear with your favorite leather jacket. Like I don't know, I think that that could work. So I'm kind of 5050 on it. I'm gonna say trendy, but just know that there are exceptions. This episode is brought to you by Panda Express. There are a lot of ways to say I love you. 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Technically, water not the vibe you wanted. You wouldn't settle for a sludgy swim spot, so don't settle for just any insurance. When it comes to getting the help you need, State Farm is the real deal. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Next, we have a skinny tie. What's a skinny tie, you may ask? Well, it's like a normal tie, but it's just skinnier. Probably like, I don't know what, like an inch wide, pretty straight, all the way down. I love a skinny tie. Okay, A regular tie is totally chic and cool, but it's like, I've seen that a million times. I've also seen a skinny tie many times, but there's something cooler about it. It's also, like, hot. Let me explain. If there were two twin guys in front of me, both with the same exact personality, with the exact same hair, the exact same brain, let's say everything that they said, they said it at the exact same time, exactly identical. Okay? If you were to take two guys, but one has a skinny tie and one has a normal tie, I'm fucking the guy with the skinny tie. That's just like how it is. It's cooler. There's edge there, there's intrigue. A choice was made. You could have gone with the normal tie, but no, there's something different about you. And maybe it's. Maybe it's narcissism. Well, I'm gonna go find out. Because the skinny tie, it's interesting. It catches my eye. But it's still so simple that I think it's timeless. I'm hesitant to say that because I think a normal tie is obviously the most timeless. But I think a skinny tie is so similar to a regular tie. It's like, come on. It's like a difference of inches, maybe even an inch. It's such a subtle difference. I'm going to say timeless and I'm going to say smash. Smash. The guy with the skinny tie. For me. For me. Okay, next we have white shoes. Okay, Think white high top Reebok sneakers. Think white Capezio dance shoes. White shoes. This was something I saw over and over again when I was researching for this episode. Just like a lot of white shoes, and a lot of them were more narrow. Like, even the Reebok sneakers, they're chunky in a way. But then they're also narrow in a way. Kind of maybe even a slightly bit. Maybe a little bit pointy, even. Not really, but like, a little. And then the Capezio dance shoes almost look like a dress shoe, but in white. And they're technically dance shoes. I don't love a white shoe, to be honest. I really don't. I prefer a black shoe. I like the grounding feeling of a black shoe. However, I did see a photo recently of somebody wearing a pair of white shoes, and I was like, wait, that's cool. I might start getting into white shoes. But actually, I do have a pair of white shoes. One of my favorite shoes, it's a pair of cream flats, tabby flats. But for some reason, because they're cream, they don't feel like. Feels different to me. It reads different to me. I'm talking about white shoes, white sneakers, white dress shoes. I'm gonna go ahead and say timeless because it's such, like, a broad category, and also because I think you can always make a white sneaker work. A white dress shoe. But I don't like it. But I might change my mind down the line. I. I'm never. You're never gonna see me wearing, like, a white 80s Reebok high top. That's not gonna happen. A white Capizio dance shoe. Like, I don't think I'm ever gonna wear those. But, like, stranger things have happened. By the way, I didn't even know what a white Capizio dance shoe was. My dad had to fill me in and, like, tell me what type of shoe they were, because I had never seen them really before or I never clocked them because they are pretty understated. Yeah. And I. I mean, I don't really like them, but I also. They are kind of classic and understated enough that Never say never with those. Whereas the Reebok high top, if that happens, honestly, like, you. You should get worried. Like, something happened. Like, I was cloned and my body was swapped. Because, like that. Or like, I really hit my head in. Everything about me changed. Yeah. Okay, moving on to checkerboard vans. Okay. Checkerboard print slip on. Let me be specific. Slip on vans. I had a pair of these in freshman year of high school, if I remember correctly. I'm conflicted on this one. Part of me wants to say that these are a new classic. Like, even though I couldn't imagine, you know, a kid 100 years ago wearing checkerboard vans, they feel so ingrained in the lineup of classic sneakers. Like, think of classic Sneakers. Okay, you have high top Converse. You have slip on vans, the little lace up vans, like all the classic shapes of vans. You have all the classic Adidas, like, I don't know, like to me a checkerboard van does feel like a classic, but I think it's just missing the mark. It just like, because then when I compare a checkerboard slip on van to like a red pair of high top Converse, I'm like, oh God, no. The checkerboard print van is trendy. It's definitely trendy. Because the red high top Converse that is forever. A black high top Converse that's forever. An Adidas gazelle that's forever. To me. To me. So I'm going to say trendy, but just know that it almost made it to timeless. And you know what, in 20 years I might change my answer if it truly stands the test of time. But I think it's too soon to say right now. And last but not least, we have jelly shoes. Okay, what's a jelly shoe? Well, it's a rubbery shoe, usually in some sort of feminine silhouette, like a ballet flat sort of shape or a Mary Jane ish sort of shape. Or like one of those cross hatched jelly shoe. You know, like the cross hatched ones, they usually come in classic colors. I've seen a lot of red jelly shoes, green, like, you know, kind of like a minty green color. Black, clear. I'm actually going to say that these are timeless, to be honest. And it shocks me because I have seen these come