1. Go-Go Boots
Nothing says Fembot like these calf-, knee-, or above knee-high boots (well, almost nothing). These colorful kicks were literally “all the rage” in the swingin’ 60s. Top this revolutionary fashion footwear with a walkin’ Sinatra (Nancy, that is) and you’ve got yourself one groovy chick.
2. Bleeding Madras
No shirts were harmed in the making of this fabric, we assure you. This plaid-tastic cotton style was ever-changing. The original vegetable dyes used to make this “bleeding” or fading effect were pretty far out and brought lots of attention to its birthplace in… well… Madras, India.
3. Monsters
Dracula and Frankenstein reigned in the classroom, where their faces, bolts and teeth could be found on three-ring binders, notebooks and a number of ghoulish school supplies and toys. Their fiendish friends were always part of a larger “collect them all” -- Remember the Wolf Man and The Mummy?
4. Minis
So long, Susie Homemaker. This stem-showing style raised the bar, and hemline, for 60s girl power. Mary Quant brought these oh-so controversial fashions to the forefront, paired with the girly Peter Pan collars that made the fellas go gaga. Death to stockings, long live tights!
5. Beehive Hairdos
Quit teasin’! This big bouffant screams Breakfast at Tiffany’s. As the first “original” do in decades, this coiffe has certainly stood the test of time (and humidity), featured like a member of the cast in Hairspray, The Bride of Frankenstein, even The Simpsons.
1. Bell-Bottoms
Quintessentially 70s, these fantastic flared trousers are synonymous with the time, sweeping the floors under everyone who was anyone like Sonny and Cher, John Travolta, James Brown, all of Charlie’s Angels and hippies everywhere. Without these bells, you were just a square.
2. Calculators
Slide-rule and abacus be gone! Math tests with the help of a trusty new calculator became the wave of the future. While some of the early models spit out numbers via thermal paper tape at a whopping few hundred bucks a brick, we can spend just a few bucks for a pocket-sized number cruncher that we can use to type “HELLO” backwards (remember, 0774). Definitely our favorite school crutch.
3. Platform Shoes
Now more lovingly thought of as chunky wedges, these towering soles had soul. Cork, plastic, wood and rubber, whatever they were made of, they definitely weren’t gender-biased. David Bowie, KISS and Elton John all donned these elevator shoes along with every disco queen to hit the lit up dance floor.
4. Polyester
Pointed collars were the new Peter Pan and polyester was the king of cool during this decked out disco decade. Synthetic and with a shine to reflect those dance floor lights, this fab fabric hugged curves better than cotton and could be dyed to don any pattern. From leisure suits to ladies’ knits, Elvis would like to say thank you, thank you very much for making his bejeweled look everlasting.
5. The Farrah Fawcett
This Angel started a hair sensation in the 70s, prompting millions of ladies far and wide to sport the “Farrah Do” or “Farrah Hair”. In a time when hair was over-shagged, this feathered Texas-born shampoo model became a fashion icon, changing the days of short page boy cuts to long, luscious layers.
1. Trapper Keepers
This all-in-one binder kept your school stuff in one Velcro-ed spot and sported some of the most rad designs around. From kittens and puppies to cool cars like red Corvettes to, of course, the “Designer Series” with tubular splatter paint designs or 3D space shapes, in the 80s you definitely judged a book, or Trapper Keeper, by its cover.
2. Slap Bracelets
Before these stylish accessories were banned from schools for “safety” reasons, Slap Bracelets were way cool, and way up your arm. These fabric covered flexible stainless steel bands were entertaining to slap on and fashionable to accessorize with, at least until someone poked an eye out.
3. Z Cavariccis
Let’s take a moment to reflect on A.C. Slater in his pre-Dancing with the Stars era, circa Saved by the Bell. These parachute pants were fully loaded with a high waist, a long crotch, plenty of pleats and extra belt loops -- pair them with a pastel tank and you’re at the head of the class.
4. Members Only Jackets
“When you put it on… something happens.” So sayeth the Members Only brand gods about this iconic 80s jacket. Though we’re not exactly sure what, these totally awesome duds sported their signature shoulder epaulettes and that familiar snap collar that made the little people swoon for cool, as if simply wearing one made you a VIP to the world.
5. Bangs
Hairspray, hairspray, hairspray. How else would we get our ‘do to do, well, anything. Bangs were a science – you’d have to take a round brush and blow dry half of it up to the heavens, and the other half down to your shoulder pads. Tease out the rest of the head and you’re only a can of Aqua Net away from coiffe perfection. Bigger, in this case, is better.
1. Oakley Sunglasses
What started as a sport-geared accessory became a must-have of the era. You needed those Oakley Razor Blades if for no better reason than to scope your own reflection in the multicolored lenses. What could be better?
2. JanSport Backpacks
Known for its lifetime warranty, parents were all too happy to invest in the latest trend while kids were thrilled with their new White Out canvases. Wearing one was like a badge of honor, literally, with its branded badge front and center mocking Eastpak kids from classroom to classroom. The fact that they carried books was just a bonus.
3. Flannel
What began as a fabric most notably attached to lumberjacks like The Brawny Man became a 90s grunge must-have. Oversized, plaid and shared with rocker girlfriends as “romantic” keepsakes, as long as you rocked a flannel, you were party ready.
4. Doc Martens
The Doctor is in. Dr. Klaus Märtens, that is. Designed to better the standard issue leather Army boot, who could’ve guessed the signature yellow stitching and air-cushioned soles would garner the attention of punks and grungers? Hardcore style with comfort to boot.
5. The “Rachel” Haircut
Anyone who breathed in the 90s either had or knew someone who had this Friends fabulous cut. Jennifer Aniston created an identity with this luscious layered shag. Not to mention, she also made it cool to hook up with a paleontologist. Who would’ve thought?
1. iPod
These pocket-sized wonders put our primal brains to shame. Now a permanent extension of our arms (and thumbs), iPods and their array of kin do everything from playing the perfect music shuffle, to sharing photo albums from friends with a bump of our fists, to holding voice and typed notes so we can remember what we weren’t listening to in class.
2. Converse
What began as the Converse Rubber Shoe Company over a hundred years ago, then lovingly signed by basketball player, Charles H. “Chuck” Taylor in the 20s, has blown up into a foot frenzy phenomenon. Guys and girls, high-tops and low cuts, the signature white toe and “All-Star” quality has kept these kicks front of mind and body.
3. Skinny Jeans
No, there’s no room in here for one more. These popular pants are designed to show off that painted on look, which is great for your inner and outer Tina Turner. Every color, every celebrity, everybody has their stems squeezed into this style. Now to get them off…
4. UGG
It’s winter all year round with these fluffy Australian boots. Wrapping your trend-conscious foot, ankle, and half-calf with sheepskin and fuzzy comfort, UGGs are set to keep your tootsies warm while you mush through the Iditarod, or more likely, hail a cab.
5. Blunt Bangs
Holy hair trend, Batman! From Heidi Klum to Tara Banks to Khloe Kardashian and everyone in between, these trimmed tresses are all the rage, covering foreheads far and wide. Shiny and short, blunt bangs are the no bangs of the millennium.