and go in a really vivid way throughout my life. But I actually think that due to their timeless shape, the material is what makes them more trendy. The shape is undeniably timeless because the jelly shoe is just taking timeless feminine shoe silhouettes. Right. And then making them out of like rubber. I think the material is an inconsequential detail. Enough to the point where I think these could be worn in a bazillion different ways forever. And if you were to go back in time and see somebody wearing a jelly shoe, I don't think it'd be that weird. Sorry. And that's that 80s. Trendy or timeless? Listen, I know I was really negative in this. Trendy or timeless? I'm sorry, I really clearly do not like fashion from the 80s. However, you might see me in a power suit soon. So like, listen, it's possible it's going to be interesting to see if the 80s actually come back or if the trend cycles are just so all over the place at this point that that Nothing really ever will have a full on resurgence ever again because everybody's kind of doing their own thing and there are so many different micro trends going on all at once that like the 80s are having a moment, but also the 70s, but also the 90s, but also the early 2000s, but also something brand new, but also like, it does kind of feel like it's impossible for anything to have a proper resurgence at this point because style has just become so all over the place, which is exciting and kind of fun, but also interesting. So we'll see. We'll see. I mean, the 90s are definitely in and have been in for the last two years or so, if not even maybe three years. In a way that feels palpable to me. Is that going to happen with the 80s? I don't know. It almost feels like it's not a cool enough era of fashion for it to fully come back. But stranger things have happened. We've. We wore galaxy print and we drew mustaches on our finger and then held it up to our lip and we, you know, wore shirts that said but first coffee. You know, like, we did that. So stranger things have happened and it'll be interesting to see if the 80s revival comes to be. That's all I got for today. Thank you all for listening and hanging out. If you enjoyed this, if you had fun. New episodes of Anything Goes every Thursday and Sunday. You can stream anywhere. You get podcasts, although if you want to watch video that's on YouTube and Spotify, anything Goes is on social media at Anything Goes. I'm on the Internet at Emma Chamberlain and my coffee company is on the Internet and in the world world at Chamberlain Coffee. I love you all. I appreciate you all. We have so much fun together. Oh, we have so much fun. And I'm sorry if you really like tapered pants. Like, if that hurt your feelings, I'm genuinely sorry. But remember that my opinion doesn't fucking matter. If you like it, if you love it, if it's timeless for you, it's timeless for you, and that's the end of the story. I am merely an opinion. So don't forget that and don't be offended by that. Because if you wear it with confidence, honestly, I'll like it on you. You know, I'll appreciate it on you. I might not like it, but I'll. I'll appreciate it. Okay, I love you all and I'll talk to you all in a few days. Yay. Okay, talk to you then. Bye.
Podcast: Anything Goes with Emma Chamberlain
Host: Emma Chamberlain
Episode Release Date: December 4, 2025
In this episode, Emma Chamberlain dives into her ongoing podcast mini-series, Trendy or Timeless, zooming in on fashion trends from the 1980s. Emma debates which pieces from the decade qualify as enduring style staples versus fleeting fads, reflecting on both personal preferences and fashion history. With her signature wit and honesty, Emma analyzes 80s fashion through a modern lens, referencing recent runways, celebrity moments, and her own experiences. The episode strikes a balance between critique and nostalgia, ultimately encouraging listeners to wear what feels authentic, regardless of what's "in."
| Segment | Topic | Emma's Verdict | Key Timestamp | |-----------------|-----------------------------------------------|-----------------------------|---------------| | Intro | 80s revival? Met Gala, Runways, Music | N/A | 00:00–03:10 | | 1 | Power suits & shoulder pads | Timeless | 04:29 | | 2 | Oversized blazers | Timeless (if subtle) | 09:20–10:16 | | 3 | High-waisted jeans | Trendy | 13:31 | | 4 | Tapered/pegged jeans | Trendy | 16:01 | | 5 | Acid wash denim | Trendy | 19:11 | | 6 | Statement jewelry | Trendy (personal exceptions)| 22:13–23:35 | | 7 | Neon colors, busy/animal patterns | Trendy | 27:21 | | 8 | Bold, graphic makeup | Trendy (wishes timeless) | 30:35 | | 9 | Jazzercise: leg warmers, leggings, etc. | Mix (mostly trendy) | 32:44–36:16 | | 10 | Fanny packs | Trendy (belt bag is timeless)| 38:39 | | 11 | Leather bomber jackets | Timeless | 41:05 | | 12 | Leather on leather | Trendy as a look | 42:49 | | 13 | Layered polo shirts | Trendy | 44:40 | | 14 | Boat shoes | Timeless | 46:36 | | 15 | Fingerless gloves (lace, leather, etc.) | Trendy (some exceptions) | 48:34 | | 16 | Skinny ties | Timeless | 51:15 | | 17 | White shoes | Timeless | 53:27 | | 18 | Checkerboard Vans (slip-ons) | Trendy | 56:00 | | 19 | Jelly shoes | Timeless | 58:26 | | Outro | 80s hate, personal taste, reminder on style | N/A | 59:30–end |
Emma approaches 80s fashion with a humorous, self-aware skepticism ("Sorry I'm being so negative, but I just really don't like a lot from the 80s"), yet tries to be fair and nuanced, giving credit to the timeless staples and emphasizing personal style above all. Her parting message is clear: Ultimately, your confidence and genuine love for a look matter more than trend cycles.
Memorable Moment:
While much of 80s fashion may be "trendy" in Emma’s eyes, select pieces—power suits, bomber jackets, polo shirts, boat shoes, and certain accessories—have stood the test of time. Ultimately, Emma empowers listeners to prioritize authenticity, using trends as tools for self-expression rather than strict rules to follow.
"If it's truly your personal style… it's timeless for you, and that's the end of the story." – Emma Chamberlain (End)